MLB Player News

Scholtens (3-1) earned the win against the Giants on Saturday, allowing one run on four hits while striking out three across three innings. He did not issue a walk.

For a second consecutive game, Griffin Jax served as the Rays' opener while Scholtens followed. Jax set up Scholtens for success after tossing 2.2 scoreless innings, and the latter was effective on the mound himself, with his lone blemish coming in the sixth inning after he yielded an RBI double to Rafael Devers. Following Saturday's outing, Scholtens sits at a 3.18 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB across 22.2 innings. He's lined up to face the Red Sox on the road next week, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Jax serve as the opener for that contest.

Jax did not factor into the decision in Saturday's game against the Giants. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two across 2.2 scoreless innings.

Just like he did against the Twins last Sunday, Jax was effective as the Rays' opener Saturday, tossing 29 strikes on 45 pitches while generating eight whiffs. That set up Jesse Scholtens to take over in the third, and he proceeded to earn the victory after allowing just one run over three innings' work. The Jax/Scholtens duo seems to be working for the Rays this season, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Tampa Bay roll with that combo again next week on the road against the Red Sox. Over his last seven games, Jax has posted a 3.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB across nine innings.

Lopez (2-2) took the loss Saturday as the A's were routed 14-6 by the Guardians, coughing up six runs on eight hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

Half of the hits off Lopez went for extra bases, including homers by the light-hitting Austin Hedges in the third inning and David Fry in the sixth. Lopez hadn't made a start since April 21, making only a one-inning relief appearance in between, but the extra rest didn't help the southpaw find his form. He'll carry a 6.60 ERA, 1.90 WHIP and 23:22 K:BB through 30 innings into his next outing -- if he doesn't have his turn in the rotation skipped again, it's scheduled to come on the road next weekend in Baltimore.

Bolton will serve as the Astros' starter for Sunday's series finale against the Red Sox, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Bolton was activated from the 15-day injured list Thursday and pitched out of the bullpen later that day against the Orioles, allowing one run on one hit and one walk in one inning. He's previously started on two occasions for Houston this season, maxing out at 4.1 innings between those outings. With that in mind and because he's pitching on two days' rest, Bolton is unlikely to work deep enough into Sunday's contest to qualify for a win, though he should offer the Astros more length than a typical opening pitcher.

Imanaga (3-2) earned the win over Arizona on Saturday, allowing four hits and issuing one walk while striking out five batters over seven scoreless innings.

Imanaga allowed just one extra-base hit (a double) and didn't allow any runners to reach third base. The southpaw was efficient in needing just 87 pitches to complete seven frames, and he racked up 14 whiffs. This was an excellent bounce-back performance for Imanaga after he allowed a season-worst five runs (four earned) in a loss against the Dodgers in his previous start. He's in the midst of a strong season overall, posting a 2.40 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 43:10 K:BB over 41.1 innings spanning seven starts.

The Mariners optioned Simpson to Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The Mariners recalled Simpson from Triple-A on Friday, but he'll now be sent back to the minors a day later without appearing in a game for Seattle. Nick Davila was selected from Double-A Arkansas in a corresponding move.

Graterol (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Triple-A Oklahoma City broadcaster Alex Freedman reports.

Graterol's first minor-league outing will mark his first appearance in a game at any level since the 2024 World Series. Because he's been sidelined for so long since undergoing surgery on his right shoulder, he will likely require an extended stay at Triple-A before the Dodgers add him back to their bullpen.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Saturday that Jansen has been day-to-day with right groin/abdomen soreness, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Jansen has been dealing with the injury ever since his most recent appearance Wednesday in Atlanta, during which he conceded two earned runs and failed to record an out. He doesn't seem to be trending toward a trip to the injured list at the moment, though that could change if he doesn't return within the next few days.

The Tigers selected Vanasco's contract from Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

After posting a 0.00 ERA and 0.80 WHIP to go with his 28:4 K:BB through 15 innings in Triple-A, Vanasco will return to the majors for the first time since 2024 to replace the injured Will Vest (forearm). Although Vanasco has been dominant in the minors up to this point, he'll likely settle in as a middle reliever with Detroit.

The Tigers placed Vest on the 15-day injured list Saturday with right forearm inflammation, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Vest hasn't appeared in a game since Sunday, and manager A.J. Hinch hinted Friday that Vest's absence has been due to some kind of injury. Now that he's known to be dealing with a forearm issue, he'll spend at least the next couple of weeks on the injured list while Ricky Vanasco comes up from Triple-A Toledo to fill the void in Detroit's bullpen.