MLB Player News

Brazoban (2-1) picked up the win in Thursday's 6-4 victory over the Pirates by retiring the only batter he faced.

The right-hander took the mound with two outs and a runner aboard in the eighth inning with the Marlins down 4-1 and got Connor Joe to ground out, making Brazoban the pitcher of record when his offense broke out for five runs in the bottom of the frame. Since his return to the majors following a brief demotion to Triple-A Jacksonville earlier this month, the 33-year-old has delivered three scoreless appearances with a 3:0 K:BB over 3.1 innings, getting credited with a win in two of them.

Lamet was released by the Rockies on Thursday.

The 30-year-old righty showed significant promise in 2020 with the Padres after flashing upside in 2019, but he has been trending down each year since then, in part due to injuries. Lamet had an 11.57 ERA in 25.2 innings with the Rockies and had an ERA over 10.00 as both a starter and a reliever. It's possible he will catch on elsewhere, but it is unlikely to be in a fantasy-relevant role.

Murphy will likely take on a multi-inning role beginning next Wednesday against the Marlins, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Boston's starting rotation is in flux following an injury to Tanner Houck (face), who joins Chris Sale (shoulder) on the injured list. The Red Sox have two days off in the next 11 and could roll with a four-man rotation through that stretch, but the team wants to keep its remaining starters on normal rest without naming a direct replacement for Houck. That means every fifth game could be a bullpen day featuring Murphy, who has been dominant since transitioning from starter to reliever with a 0.00 ERA and 8:1 K:BB in six innings over two big-league appearances. If the southpaw handles a bulk relief role, it's unclear who would open in front of him, but that decision likely hinges on bullpen usage during the games prior to Murphy's unofficial spot in the rotation.

Garza (0-2) took the loss Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits over one inning against Minnesota. He struck out two.

The right-hander got ambushed, surrendering solo homers to Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton in the first inning. He then gave up a leadoff single to Ryan Jeffers to start the second inning before being relieved by Brandon Walter. Garza has now allowed seven runs over 7.2 innings of work this month after maintaining a 1.42 ERA through May.

Chafin (ankle) struck out two over a scoreless and hitless inning in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Nationals.

Chafin rolled an ankle Tuesday and was unavailable to pitch the last two days. He pitched the eighth inning Thursday while Scott McGough recorded the save, his third in as many appearances. Chafin's last save came May 29, though he remains a trusted late-inning arm.

Hudson (knee) pitched for Triple-A Oklahoma City on both Tuesday and Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters over two scoreless innings.

Hudson has yet to pitch in the majors this season, but his ability to log game action on consecutive days is the latest sign that he's nearing a return. The veteran reliever has tallied seven total appearances in the minors since he began an extended rehab stint in early June, compiling seven scoreless frames during which he's posted a 10:1 K:BB. Hudson could make his 2023 big-league debut as soon as early next week, and he figures to move quickly into a high-leverage role for the Dodgers, who have the second-worst bullpen ERA in the majors this season at 4.88.

Hamilton (groin) will make another minor-league rehab appearance, which he hopes is his last, Saturday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Hamilton started a rehab stint last Sunday and has thus far appeared in two games for Double-A Somerset, allowing one run and posting a 3:2 BB:K over 1.1 innings. If all goes well Saturday, there's a good chance that he'll be ready to return to the Yankees bullpen soon thereafter. Hamilton hasn't pitched in the majors since May 16. He was very effective before going on the IL, posting a 1.23 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 30:9 K:BB over 22 frames.

Chapman (3-2) struck out the side in a perfect inning to earn the win Thursday over the Rays.

Chapman pitched the eighth inning with the game tied 5-5, and the Royals pulled ahead in the ninth. He's allowed just one run and one hit through six innings in June, but he's also walked six while striking out 15. The southpaw continues to be effective in high-leverage spots with a 2.73 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 48:20 K:BB over 26.1 innings while adding two saves, eight holds and two blown saves this season.

Barlow earned a save against the Rays on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters in a scoreless inning.

Barlow faced a tough task in the outing, as he was summoned to go up against the heart of the Rays' order with KC holding a one-run ninth-inning lead. The veteran gave up a one-out single to Luke Raley but proceeded to strike out Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes to nail down the save. Though Barlow's 3.90 season ERA isn't anything to shout about, he's been effective in finishing off contests, recording nine saves in 10 chances.

Cox didn't factor in the decision against Tampa Bay on Thursday, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 3.2 innings.

Kansas City opted for a bullpen game against the Rays, but Cox took on a healthy workload after entering in the second inning, tossing 53 pitches (33 strikes). His 3.2 frames were a career high, and the southpaw handled them effectively, allowing just a pair of singles and a walk while racking up 12 swinging strikes. Cox has yet to allow a run over 12.1 big-league innings and has compiled a 13:4 K:BB.