MLB Player News

McArthur picked up the save in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Yankees. He allowed one hit while striking out four over two scoreless innings.

McArthur has emerged as a closing option for the Royals in the last month as he now leads the team in saves since Sept. 1. Sunday's game marked the longest save of his career so far, with McArthur working two innings without trouble to shut the door. The rookie right-hander has improved his ERA in each month and has not allowed a run in his last 16.1 innings. He concludes his debut season with a 4.63 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 23.1 innings with 23 strikeouts. His impressive performance to end the season will surely improve his chances of starting the year with the big club in 2024.

King (4-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on eight hits over four innings in a 5-2 loss against Kansas City. He struck out one.

King had a rough game to end the season, as he had not allowed more than one earned run in his last seven starts dating back to Aug. 24. Solo home runs by Edward Olivares and Dairon Blanco in the fourth inning chased him from the outing after 71 pitches. The right-hander wrapped up the campaign with a 2.75 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 127 strikeouts across 104.2 innings, working both as a starter and reliever. His success switching between either role may afford the team flexibility with his position ahead of 2024.

Campbell allowed a hit and struck out one over one scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 1-0 win over the Rangers.

Campbell picked up his first save of his career in the final game of 2023. He allowed four runs over his last 10 innings, concluding the campaign with a 2.83 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 33:13 K:BB over 28.2 innings while adding two holds and a 4-1 record. Campbell should be able to compete for a bullpen spot in 2024.

Lange allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to secure the save in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Guardians. He struck out two.

Lange finished his 2023 campaign on a high note, recording his 26th save in 32 chances to go with a 3.68 ERA. The righty endured some rough patches in his first season as Detroit's closer, particularly when his command eluded him, though he exhibited dominant stuff with 79 strikeouts across 66 innings. Lange also looked sharper down the stretch, posting a 2.70 ERA with 14 strikeouts across 13.1 innings in September and October. For the moment, he looks like the favorite to close out games for the Tigers again in 2024.

Bazardo was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Bazardo delivered scoreless appearances out of the bullpen each of the previous two days and will be sent out in favor of a fresh arm. The right-hander pitched well in nine outings for Seattle after being acquired from Baltimore with a 2.63 ERA and 14:4 K:BB across 13.2 innings.

Berroa was recalled from Double-A Arkansas on Sunday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Berroa quickly returned to the minors after making his major-league debut in late July, but he'll rejoin the big-league club for the final game of the season. The right-hander is one of the organization's top prospects and is a strong bet to be used out of the bullpen Sunday with the Mariners out of the playoff picture.

Alcala (forearm) was activated from the 60-day injured list Sunday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

He logged a 3.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 10 strikeouts in six innings over five rehab appearances. Alcala hasn't pitched since Sept. 22, so he could see action in the season finale against the Rockies.

Fulmer is starting Sunday's game against the Athletics.

The Angels have nothing to play for, and they will give Fulmer a shot as a starter in what should be a favorable matchup on the last day of the season. Expectations should be very low for Fulmer, who logged a 5.27 ERA at Triple-A and has a career 6.37 ERA in 135.2 career innings in the majors. He logged four innings against the Twins on Sept. 24 and then threw one inning against the Rangers on Sept. 25, so he theoretically should be rested enough to go four or five innings against Oakland.

Lopez is expected to start Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It was originally thought Lopez would work as a bulk reliever, but it sounds like he will instead work as a traditional starter. He has a 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and four strikeouts in seven innings across three MLB appearances and logged a 3.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 19.1 innings across his four most recent appearances at Triple-A.

Criswell was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 27-year-old was called up Saturday and gave up four runs (three earned) over three innings against the Blue Jays, so he'll be sent down in favor of a fresh arm. Criswell will finish the regular season with a 5.73 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB over 33 innings out of the bullpen for Tampa Bay.