MLB Player News

Sandlin (4-2) issued three walks in a scoreless inning to earn the win Monday versus the Royals.

Sandlin got a double play to help his cause after Trevor Stephan allowed hits to three straight batters to begin the eighth inning. The Guardians rallied to retake the lead in the bottom of the eighth, giving Sandlin his fourth win in his last eight outings. The 25-year-old is still walking a fine line with his control -- he's walked 15 batters in as many innings this year, but he's sporting a 3.00 ERA with four holds. It'll be hard for him to maintain a reasonable amount of success until he can cut down on the free passes.

Doval earned a save after he pitched one inning, surrendering an unearned run while striking out a batter in Monday's 5-4 win over the Phillies.

Called upon to protect a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the 10th inning, Doval allowed the inherited runner on second to score via a one-out sacrifice fly by Alec Bohm, but he held on to strike out Mickey Moniak to end the contest immediately after. The right-hander now has eight saves on the season, converting eight consecutive opportunities after blowing a save April 8 versus the Marlins. Doval has been a little shaky lately, giving up five runs (three earned) over his last 3.2 innings, but he still remains the favorite for saves with the Giants moving forward.

Strahm was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

It's unclear when Strahm is expected to return, as it's unclear whether or not he's actually tested positive for the virus. He'll be out of the high-leverage mix in the Boston bullpen for now, with Hirokazu Sawamura taking his place on the roster.

Hughes' contract was selected by the Cubs on Monday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hughes spent 11 days on the roster as a replacement player while the Cubs had players on the COVID-19 injured list, but he was removed from the roster Saturday. He's back again just two days later as a regular member of the roster, and the spot seems deserved given that he recorded a 2.57 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB in his seven innings of work earlier in the month.

Gsellman was designated for assignment Monday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Gsellman made eight appearances during his time on the roster, struggling to a 4.70 ERA while striking out just 14.1 percent of opposing batters. He's been a passable reliever for most of his career, so it's possible he gets claimed off waivers, but he's unlikely to find high-leverage work anywhere.

Graveman was placed on the restricted list Monday.

The move comes on the eve of a three-game series in Toronto, indicating that Graveman made himself ineligible to cross the Canadian border by declining to vaccinate himself against COVID-19. He'll presumably return to the roster Friday when the team heads to Tampa Bay.

Topa (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Monday.

Topa has been on the injured list since the start of the regular season, but he progressed to facing live hitters in mid-May. The right-hander will likely require a rehab assignment prior to rejoining the major-league club, and he'll be sidelined for at least another week after moving to the 60-day IL.

May (triceps) is scheduled to undergo a scan Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

May sustained a stress reaction in the lower portion of his humerus in early May and has been shut down for nearly four weeks, but he said Monday that he feels great. As long as he checks out fine following Tuesday's scans, the right-hander should ramp up his rehab process soon.

Brieske allowed four runs on six hits across 5.2 innings and did not factor into the decision in Monday's win over the Twins. He walked two and struck out four.

Brieske is still searching for his first MLB win, as he's now 0-4 with three no-decisions across his first seven starts. The righty was done in by home runs, as he served up three long balls that accounted for all the runs against him. It was the fourth time he's allowed multiple homers in a start, which is a trend Brieske will need to stop if he hopes to lower his 5.25 ERA. The rookie will again seek his first career win in his next scheduled start, which is slated to be a tough matchup with the Yankees on the road Saturday.

Smith (finger) said Monday that he hopes to be available as early as Tuesday against the Nationals, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Smith sustained a dislocated right pinky finger during Sunday's win over the Phillies, but he checked out fine after undergoing X-rays and a CT scan. Even if the right-hander ultimately isn't cleared to return Tuesday, it seems likely that he'll avoid a trip to the injured list.