MLB Player News

Estevez earned the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Toronto. He issued one walk while striking out a pair in a scoreless ninth inning.

It's the sixth straight scoreless appearance for Estevez, who's allowed just two hits while striking out six in that span (seven innings). Estevez's ERA is down to a pristine 2.17 with a 0.79 WHIP and 48:9 K:BB across 49.2 innings between the Phillies and Angels this season. He's converted 24 of 28 save chances.

Weaver could be a candidate to receive save chances after Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Clay Holmes blew his 11th save of the season Tuesday, prompting the Yankees to shake up the ninth-inning situation. Boone didn't officially demote Holmes or name replacement options, but Weaver is an obvious candidate since he leads the team with 22 holds. He's been effective with a 3.33 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 79:23 K:BB across 73 innings. Mark Leiter and Tommy Kahnle could also be in the mix.

Cosgrove was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

The left-hander was called up from El Paso on Sunday and will return there without taking the mound for San Diego. Cosgrove has appeared in 18 games for the Padres this season and has a 11.66 ERA, 1.98 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB over 14.2 innings.

The Cubs recalled Neely from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Neely allowed six earned runs over just four innings during his first stint in the big leagues, but he'll now return to the majors to serve as extra bullpen depth while Justin Steele (elbow) heads to the injured list.

Leiter could be in the mix for save chances after Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

The skipper didn't officially demote closer Clay Holmes or name specific relievers for the "creative" approach, but Leiter should be one of the top candidates to see save chances. However, the right-hander hasn't pitched particularly well since being acquired from the Cubs at the summer trade deadline, as he has a 6.08 ERA, 1.95 WHIP and 19:6 K:BB across 13.1 innings with the Yankees. That could give a leg up to Luke Weaver and/or Tommy Kahnle, who both have been reliable high-leverage options for Boone this year.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, which could still include Holmes depending on matchups, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Boone avoided explicitly saying that Holmes has been demoted from the closer role, but that's the clear indication even if the right-hander is still somewhat involved. The 31-year-old surrendered a grand slam Tuesday against Texas as he blew his league-leading 11th save of the season, which finally prompted the Yankees to change their approach. Holmes has been fairly effective overall with a 3.27 ERA across 55 innings, but he's allowed a lot of traffic with a 1.33 WHIP and 3.1 BB/9. Boone didn't name any alternative relievers, but Mark Leiter, Luke Weaver and Tommy Kahnle could all be in the mix for saves.

The Athletics reinstated Alexander (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Left rotator cuff tendinitis sent Alexander to the injured list Aug. 20, and rather than heading to the minors for a rehab assignment, he'll now rejoin Oakland's bullpen following a minimum-length stay. The 35-year-old southpaw has been strong all season, and he's given up just two earned runs over 10 innings since the All-Star break. Joe Boyle was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Marlins optioned Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday.

Soriano has managed just a 6.26 ERA in 19 appearances out of Miami's bullpen this season. He'll be replaced by Anthony Veneziano, who was claimed off waivers earlier this week and has now been officially added to the active roster.

The Cubs recalled Wingenter from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wingenter was claimed off waivers last month and will get a look after posting a 2.79 ERA and 16:3 K:BB over 9.2 innings with Iowa. He will likely pitch in middle relief initially.

The Cubs placed Lopez on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right groin strain, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Lopez had been unavailable to pitch for a stretch recently because of the injury and he was roughed up for four runs in his last appearance Monday. With Lopez out, Porter Hodge has a clearer path to saves in the Cubs' bullpen.