MLB Player News

Ortiz was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley prior to Sunday's game against the Twins.

The 27-year-old reliever has a 3.94 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 13 strikeouts in 16 innings in the big leagues this season. He has operated as a high-leverage reliever at Triple-A, but Ortiz should be limited to lower-leverage opportunities while up with the big club.

King (3-5) took the loss Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits over two innings against the Marlins. He struck out three.

King got off to a rough start, giving up a leadoff single to Jazz Chisholm on the very first pitch of the game before surrendering a two-run blast to Luis Arraez just two batters later. The right-hander rebounded with a 1-2-3 inning in the second before being relieved Jhony Brito to open the third, but the former would still go on to be charged with his fifth loss of the season. King had not allowed a run over his last seven appearances coming in (spanning eight innings), while the four hits he surrendered Saturday matched his season high.

Clase (1-7) blew the save and took the loss Saturday against the Rays, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning.

Clase was called upon in the bottom of the ninth to protect a two-run lead and proceeded to give up a leadoff single to Josh Lowe on the first pitch of the inning. The right-handed reliever then gave up another three hits, all of which led to runs coming across for the Rays as the team pulled off a come-from-behind win. It marked Clase's ninth blown save this season and the second in his last four attempts. He's also allowed at least two hits in three of his last four appearances.

The Red Sox optioned Barraclough to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

With the return of Garrett Whitlock (elbow) from the injured list, Barraclough will head back to Triple-A in order to clear a space in Boston's bullpen. The 33-year-old righty surrendered one run in 3.1 innings across two games in his brief MLB stint and could return to Boston later this season if the team is ever in need of a fresh bullpen arm.

Armstrong did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two hits and one walk over two scoreless innings against Cleveland. He struck out three.

Armstrong managed to keep the Guardians at bay for the first two innings, though he threw 28 pitches in the second frame. He was then relieved by Erasmo Ramirez after recording three strikeouts for the second straight outing. Armstrong has allowed just two runs since June 27, posting a 24:4 K:BB over that stretch (spanning 20.1 innings). He's also allowed just one home run all season.

Foley gave up one hit over 1.2 scoreless innings of relief Saturday to record his fifth save of the season in a 6-2 win over the Red Sox.

Beau Brieske started the eighth inning protecting a five-run lead, but after a Justin Turner homer and two singles, Foley was brought in to shut down the rally with the tying run on deck. The right-hander's power sinker proved to be too much for Boston's hitters, producing four groundball outs -- including a game-ending double play -- plus an infield pop-up. Alex Lange has walked nine batters in his last three appearances and appears to be in danger of losing his grip on Detroit's closer role, and while Foley is in the mix to replace him, manager A.J. Hinch might be leaning toward a committee approach instead. Since Lange's last save July 23, four different Tigers relievers -- Brieske with two, and Foley, Tyler Holton and Jose Cisnero with one each -- have collected a save.

Alzolay picked up the save Saturday against the Blue Jays, striking out one over a perfect inning.

Alzolay entered the contest in the bottom of the ninth with a one-run lead and got Brandon Belt to go down on strikes in the opening at-bat. The right-handed reliever then made short work of the next two batters to complete a perfect inning and log his 16th save of the season. Alzolay has now converted each of his last 12 save attempts, with his only blown save coming back on July 4 against the Brewers. He's also issued just one walk over his last 11 appearances (spanning 11.2 innings).

Sewald earned a save over San Diego on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over one inning.

Sewald was acquired by Arizona at the trade deadline to take over as the closer, but he had garnered only one save opportunity prior to Saturday, as the Diamondbacks had stumbled to nine straight losses since he reported to the team. The right-hander got the chance to help end that slide against the Padres, and he came through with a scoreless frame to pick up the save. Sewald tossed 11 of 12 pitches for strikes in the outing and allowed just a harmless single to Juan Soto. He's locked into the ninth-inning role, but his save opportunities could be limited if the Diamondbacks aren't able to reverse their recent rough stretch.

Williams earned a save over the White Sox on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out three batters in a scoreless inning of work.

Williams was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth frame and looked to be in some trouble when he yielded an inning-opening single. However, the All-Star closer bounced back to strike out the following three batters and wrap up the contest. It was the second save in as many days for Williams, and he's struck out the side in each outing. He's posted a 13.6 K/9 on the campaign while compiling 28 saves, a 1.36 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP.

Bautista (7-2) allowed a hit and struck out four over two scoreless innings to earn the extra-inning win Saturday over the Mariners.

Offense was at a premium Saturday, but Bautista made sure the Mariners saw none of it. He kept the game scoreless in the ninth inning and then protected a 1-0 lead in the 10th to pick up the win. Bautista allowed five runs over 1.2 innings across his previous two appearances, both against Houston, but prior to that shaky stretch, he'd posted a 17-inning scoreless streak. Even with the recent struggles, he has a 1.60 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 108:24 K:BB and 31 saves in 37 chances through 56.1 innings this season as one of the best relievers in baseball.