MLB Player News

Bednar picked up the save Thursday against the Nationals, pitching a perfect inning while not recording any strikeouts.

Bednar needed just 10 pitches to get through the top of the Nationals' lineup and secure his 35th save of the season. The 28-year-old reliever has now converted his last 12 save opportunities and has yet to allow an earned run in September. It was also the fourth time this month he didn't allow any hits or walks in an appearance.

Kahnle earned a save against the Red Sox in Game 2 of a twin bill Thursday, walking one batter and striking out four over two scoreless and hitless innings.

Kahnle entered in the eighth inning with New York holding a one-run lead and retired the side in order. Clay Holmes has mostly handled closing duties for the Yankees this season, but with New York tacking on two additional runs in the top of the ninth and Kahnle at just 10 pitches, manager Aaron Boone elected to allow the veteran right-hander to close things out. He did so with ease, striking out three batters around a two-out walk in the final frame to notch his second save of the campaign. Kahnle has been a key piece of New York's bullpen this season, posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 48:15 K:BB over 40 innings.

King (4-6) took the loss in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against Boston, allowing one run on six hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over 4.2 innings.

Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said earlier in the day that King had built up to 85-to-90 pitches, and the right-hander was right on target with 87 pitches (56 strikes). He appeared to be getting stronger as the game wore on, striking out the final three batters he faced and not allowing a run after the first frame, which bodes well for his ability to continue going deeper into contests. Nonetheless, King got no run support from the Yankees offense Thursday and ended up with his first loss since Aug. 12. It looks like he'll be a fixture in the rotation moving forward, and he's shined in that role of late, allowing just three earned runs while posting a 29:4 K:BB over his past 21.1 innings.

Castano cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Castano was designated for assignment Tuesday and has cleared waivers for the second time this season. He can opt for free agency or choose to finish the season with Jacksonville.

Newcomb is listed as the Athletics' starting pitcher for Friday's game against the Padres in Oakland.

Because he had initially been working out of the bullpen following his Aug. 23 call-up from Triple-A Las Vegas, Newcomb was on a limited pitch count this past weekend, when he was called upon to make a spot start against the Rangers. He held his own in a tough matchup with a playoff contender, striking out five while allowing no runs on one hit and two walks over four innings. Newcomb was lifted after 62 pitches against the Rangers but should be able to push his count up closer to 80 in his second turn through the Oakland rotation Friday.

Robertson will serve as Boston's opening pitcher in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Robertson has allowed 14 runs -- 11 earned -- in 16.1 major-league innings of relief this season between the Dodgers and Red Sox. The 25-year-old right-hander probably won't go more than a frame or two in the nightcap Thursday at Fenway Park.

The Yankees optioned Bowman to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Bowman allowed three earned runs over one inning of relief as the Yankees fell 5-0 in the first half of Thursday's doubleheader against the Red Sox. Luke Weaver, claimed off waivers from the Mariners on Tuesday, will officially join New York's active roster ahead of the nightcap in Boston.

Antone (elbow) said Thursday that he expects to return this year, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone landed on the 15-day injured list Thursday morning due to soreness in his right elbow, which has twice required Tommy John surgery. He's awaiting the results of an MRI, but the 29-year-old reliever told reporters the injury is "nothing catastrophic" and "just a flareup." Antone will be first eligible for activation Sept. 29, just a few days before the end of the regular season.

The Mets claimed Kay off waivers from the Cubs on Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse.

Kay was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Monday, having allowed eight earned runs on 12 hits and eight walks through 11.1 major-league innings this season. A first-round draft pick of the Mets back in 2016, the 28-year-old left-hander returns as organizational bullpen depth.

The Orioles recalled Baker from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday.

After being optioned to Triple-A on Aug. 2, Baker posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 11.2 innings. Though his performance doesn't necessarily warrant a call-up, Baker has a 3.64 ERA in 45 MLB appearances this year, and he'll be back with the big club and provide a fresh arm out of the bullpen after Nick Vespi was optioned to Norfolk in a corresponding move.