MLB Player News

Drohan (5-4) took the loss Friday as the Brewers fell 5-2 to the Rockies, giving up five runs on six hits and two walks over six-plus innings. He struck out six.

While he was able to keep the ball in the park, three of the six hits off Drohan went for extra bases, helping to put Milwaukee in an early hole the offense couldn't climb out of. It was the first time all season that the southpaw had been tagged for more than four runs in an outing, and while Drohan has lasted at least six innings in four straight starts, his 4.44 ERA during that span is a little less impressive than his 1.11 WHIP and 23:5 K:BB over 24.1 innings. He'll look to bounce back in his next trip to the mound, which is set to come on the road next week in San Francisco.

Gray (5-0) earned the win Friday against the Mariners after pitching a scoreless sixth inning, allowing one hit and striking out two. He did not issue a walk.

Gray entered the game in the sixth inning, and while he gave up a single to Cole Young, he closed out the inning by striking out Luke Raley and Colt Emerson. Gray needed just 14 pitches (12 strikes) to complete the frame, and the 31-year-old right-hander has been pitching well of late. He's held the opposition scoreless in six of his nine relief appearances this month, including each of the last three.

Romano gave up two hits and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Brewers.

The right-hander is now 4-for-4 in converting save chances for Colorado since being added to the big-league roster in early July, and his 1.35 ERA is a massive improvement on the 10.13 mark he produced with the Angels over 11 appearances to begin the campaign. Romano's 1.50 WHIP and 5.4 BB/9 in 6.2 innings with the Rockies suggest that turnaround is likely a mirage, however. As long as he's able to keep closing the door in the ninth inning, Romano should remain the top closing option for his new team, but he should still be viewed as a very volatile fantasy play.

Latz earned his 20th save of the season Friday against the Mariners. He allowed one run on one hit and struck out one without a walk over one inning.

Latz needed 21 pitches (16 strikes) to close out the game Friday. Even though he allowed a double to Colt Emerson, who later scored on a wild pitch with two outs, Latz got the job done by retiring Julio Rodriguez on a groundout. Latz has converted each of his last 15 save opportunities, posting a 1.48 ERA and 0.70 WHIP across 24.1 innings in 19 appearances over that stretch.

Martinez (elbow) completed a second live batting practice Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that the next steps for Martinez will be a bullpen session followed by a bridge game at the team's training facility. The former closer is on a path to return later in August, although he could be pushed out until September when rosters expand. Martinez is not expected to resume his role as closer when he does return, as Paul Sewald has been effective in that role all season.

Atlanta recalled Thomas from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

Thomas gave up four earned runs in 3.2 innings during his lone MLB outing July 7 against the Pirates, but he sports a 1.98 ERA in 27.1 frames at Gwinnett and will now get another chance in the big club's bullpen, replacing Elieser Hernandez.

Atlanta designated Hernandez for assignment Saturday.

Hernandez pitched three scoreless innings and earned the win over Baltimore after being selected to the active roster before Friday's contest, but he'll now lose his place in the bullpen and on the 40-man roster. Connor Thomas will come up from Triple-A Gwinnett to give Atlanta a fresh arm.

Pagan struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Cardinals.

Pagan has earned three saves over the last four days and has 10 saves on the season. He's allowed a modest two runs -- both in non-save situations -- over 6.1 innings since he returned from a hamstring injury at the end of June. He has a 5.31 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 21:8 K:BB through 20.1 innings and looks to have a fairly firm grasp on the closer role at this time.

Harris hit one batter and struck out one without allowing a hit or a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Twins.

Harris was ultimately able to erase his mistake when he got Brooks Lee to ground into a double play to end the game. This was Harris' eighth save of the season and his second in four appearances since the All-Star break, indicating he is pulling ahead in the Athletics' closing committee. The team's poor performance in July has left few save opportunities for any reliever. Harris has done his part this season with a 3.15 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 61:28 K:BB while adding eight saves in 12 chances and 10 holds.

Zuber (0-1) recorded the loss Friday against the Padres, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out two in two-thirds of an inning.

Zuber entered with the game tied at two in the eighth inning before allowing the eventual game-winning two-run homer to Luis Rengifo. Zuber allowed his first earned run since July 1 and his fourth homer. On the campaign, the 31-year-old now owns a 5.65 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 17:3 K:BB in 14.1 innings.