MLB Player News

Robertson was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Robertson allowed four runs over four frames during his brief time in Boston after coming over from the Dodgers in a trade. He's being replaced by a fresh bullpen arm in right-hander Kyle Barraclough, whose contract was selected from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Lamet was designated for assignment Wednesday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Lamet's stint with the Red Sox lasted just one day, as he allowed three runs over two innings in Tuesday's loss to the Royals. He'll go through the waiver process and can elect free agency if he clears.

The Red Sox selected Barraclough's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The longtime reliever has actually been working as a starter with Worcester and he's faring quite well with a 2.57 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 28:19 K:BB over 42 innings. Barraclough could be a candidate to eat some innings, if needed, Wednesday versus the Royals with Nick Pivetta making a start on three days' rest.

The Nationals returned Willingham to Triple-A Rochester after Tuesday's doubleheader against the Phillies, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Willingham appeared in the first game of the double dip, allowing two runs over 1.1 innings. He's been roughed up during his time with the big club this season with a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over 14 frames.

Bednar (3-2) took the loss and blew the save Tuesday as the Pirates fell 8-6 to Atlanta, coughing up three runs on three hits and two walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

Entering the game to protect a 6-5 lead, Bednar had some bad luck -- a line drive by Travis d'Arnaud deflected off Ke'Bryan Hayes' glove and went for a double instead of the second out of the inning -- but once Atlanta's offense got rolling, the Bucs' closer seemed helpless to stop it. Two of Bednar's three blown saves this season have come in his last three appearances, and he's been tagged for runs in all three, but he still sports a 2.08 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 57:15 K:BB through 47.2 innings with a career-high 23 saves.

Iglesias gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 21st save of the season in an 8-6 win over the Pirates.

The right-hander didn't look like he would be needed Tuesday, but a three-run rally by Atlanta in the top of the ninth inning set Iglesias up for a save chance, and he didn't let it slip. He's converted 12 straight opportunities, and the 33-year-old closer has a 2.84 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 26:4 K:BB over 19 innings since his last blown save June 12.

Finnegan recorded his 18th save of the season in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Phillies, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

The right-hander extended his scoreless streak to 11 appearances and 10.2 innings, a stretch in which he's converted seven straight save chances while posting a 12:1 K:BB. Finnegan appears to have a firm hold on the closer job for the Nationals, and even if Hunter Harvey (elbow) is able to return before the end of the season, he might have to settle for setup work.

Chafin (2-4) took the loss Tuesday against Colorado. He allowed four runs (three earned) on one hit and two walks while failing to record an out.

After the Brewers had already used Elvis Peguero, Joel Payamps and Devin Williams out of the bullpen, Chafin was called upon to handle the 10th inning. The recently acquired lefty walked Michael Toglia to begin the frame, then surrendered a bunt single to Brenton Doyle and walked Cole Tucker to score a run before exiting the game with the bases loaded. Abner Uribe came in to finish off the inning, but not before allowing all three inherited runners to score. Chafin now holds an 8.00 ERA and 1.67 WHIP through nine innings across his last 11 appearances.

Bautista dropped to 6-2 after allowing four runs on three hits and a walk while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning in a blown save in Tuesday's 7-6 loss to the Astros.

Bautista had converted 10 straight save chances and had a 17-inning scoreless streak dating back to June. He needed 30 pitches to get his two outs, but he gave up a grand slam to Kyle Tucker to blow the save while allowing multiple runs for the first time since April 1. Bautista still has a 1.52 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 104:22 K:BB with 30 saves in 36 chances through 53.1 innings this year. He's earned the benefit of the doubt that this is one bad outing and not the beginning of a late-season collapse.

Koch (1-0) earned the win Tuesday against the Brewers. He allowed one hit and zero walks while striking out one over 1.2 scoreless innings.

Koch entered a tied ballgame one out into the eighth inning and was able to keep the Brewers' bats quiet through the end of the ninth. The Rockies' offense was then able to take advantage of the Milwaukee bullpen's command issues and score four runs in the 10th inning. Since he was selected from Triple-A Albuquerque in late June, Koch has proven himself to be one of the Rockies' more reliable bullpen assets with a minuscule 1.42 ERA and 0.68 WHIP through 19 innings.