MLB Player News

Neal came away with a no-decision Wednesday in Oakland's 5-4 loss to Seattle, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out six.

The right-hander made only one real mistake, but Teoscar Hernandez blasted it into the left-field bullpen for a three-run homer in the third inning. Neal has given the A's five innings and over 80 pitches in each of his first two turns in the rotation, but he's also served up three homers and issued five walks during those 10 frames. The 34-year-old should get at least one more start, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Blue Jays, but he could be the most likely candidate to get bumped to the bullpen when Mason Miller (elbow) rejoins the staff in September.

Pressly gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 29th save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Red Sox.

It didn't look like the right-hander would be needed as Houston raced out to a 7-0 lead through four innings, but Pressly was ready when he got the call. The 34-year-old hadn't pitched in four days after blowing his last save chance, but with the Astros in a three-way dogfight for the AL West title, he may not be afforded too many more chances to rest down the stretch. In 17.2 innings since the All-Star break, Pressly's stumbled to a 5.09 ERA and 1.30 WHIP despite a 21:2 K:BB.

Fairbanks earned a save against the Marlins on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

The game was scoreless until Tampa Bay scored three runs in the top of the 10th. Fairbanks entered in the bottom of the frame and made quick work of the Marlins, retiring the side in order on 10 pitches. Fairbanks has collected three saves over the past seven days, allowing just two hits and posting a 6:0 K:BB over three innings during that stretch.

Hamilton notched a save against the Tigers on Wednesday, issuing one walk and striking out five batters over three scoreless, no-hit innings.

Hamilton took over for Gerrit Cole in the seventh frame and mowed through three effective innings, allowing just one baserunner on a free pass. He ended with the second save of his major-league career -- the other came May 6 in a one-inning out against the Rays. Hamilton hadn't been getting much use in high-leverage situations coming into Wednesday, as his most recent hold came July 23 against Kansas City.

Zerpa dropped to 1-3 after allowing three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three over 5.2 innings in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Pirates.

Zerpa has moved between the bullpen and the rotation throughout August, but this was his longest outing of the year. He wasn't particularly effective, throwing just 49 of 84 pitches for strikes while allowing multiple runs for the fourth time in eight appearances. Overall, he has a 6.65 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB through 23 innings this season. If Brady Singer (arm) is cleared to pitch next week, Zerpa would likely move back to the bullpen unless the Royals opt to switch to a six-man rotation for the final month of the campaign.

Tarnok underwent surgery on his right hip Wednesday and will miss the rest of the season, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Tarnok was placed on the IL on Aug. 14 due to a calf strain, but surgery on his hip will end up putting an end to his season. The 24-year-old righty put up a 4.91 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 14.2 innings in his first season with the A's and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in 2024.

Graveman was removed from Wednesday's game against Boston due to lower-back discomfort, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Graveman will be evaluated by the team during Houston's off day Thursday, at which point a clearer picture regarding his return timeline should emerge. Until then, he should be considered day-to-day. Graveman surrendered a hit and a walk over two-thirds of an inning before leaving Wednesday's contest and picked up his 11th hold of the season.

Kansas City placed McMillon on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right forearm strain.

The 25-year-old has posted a 2.25 ERA with eight strikeouts in four major-league innings (four appearances) since getting the call Aug. 16 from Double-A Northwest Arkansas, but he'll be sidelined for at least the next couple of weeks. Taylor Clarke (personal) is returning to the Royals' bullpen in a corresponding move.

Kansas City activated Clarke from the family medical emergency list ahead of Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Clarke had been away from the Royals since Friday. The 30-year-old right-hander returns to a 5.55 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 52:21 K:BB in 48.2 innings for the season.

King is lined up to receive another start Sunday at Houston, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

King built his pitch count up to 61 in his most recent start Tuesday versus the Tigers while striking out five batters over four scoreless innings. Jhony Brito will likely be available in bulk relief Sunday against the Astros, but King is perhaps making a case to be treated as more of a traditional starter rather than just an opening pitcher. The 28-year-old right-hander boasts an overall 2.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 87:25 K:BB in 73 innings this season for the Yankees.