MLB Player News

Bradford gave up two runs on six hits and no walks across five innings during Tuesday's 4-3 loss at Houston. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

The left-hander was initially expected to start Tuesday but was instead used in a bulk role behind opener Yerry Rodriguez. Bradford surrendered a pair of solo homers but was otherwise able to keep the Astros off the board. The Rangers had an open rotation spot Tuesday with Nathan Eovaldi (rest) having his turn skipped, and Bradford should return to a more traditional relief role with team off days on deck Thursday and Monday.

Pressly recorded the save Tuesday against the Rangers after he allowed two runs on two hits during the ninth inning. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

The right-hander took the mound in the ninth inning with a 4-1 advantage, and Mitch Garver attempted to spark a comeback with a two-run homer. It's the 24th save of the season in 28 tries for Pressly, though he's given up six runs (five earned) across his past six outings. The 34-year-old's status as Houston's closer should be safe given his 3.11 ERA for the year, but manager Dusty Baker could try to avoid using him for Wednesday's series finale since Pressly has pitched the past two days. If that's the case, Bryan Abreu or Hector Neris would likely be called upon in a save chance.

The Twins optioned Ortega to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

After allowing three runs in the ninth inning during Tuesday's loss to the Mariners, Ortega's ERA ballooned to 4.50 through 14 innings this season. Ortega has been solid overall in both the majors and Triple-A, so there's plenty of reason to believe he'll be back with the Twins later this summer. A corresponding move will be announced Wednesday.

Alzolay struck out all three batters he faced to record the save in Tuesday's win over the White Sox.

With the Cubs up 7-3 in the ninth inning, Michael Fulmer was used to start the frame. However, after he allowed the first two batters to reach, Alzolay was called on to put out the fire. The righty did so in quick order, striking out the side on 12 pitches. Alzolay has been a bright spot for the Cubs with 10 saves in 11 chances to go with a 2.45 ERA and 51 strikeouts across 44 innings. He looks to be getting more and more comfortable in the closer role.

Lange (5-3) allowed an unearned run to take the loss in Tuesday's extra-inning contest with the Angels. He gave up a hit and a walk, while also striking out one.

Lange worked the 10th inning of a 6-6 game and allowed his inherited runner to score on a one-out Mickey Moniak double. The righty also walked Hunter Renfroe and uncorked a wild pitch, so it wasn't his sharpest outing even if he didn't allow any earned runs. Lange continues to mow batters down, as he now has 53 strikeouts in 41.2 innings, though he's also walked 28. He'll need to exhibit better control if he wants to avoid rough outings moving forward.

German signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

German was released by the Reds earlier this month and will now return to the Red Sox organization. German made his MLB debut last season with the Red Sox, though he will likely require a major turnaround from his 7.78 ERA and 2.24 WHIP in Triple-A before he gets another shot at the big-league level.

Boston optioned Robertson to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Dodgers on Tuesday evening -- along with Justin Hagenman -- in exchange for Enrique Hernandez. Robertson should get an opportunity in the Red Sox bullpen at some point down the stretch.

Pittsburgh outrighted Crowe to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Crowe passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment by the Pirates last week. He's made only five appearances in the majors this season, largely due to a shoulder injury that kept him out for all of May and June.

MRI results have revealed a minor flexor strain and a minor UCL sprain in Jacob's right elbow, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The good news is Jacob won't need to undergo surgery, but he's still going to be shut down from throwing for two-to-four weeks before beginning a throwing program. No official return timeline has been established, but it's likely Jacob's absence will extend into September. The 25-year-old righty threw three scoreless innings before landing on the injured list Saturday.

Scott will serve as Oakland's opening pitcher in Tuesday's game against the Giants.

After being claimed off waivers from Boston last week, Scott made his first two appearances with Oakland out of the bullpen. The 31-year-old will now get the chance to make his first start as a member of the Athletics, though he's unlikely to pitch more than an inning or two before giving way to Ken Waldichuk, who is expected to serve as a bulk reliever.