MLB Player News

The Rays activated Anderson (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The righty is ready to make his 2021 debut after missing over five months with an elbow ligament injury. Anderson figures to be eased into high-leverage work, although his track record of excellence in such a role suggests he'll be recording holds and possibly saves sooner rather than later. He fills the 40-man roster spot of Shawn Armstrong, whom the Rays DFA'd on Sunday.

The Rays designated Armstrong for assignment Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The righty gets demoted after allowing four earned runs total in his last two appearances. Armstrong's 4.50 ERA in 16 innings since joining the Rays is respectable, and the Rays' frequent bullpen shuffling suggests he could find himself back with the club in the near future. That is, unless he gets claimed off waivers. Nick Anderson (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list to fill Armstrong's 40-man roster spot.

Hendriks fired a scoreless ninth inning Saturday but appeared to be experiencing discomfort, Brian Sandalow of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa said pitching coach Ethan Katz thought he noticed something and asked the pitcher about it. Hendriks confirmed that he is fine.

Taylor recorded his first career save in Saturday's 9-8 extra-inning win over the White Sox, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless 10th inning.

Hansel Robles pitched the sixth inning and Garrett Whitlock the eighth and ninth Friday, while Adam Ottavino worked the night before, leaving closing duties to Taylor when the Red Sox pushed across a run in the top of the 10th. The southpaw hasn't been particularly sharp since coming off the COVID-19 list, giving up two runs in 2.2 innings across four appearances, but as the top left-hander in the bullpen he could potentially see another save chance or two down the stretch as part of Boston's high-leverage crew.

Crowe didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 10-7 win over the Nationals, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out six.

Facing the team that drafted him in the second round in 2017 before trading him this past offseason as part of the package for Josh Bell, Crowe didn't exactly take his revenge, tossing 46 of 78 pitches for strikes before getting chased from the game after a three-run fourth inning. The right-hander has lasted at least five innings only once in his last seven outings, posting a rough 7.36 ERA and 1.91 WHIP over that stretch, but his 29:15 K:BB over those 29.1 innings does offer a glimmer of upside, and Pittsburgh has nothing to lose by letting the 27-year-old take his lumps down the stretch.

Chapman fired a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit while striking out one to earn the save in the win over the Mets on Saturday.

Chapman entered the ninth inning with a one-run lead. He gave up a ground-rule double to J.D. Davis, but retired the other three batters to earn the save. It has been rough for the closer lately, as he's allowed runs in four of his last nine appearances. He has a 3.78 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with a stellar 15.3 K/9 in 47.2 innings this season.

Jansen saved Saturday's 5-4 win against the Padres, striking out one in a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Pitching on the second consecutive night, Jansen needed just eight pitches to secure the save and help Los Angeles keep pace with the division-leading Giants. This performance comes on the heels of seven pitches Friday as the 33-year-old has gotten six outs on 15 pitches while throwing only three balls over the last two days. The pair of efficient outings means Jansen might actually be available for the series finale Sunday despite throwing two innings in two days.

Floro allowed one run on two hits while striking out one batter over one inning to earn the save over Atlanta on Saturday.

Floro had a three-run ninth-inning lead to work with, and though a Freddie Freeman two-out single drew Atlanta a little closer, he was able to retire Austin Riley two pitches later to secure the save. Floro has strengthened his hold on Miami's closer job by successfully converting each of his past six save opportunities. He has given up only two earned runs while registering a 9:2 K:BB across his past nine appearances.

Hernandez completed 4.2 innings against Atlanta on Saturday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out four. He did not factor in the decision.

Miami's offense provided Hernandez a three-run lead after two innings, and the right-hander kept Atlanta off the scoreboard through four frames. However, things fell apart for Hernandez in the fifth frame, as he surrendered three straight two-out hits that plated a trio of runs and led to his removal. While he didn't give up any long balls for the first time in seven starts this season, the seven hits Hernandez surrendered tied his season-worst mark. The 26-year-old is tentatively scheduled to make his next start at home versus Pittsburgh on Friday.

Gallegos pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out two batters to notch the save against the Reds on Saturday.

Gallegos mowed down the first two batters he faced before inducing a groundout to close the contest. The right-hander has held opponents scoreless in six of his past seven outings, picking up five saves and two holds along with a 10:1 K:BB across 6.2 innings over that span. He is growing increasingly secure in his position as the team's closer, with Alex Reyes reportedly transitioning to a multi-inning relief role.