MLB Player News

Avila did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over four innings against Colorado. He struck out seven.

After pitching in a bulk relief role in his first two appearances this season, Avila drew the starting nod and delivered four innings of one-run ball Tuesday. Though he surrendered five hits and issued three walks, Avila was adept at limiting the damage and finished with a career-high seven strikeouts. Though he's unlikely to make another start, his strikeout upside would make him an intriguing daily fantasy option if he were to be handed the ball once more.

Smith picked up the save Tuesday against the White Sox, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Smith was called on in the ninth inning to protect a two-run lead and needed just nine pitches to retire the side in order. Since being named a co-closer with Aroldis Chapman coming out of the All-Star break, Smith has converted each of his three save opportunities, allowing just one run on four hits across 6.2 innings in that span.

Raley (0-2) blew the save and took the loss in Tuesday's 7-6 loss against the Royals. He allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and didn't record a strikeout over one-third of an inning.

After handling ninth-inning duties in the Mets' last three contests, Raley took over in the 10th after Drew Smith was handed the ball for the ninth frame and turned in a scoreless inning. Entering the contest with a two-run lead, Raley was unable to secure the win, allowing back-to-back hits to tie the game before being pulled. With the Mets' closing job seemingly wide open following the departure of David Robertson, Tuesday's outing definitely won't help Raley's chances at earning more save chances.

Williams recorded a strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner during the ninth inning of Tuesday's 6-4 victory in Washington to earn his 27th save of the season.

The All-Star closer threw nine of 14 pitches for a strike as he extended his scoreless streak to 10 appearances, and he has a 19:3 K:BB during that span. Williams has blown just two saves all season and has a 1.52 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 60:20 K:BB across 41.1 innings.

The Yankees optioned Howard to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.

After being dealt from Texas to the Yankees on Tuesday in exchange for cash, Howard will head back to Triple-A. The 27-year-old righty holds a 5.40 ERA and 1.05 WHIP through 18.1 frames in the minors this season and hasn't been very effective throughout his big-league career.

Vest (leg) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday.

A strained right leg has kept Vest on the shelf since late June, and he appears to be approaching a return to Detroit's bullpen. The 28-year-old righty holds a 2.73 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 29.2 innings and figures to return within a week.

The Royals recalled Kowar from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kowar and James McArthur will both come up from the minors to make up for the departures of Scott Barlow and Ryan Yarbrough at Tuesday's trade deadline. With a 9.83 ERA and 2.13 WHIP through 57.2 career MLB innings, Kowar offers very little fantasy value.

The Royals recalled McArthur from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

After the Royals unloaded Scott Barlow and Ryan Yarbrough ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, McArthur and Jackson Kowar will both come up from Omaha to fill in the holes in Kansas City's bullpen. McArthur holds a 5.26 ERA through 49.2 innings in Triple-A this season and surrendered seven runs during his MLB debut in June.

The Cardinals recalled Suarez from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

After the Cardinals unloaded a handful of arms from their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline, Suarez will draw a promotion to make up for lost depth. The 30-year-old southpaw has made two appearances in the majors this season, giving up six earned runs across four innings while striking out two batters.

The Cardinals recalled Naile from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

Naile was optioned to Triple-A on July 5 and has since put up a 2.25 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with eight strikeouts across eight innings. He has yet to find similar success in the majors, but the Cards will call on Naile to provide depth to their bullpen after losing a handful of players ahead of the trade deadline.