MLB Player News

Bachar will serve as the Marlins' opener in a bullpen game Friday against the Giants, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Rather than calling up a starter from the minors after Janson Junk (shin) joined Eury Perez (thigh) on the injured list May 31, the Marlins have been going with bullpen days when the fifth spot in the rotation has come around. Bachar will pick up his fourth start in that time, but he hasn't worked more than three innings in any of those outings. Dax Fulton, who threw 39 pitches Tuesday against the Phillies, might be called upon to work bulk relief behind Bachar.

Minter retired the only two batters he faced Thursday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the Phillies.

Entering the game with one on and one out in the seventh inning and the Mets ahead 6-3, Minter fired seven of eight pitches for strikes as he got Justin Crawford and Kyle Schwarber to fly out. Minter has been outstanding since making a belated season debut in late May after recovering from last summer's lat surgery, posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB over eight innings and nine appearances. The 32-year-old should continue to work as one of the primary left-handed setup men for closer Devin Williams.

The Rangers outrighted Otanez to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Otanez cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and will remain in the organization as relief depth. The 28-year-old holds a 6.15 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 37:25 K:BB in 26.1 innings this season with Round Rock.

Johnson (0-2) took the loss against the Athletics on Thursday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out two batters over five innings.

Johnson was called up from Double-A Rocket City to make his first big-league appearance since May 19. Things quickly soured for the right-hander, as he gave up five runs -- four of which came via the long ball -- in the first inning. Johnson was at least able to settle down from there and didn't give up another run while holding the A's to just one hit over the course of his remaining four frames, but the first-inning damage was more than enough to saddle him with the loss on a day when him team's offense couldn't push across any runs. The Angels' rotation recently lost Jack Kochanowicz (elbow) for the year and Grayson Rodriguez (back) for at least 15 days, but the team hasn't clarified if Johnson is going to get additional starts or if another hurler will get a look instead.

Williams earned the save Thursday against the Phillies, allowing a run on two hits and a walk while striking out one over one inning.

Williams was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the ninth inning and ultimately got the job done despite some late traffic. He allowed a run on a Justin Crawford RBI single and put additional runners on base, but the right-hander avoided a bigger rally and secured his 11th save of the season. While the overall numbers remain underwhelming, Williams has pitched much better of late, posting scoreless outings in 16 of his last 18 appearances. He owns a 5.18 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 38:15 K:BB across 24.1 innings with just one blown save on the year.

Manaea did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Phillies, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.1 innings.

Making just his second start of the season, the veteran left-hander threw 63 of his 95 pitches for strikes and generated an impressive 16 whiffs. Philadelphia plated runs in the first, third and fourth innings, with the final run coming home following a throwing error by A.J. Ewing. In four games working as a bulk reliever or starter, Manaea has pitched to a 3.10 ERA and 18:3 K:BB across 20.1 innings. It appears likely that Manaea will remain in the rotation moving forward, with his next scheduled start set to come at home against the Cubs.

Munoz earned the save Thursday against the Orioles, allowing two walks while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Munoz was handed a three-run lead in the ninth and made things a bit interesting. The right-hander issued walks to Gunnar Henderson and Samuel Basallo to bring the tying run to the plate, but the right-hander ultimately closed out the victory to secure his 12th save in 17 opportunities. He's recorded consecutive scoreless appearances for the first time since May 22. Munoz now owns a 5.47 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 39:13 K:BB across 26.1 innings.

Johnson was called up from Double-A Rocket City and will start Thursday's contest against the Athletics, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Johnson will replace Jose Soriano (chest) on the mound in the series opener versus the A's for his second major-league start of the year. The 23-year-old Johnson has posted an inflated 15.12 ERA and 2.64 WHIP with five strikeouts over 8.1 innings in four appearances, including a start, with the Angels this season. After he was sent down to Double-A in late May, he produced a far more respectable 2.65 ERA and 0.71 WHIP with 21 punchouts over 17 frames in three starts.

Drohan didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Guardians, allowing a run on three hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out three.

It was a strong outing overall for Drohan, with Cleveland's lone run against the left-hander coming on a David Fry homer in the third inning. Overall, Drohan sports a 3.40 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP and 47:14 K:BB across 47.2 innings as a swingman for Milwaukee this season. He'll likely return to the bullpen when Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) is ready to come off the IL, but Drohan could get another turn through the rotation next week in Cincinnati.

Smith earned the save in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Brewers, working around a pair of walks while striking out two across 1.1 scoreless innings.

After entering the game with two outs in the eighth inning, the right-hander issued a walk to load the bases before striking out Christian Yelich. Smith then turned in a scoreless ninth, earning his league-leading 24th save. The 27-year-old has now converted 21 straight save chances, allowing just four earned runs over 25 innings in that span. His ERA is down to 2.38 with a 1.06 WHIP and 51:8 K:BB across 34 innings this season.