MLB Player News

Jax (1-1) was tagged with the loss Saturday against the Royals after allowing six runs on eight hits and three walks across five innings, striking out three.

Jax made the first start of his big-league career but was unable to slow down Kansas City and was lit up. The right-hander at least managed to complete five frames, but other than that, there are very few positives to take out from this outing. He may return to a bullpen role going forward, as he's made all but one of his five big-league appearances this season as a reliever.

Barlow notched the save Saturday against Minnesota after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, giving up one hit and recording one strikeout.

Barlow had the task to defend a three-run lead in the top of the ninth inning and while he allowed Jorge Polanco to snatch a one-out single, he closed things out by striking out Nick Gordon and inducing Nelson Cruz to a groundout. Barlow has gone 4-for-5 in save chances this season and also has 11 holds, but perhaps the most important thing to note going forward is that he's been given the ball in each of the last two games where the Royals have needed a save. However, the Royals still seem to be deploying a committee approach to closing duties and that could continue to limit the upside of all the relievers involved.

Finnegan (hamstring) threw a simulated game Sunday morning, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Given the righty's fairly brief absence, it's possible the simulated game may deem a rehab assignment unnecessary, in which case Finnegan would be no more than a couple days from returning. There's been no indication from the Nationals, however, of whether he'll head to Triple-A Rochester for some additional work.

Cleavinger will start Sunday's game against the Nationals, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The left-hander will be the first pitcher for Los Angeles on Sunday as manager Dave Roberts employs a bullpen game in place of Trevor Bauer (administrative leave). Cleavinger hasn't pitched more than two frames in an appearance this season, so he's unlikely to offer much length beyond that in the series finale at Washington.

Treinen pitched a perfect inning during which he struck out one to earn the hold against Washington on Saturday.

Treinen has consistently and effectively served as a bridge to closer Kenley Jansen this season, as he is tied with teammate Victor Gonzalez for third in the league with 16 holds. The right-hander had no problem handling the Nationals while pitching with a one-run, eighth-inning lead Saturday, setting down the side in order on 16 pitches. Treinen holds a 3.03 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB across 32.2 innings this season.

The Dodgers recalled Uceta from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.

As expected, the righty joins the Dodgers to help get through Sunday's bullpen game against the Nationals. Uceta allowed five runs in 1.2 innings in his last outing June 20, so he may not stick around with the big club long after Sunday's game.

The Dodgers optioned Graterol to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Graterol earned a win Saturday night, striking out two in a perfect inning of relief. The righty has displayed his typical velocity in two appearances since returning, consistently touching triple digits with his sinker and ensuring uncomfortable at-bats for opposing hitters. Edwin Uceta was recalled in a corresponding move, but he may just be up for Sunday's bullpen game. Considering how he's looked this weekend, Graterol figures to be back with the Dodgers in a couple days once he's rested.

Morgan (1-3) took the loss Saturday, giving up three runs on five hits and two walks over five innings as Cleveland was downed 3-2 by the Astros. He struck out three.

The rookie right-hander didn't pitch poorly, throwing 52 of 86 pitches for strikes, but solo shots by Carlos Correa and Abraham Toro in the fourth inning -- as well as little run support -- did him in. Morgan will need to find a way to keep the ball in the park if he's going to hang onto a spot in the rotation when bigger names like Shane Bieber (shoulder) and Zach Plesac (thumb) get healthy, as his impressive 22:4 K:BB through his first 21.1 big-league innings is masked by an 8.44 ERA and ghastly 3.38 HR/9.

Pressly struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 14th save of the season in a 3-2 win over Cleveland.

The right-hander needed only 10 pitches (eight strikes) to breeze through the heart of Cleveland's order. Pressly has been absolutely filthy since the beginning of June, picking up two wins and converting all seven of his save chances while not allowing an earned run and racking up a 21:1 K:BB in 12 innings over that stretch.

Garcia gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 13th save of the season in a 3-2 win over Atlanta.

After a brief rough patch in late May and early June, Garcia has bounced back in impressive fashion, posting a 2.25 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB over his last eight innings while converting all four of his save chances. The 30-year-old remains locked into the closer role for Miami.