MLB Player News

Munoz (1-1) got the win against the Rays on Sunday, firing a scoreless seventh inning during which he recorded a strikeout.

Less than 48 hours after a rare meltdown in Friday's loss, Munoz was right back to his usual sharp shelf in Sunday's appearance. The right-hander fired 12 of 16 pitches for strikes, and he's now generated scoreless appearances in 13 of his 14 trips to the mound this season while forging an elite 19:4 K:BB across 13 innings.

Walter is a candidate to be added to Boston's active roster this week, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

The Red Sox have a rotation crunch this coming week after Garrett Whitlock left Sunday's start with elbow tightness. That injury along with the expected paternity leave of James Paxton could result in Walter returning to the majors. The left-hander made a spot start for Boston on June 22 and most recently pitched two innings June 30 for Triple-A Worcester.

Pivetta allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out six over four relief innings in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Blue Jays.

The Red Sox needed bulk innings out of Pivetta after starter Garrett Whitlock couldn't make it to the second inning due to elbow tightness. Whitlock will undergo an MRI on Monday and could join injured starters Chris Sale (shoulder) and Tanner Houck (facial fracture) on the injured list. Corey Kluber (shoulder), who was demoted to the bullpen, is also on the IL. With dwindling starter options, Boston could return Pivetta to the rotation. He's sparkled in relief, posting a 2.63 ERA and 0.92 WHIP over 24 innings out of the bullpen. Five of his 13 relief appearances have lasted at least three innings.

Cox is scheduled to start Monday's game in Minnesota, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

After opening his big-league career with 12.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, Cox was moved into the rotation last week. He couldn't keep the momentum going in a starting role, as he lasted just 3.2 innings in his first career start while giving up four earned runs on four hits and four walks en route to taking a loss to the Guardians. Despite the poor showing, Cox will get another chance to start against a divisional opponent, though he may need to show improvement Monday to stick as the team's fifth starter over Alec Marsh coming out of the All-Star break.

Chapman allowed one hit and struck out two over a scoreless seventh inning in Sunday's 5-3 loss to Houston.

Chapman was acquired by Texas last week and made his debut for the new club. He entered a tied game, and it stayed that way after he left. There may be save opportunities down the road for Chapman, who could serve as a partner to Will Smith as the team's closer.

Sborz (4-3) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning against the Astros.

A reconfigured Texas bullpen had mostly done its job after a rough May, but Sborz didn't have it while pitching in the second of back-to-back appearances. The right-hander, who entered Sunday's game with a 0.49 ERA over the previous 12 outings, has a 16.88 ERA the three times he's pitched without rest.

Beck has pitched twice since recovering from a cut on his thumb, covering 4.1 scoreless innings while allowing four hits and two walks with two strikeouts.

Beck left his June 25 appearance versus the Diamondbacks with a cut on his thumb, but it was always expected to be a minor issue. He's been an effective long-relief option for the Giants this season, pitching to a 3.20 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 35:12 K:BB through 45 innings across 18 appearances. Beck could continue to work in bullpen games and whenever the Giants need a reliever to cover multiple frames.

Diaz picked up the save Sunday against the Padres. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out one over one inning.

After blowing a save in his last outing, Diaz struggled to close out Sunday's contest. He entered the match with a 4-2 lead and retired the first two batters he faced but allowed a runner to score after back-to-back hits and stranded the would-be tying run at second to secure the save. Diaz now holds the fourth-most saves in MLB and owns a 2.19 ERA and 58:19 K:BB through 38 appearances (37 innings).

Morejon did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two hits and two walks over three scoreless innings against the Reds. He struck out one.

Morejon made his first start since 2021 in place of Yu Darvish (illness) and was stretched out to three frames after going fewer than two innings in each of his first four appearances of the season. The outing was a strong bounceback for the 24-year-old, who allowed three runs in his last appearance after having not allowed a run in his first three big-league games in 2023. If Darvish is forced to miss extended time, Morejon could receive another starting look; however, it's likely he'll remain in the pen for San Diego.

Sewald struck out two batters in a perfect inning and earned a save over the Rays on Sunday.

Sewald made quick work of the Rays, needing just 11 pitches to finish off the 7-6 win. He picked up a pair of saves during the weekend series after blowing a save chance June 27 against the Nationals. He's now converted 16 of his 19 opportunities while posting a 2.62 ERA and a 47:11 K:BB across 34.1 frames.