MLB Player News

Flexen allowed two runs on three hits across two innings of relief in Monday's 8-4 loss to the Brewers. He struck out one.

Flexen has now allowed at least one run in five straight appearances, and he has a 7.98 ERA during the rough patch. He did make one start in there, allowing three runs over four innings against the Yankees on July 11, but his relief outings haven't been any better. Flexen had established himself as a valuable long reliever earlier in the year, though at this point, it's hard to trust the veteran until he strings together a few good performances and gets back on track.

Dreyer recorded one out to pick up the save in Monday's 5-2 win at Cincinnati.

After veteran right-hander Blake Treinen struggled with a four-run lead, allowing one run on two hits and two walks, Dreyer relieved him and entered with the bases loaded. The rookie southpaw induced a Matt McLain groundout on his third pitch to notch his first big-league save. This save marks an anomaly for Dreyer, who is unlikely to garner many future save chances. The 26-year-old has pitched to a 2.91 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 51:20 K:BB across 52.2 frames this season.

Fairbanks picked up the save in Monday's 4-2 win at the Yankees, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out one over 1.1 scoreless innings.

The right-handed closer locked down his first save of four or more outs this season with this 19-pitch performance. Fairbanks looked sharp, as he fired 14 strikes while allowing a lone single to Ryan McMahon with two outs in the ninth. In 39.1 total frames, the 31-year-old has pitched to a 2.75 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 33:15 K:BB while converting 18-of-21 save opportunities.

Shugart (knee) resumed throwing off a mound last Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Shugart had been scheduled to throw a proper bullpen session later in the week, but the Pirates haven't confirmed whether or not that happened. In any event, Shugart seems to be taking steps forward in his recovery from left knee inflammation, but he'll still likely need to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated from the 15-day injured list.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said that Mears (back) will be available for Monday's game against the Cubs, Jack Stern of BrewerFanatic.com reports.

Mears tweaked his back prior to his relief appearance in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Marlins, but after resting up during the final two games of the weekend, the veteran reliever looks like he'll be ready to go for Monday's series opener. The right-hander heads into the contest having logged one win and 13 holds to go with a 2.95 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over 45 appearances for Milwaukee this season.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Chapman (back) is unavailable to pitch Monday in Minnesota, but he expects the reliever to be ready by Tuesday or Wednesday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Chapman had to be pulled from an appearance Sunday against the Dodgers due to back tightness, but the Red Sox expect his absence to be brief. If a save opportunity arises for Boston on Monday, Cora could turn to Jordan Hicks, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Wilson or Greg Weissert.

The Angels optioned Fermin to Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Fermin has hit a rough patch of late, allowing 11 runs (nine earned) over his last three innings. He could get another shot with the big club later this season, but for now the reliever will try to work out the kinks at Salt Lake.

The Cardinals recalled Svanson from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Svanson has pitched well during his previous stints in the Cardinals bullpen this season, collecting a 3.12 ERA and 24:8 K:BB over 26 frames. He will provide manager Oliver Marmol with a fresh relief arm in the middle innings.

The Cardinals optioned Granillo to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Granillo was going to be unavailable for a bit after pitching both of the previous two days, which included a 46-pitch relief appearance Sunday versus the Padres. He's been replaced on the 26-man active roster and in the bullpen by Matt Svanson, who was called up from Triple-A.

Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino said Monday that Bautista is going to be "out a while" after an MRI showed significant swelling in the pitcher's right shoulder, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The silver lining is that Bautista does not have any structural damage. However, with the amount of inflammation in his shoulder, he's looking at an absence that will last weeks, not days. With the Orioles not in playoff contention, it's fair to wonder how much of a contribution, if any, he will make the rest of this season. Seranthony Dominguez is the current favorite to see the bulk of the save chances for Baltimore down the stretch, though he is a possibility to be traded.