MLB Player News

Soto (2-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits across 1.1 innings but was able to earn the win in extra innings Wednesday against the Red Sox. He walked two and struck out two.

Soto worked the bottom of the ninth inning in a 3-3 game and escaped without allowing a run despite loading the bases. Manager A.J. Hinch decided to trot Soto back out there after the Tigers scored three times in the top of the 10th, but the lefty got the hook after allowing two of the first three batters to reach. Michael Fulmer then came on and secured his first MLB save, giving Soto his second win of the season. It wasn't the smoothest appearance for the 26-year-old, though he does still have a solid 3.46 ERA and should continue to see the bulk of the save opportunities in Detroit.

Raley (0-2) failed to record an out Wednesday, giving up three runs on two hits and a walk versus the Yankees

Raley entered with the game tied at 3-3, but he allowed three straight batters to reach base before Joe Smith took over on the mound. Smith allowed all of the inherited runners to score, leaving Raley with his second loss in as many outings. He has an unsightly 9.49 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB in 12.1 innings. He's also picked up a save and three holds, but it seems unlikely the southpaw will be trusted in high-leverage outings until he can put together better performances.

Fulmer retired the final two batters of Wednesday's 6-5, extra-inning win over the Red Sox to record the save.

Gregory Soto started the 10th inning with a strikeout but then allowed back-to-back singles, so manager A.J. Hinch turned to Fulmer with the right-handed Hunter Renfroe coming up. Renfroe reached on an error, but Fulmer buckled down and retired the final two batters to record his first MLB save. The 28-year-old started Tuesday's game but lasted less than an inning, so he was able to help the team out after five other pitchers were used Wednesday. Fulmer is still slated to start next Tuesday against Kansas City, though Hinch may juggle his rotation to give the righty a little extra rest.

Chapman pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-3 win over Houston. He struck out two.

Chapman has been nearly unhittable all season, as he's allowed just two hits and three walks in 11 innings. The Yankees' closer has yet to give up a run, and he owns a sparkling 26:3 K:BB in 11 appearances. He remains perfect in save chances, with all seven coming in his last eight outings.

Yang allowed one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out eight across 3.1 innings Wednesday against the Twins. He did not factor into the decision.

Yang started in place of Kohei Arihara (finger) and was effective across 66 total pitches. He generated 15 swinging strikes to back up his eight punchouts and has now allowed only three earned runs across 12 innings to begin his first campaign stateside. It's unclear whether Ariahara will be available for his next turn through the rotation, though his status should decide whether Yang will pitch as a starter or reliever moving forward.

Loaisiga (3-1) pitched a perfect eighth inning with one strikeout and earned the win Wednesday versus the Astros.

Loaisiga became the pitcher of record when the Yankees rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. The 26-year-old has done well in a high-leverage role this season with a save and three holds across 14 appearances. He sports a 0.98 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB in 18.1 innings.

Mayers (undisclosed) was activated from the injured list Wednesday.

The 29-year-old was placed on the injured list Monday for an unspecified reason, and his return two days later confirms he was in the COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Mayers has a 2.51 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB with one save and four holds this season, and he should return to a high-leverage role now that he's back on the roster.

Merryweather (oblique) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Wednesday

The righty last pitched on April 13 and was initially placed on the 10-day IL, but it appears he'll need much more time to recover from the oblique strain and return to the Blue Jays roster. In just four appearances, Merryweather had established himself as a late-inning weapon, recording a hold and two saves. His eventual return will be a welcome sight for the bullpen that's already without Kirby Yates (elbow) for the season.

Naughton (elbow) is scheduled to start for Double-A Rocket City in the second game of its doubleheader Thursday versus Chattanooga, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Acquired by the Angels in the Aug. 31 trade that sent outfielder Brian Goodwin to Cincinnati, Naughton will be making his 2021 debut against his former organization. The 25-year-old lefty was on the shelf for most of big-league spring training while recovering from a flexor pronator strain his left elbow, but he looks to have made a full recovery while working out at the Angels' alternate site for the past month.

Kelly (shoulder) is nearing his return to the Dodgers, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The righty has yet to pitch in 2021 as he nears the end of his recovery from November shoulder surgery. Injury problems in both the Dodgers' rotation and bullpen have emphasized the need for additional experienced pitchers on the roster, and Kelly could work his way into a late-inning role if he impresses upon returning.