MLB Player News

Jansen picked up the save Monday against Pittsburgh. He struck out two in a perfect inning.

Jansen had little trouble recording his 29th save as he needed just 11 pitches to shut down the Pirates in order and secure Atlanta's victory. The veteran is now tied with Josh Hader and Taylor Rogers for the MLB lead in saves. His two strikeouts on the night also improve his K/9 which was his second highest since 2018 at 12.0 entering Monday.

Smeltzer was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul following Monday's game against the Rangers, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Smeltzer saw just one outing during his latest stint with the big club, allowing one run on five hits while fanning one over three frames Saturday against the Rangers. He was demoted to make room for Tuesday's starter, Aaron Sanchez.

Loaisiga struck out one batter over 1.1 perfect innings and earned a save over the Mets on Monday.

Loaisiga needed just 12 pitches (nine strikes) to retire all four batters he faced in Monday's victory. It was his first save of the season and first opportunity since blowing a save against the White Sox on May 12. Loaisiga is now sporting a 5.76 ERA through 34 appearances on the year. He could be looking at some more action as the closer with Clay Holmes (back) and Scott Effross (shoulder) out; neither Aroldis Chapman nor Lou Trivino pitched in Monday's contest.

Armstrong picked up the save in a perfect inning Monday against the Angels. He struck out one.

Armstrong entered the Rays' saves carousel with his first save of the season Monday, as he retired the Angels in order to end the game. Interestingly, manager Kevin Cash turned to lockdown reliever Jason Adam in the eighth, opening the door for Armstrong to earn the save. The righty is now the 10th reliever to earn a save for Tampa Bay, so it is unlikely that he will provide many more down the stretch as the team tends to move players in and out of ninth inning duties.

Davidson (1-2) took the loss Monday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over five innings in a 2-1 loss to the Rays. He struck out two.

The southpaw made it through three innings unscathed but ran into trouble in the fourth inning as the Rays scored after recording three hits and a walk, and again in the fifth on a solo shot off the bat of Randy Arozarena. In three starts since being traded to the Angels, Davidson has surrendered 10 runs over 15 innings, but six of those came in his first start. His two strikeouts Monday were indicative of his broader struggles to strike batters out as he owns a K/9 of just 5.0 in 25 innings in the majors this season. He next lines up to face Houston this weekend.

Barlow allowed one hit in a scoreless inning during Monday's win over the White Sox. He struck out one and earned a save.

Jose Abreu punched a leadoff single to begin the ninth inning but Barlow quickly worked through it to finish off the victory. He's now converted 20 of his 23 save chances this season, including all four opportunities this month. The 29-year-old righty lowered his ERA to 2.15 with a 59:15 K:BB through 53 appearances. Barlow has given up just one run across 11 innings in August.

Alzolay (lat) started a rehab assignment Monday with the Cubs' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay opened the 2022 campaign on the injured list due to a strained right lat, but he's been ramping up his activity of late. He'll likely need to prove his health in at least a few rehab outings before having a chance to be activated from the 60-day IL before the season ends.

Cordero was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday, Conor Foley of The Scranton Times-Tribune reports.

Cordero has put up strong number at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2022, as he owns a 2.08 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 35 strikeouts over 26 innings. However, his campaign will be temporarily paused while on the COVID-19 IL.

Feyereisen (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session this week prior to heading to Triple-A Durham to throw live batting practice, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Feyereisen felt good after throwing a bullpen session Monday, so he's been cleared to throw another before progressing to facing hitters. The right-hander will likely require a rehab assignment at some point, so it seems unlikely that he'll be in the mix to rejoin the Rays until at least September.

Assad will be called up to start the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Assad was promoted to Triple-A Iowa at the beginning of July, and he's posted a 2.95 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 36.2 innings over eight appearances (seven starts) at the Triple-A level. The Cubs' starting rotation is currently banged up, so it's possible that Assad makes more than one turn through the rotation if he performs well Tuesday.