MLB Player News

The Twins acquired Lopez from the Orioles on Tuesday in exchange for left-handers Cade Povich and Juan Rojas and right-handers Yennier Cano and Juan Nunez, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Since dealing Taylor Rogers to the Padres on Opening Day, the Twins have taken a committee approach at closer, but Lopez should immediately step in as the team's clear-cut preferred option in save situations. A first-time All-Star this season, the right-handed Lopez turned in a 1.68 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 54:17 K:BB in 48.1 innings for Baltimore while converting 19 of his 23 save opportunities. With Lopez now in Minnesota, Felix Bautista becomes the top in-house option to take over as the Orioles' closer.

Garcia retired both batters he faced to earn the save in Monday's 4-1 win over the Rockies.

Nick Martinez pitched a scoreless eighth inning but allowed two hits in the ninth. Garcia then entered and escaped the jam on just four pitches to earn his second save in as many days. The right-hander appeared to be the next man up after Taylor Rogers was removed from the closer role, but the Padres' acquisition of Josh Hader from the Brewers on Monday suggests Garcia's time in the ninth inning is soon to end. He's still been an effective high-leverage option with a 3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 42:12 K:BB, two saves and 18 holds through 39.2 innings this year.

Barlow allowed two hits and struck out two over two scoreless innings to earn the save in Monday's 2-1 win over the White Sox.

Barlow needed this one -- he allowed seven runs (three earns) across two appearances spanning one inning versus the Yankees in the Royals' previous series. The right-hander was able to finish off the multi-inning save on 27 pitches (20 strikes). He's now 17-for-20 in save chances with a 2.36 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 48:13 K:BB across 49.2 innings this year. Barlow's closer role should be considered safe for now, especially if he can string together a few scoreless outings.

Houston acquired Smith from Atlanta on Monday in exchange for right-hander Jake Odorizzi, Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston reports.

While moving from the closer's role into setup duty in 2022 following Atlanta's offseason pickup of Kenley Jansen, Smith hasn't been as stout of a performer, but he remains tough against lefties and will bolster Houston's bullpen for the stretch run. Expect him to continue serving in a setup role in Houston ahead of Ryan Pressly, who will be entrenched as the Astros' closer, health permitting.

Fulmer allowed two runs on four hits while retiring just one batter in Monday's extra-inning loss to the Twins.

Fulmer got the bottom of the eighth inning with Detroit up 2-0 and started the frame with a strikeout. It went downhill quickly from there, however, as the righty allowed four straight singles. The final hit from Jose Miranda brought home two runs and got Fulmer out of the game, saddling him with his fourth blown save of the year. Despite the setback, Fulmer has been mostly solid this season with a 3.20 ERA and 39 strikeouts across 39.1 innings.

Lange (4-2) allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits while retiring just two batters to take the loss and a blown save Monday against the Twins.

Lange was tasked with the bottom of the 10th inning with the Tigers up 3-2, but the righty struggled. A Jose Miranda single with one out brought home the runner who started the frame on second. Then, two batters later, Gio Urshela ended the game with a walk-off, two-run home run. Lange has mostly pitched well, though Minnesota has touched him up for four earned runs in two appearances this past week. The 26-year-old still carries a solid 3.10 ERA despite the hiccup and should remain one of Detroit's top relief options.

Diekman was traded to the White Sox from the Red Sox on Monday in exchange for catcher Reese McGuire, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Diekman has been fairly reliable this season outside of a few tough outings, but the Red Sox were willing to part with him in order to acquire another option behind the plate. Diekman has five wins and 12 holds this season, but he may not have as many opportunities to make a fantasy impact with his new squad.

Espinal's contract was selected from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

The 25-year-old righty has never pitched in the majors and has made only six appearances at Triple-A. Espinal has a 2.59 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 48 strikeouts in 48.2 innings this year. He should work in low-leverage situations in the short term.

Castro (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Monday.

Castro is in the midst of a four-week shutdown, and with Monday's move, his absence will extend at least into early September.

Martinez was reinstated from the paternity list Monday.

Martinez spent the weekend with his wife and newborn, but he has rejoined the Padres and will be available out of San Diego's bullpen moving forward. He figures to fill a key role in front of new closer Josh Hader.