MLB Player News

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said that Spence will start Thursday's game against the Twins in Sacramento, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Spence made 24 starts for the Athletics as a rookie in 2024, but he's worked exclusively out of the bullpen so far this season, logging a 4.38 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 37:14 K:BB in 39 innings. Though manager Mark Kotsay specifically referred to Spence as a starter rather than opening pitcher for Thursday's contest, the right-hander is still expected to have a relatively limited workload, given that he'll be pitching on three days' rest and hasn't covered more than 4.1 innings or tossed more than 56 pitches in any of his 22 appearances on the season. If Spence fares well in his start Thursday, the Athletics could have him continue getting more stretched out while keeping him in the rotation on a longer-term basis.

The Angels signed Fulmer to a minor-league contract Wednesday.

Fulmer had spent the season at Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates organization, posting a 4.64 ERA and 38:16 K:BB over 42.2 innings in six starts and seven relief appearances before being released Monday. The 31-year-old was in the majors with the Angels for 40 games from 2023 to 2024, collecting a 4.00 ERA and 87:44 K:BB across 96.2 frames. Fulmer will provide swingman depth at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Winn walked one and struck out one over a scoreless eighth inning in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Rays.

Winn has been effective out of the Rangers' bullpen, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out six over seven scoreless innings. That extended a scoreless run that started at Triple-A Round Rock, where he hadn't been scored upon in 23.1 relief innings. Walks can still be an issue for Winn, but the former starter may have found a bullpen niche for himself.

Martin (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

The report indicates the Rangers are in a "holding pattern" with Martin, who is expected to throw another bullpen before the recently turned 39-year-old right-hander is reassessed. Martin landed on the 15-day injured list with shoulder fatigue, and the hope was that he could avoid a rehab assignment.

Rodriguez notched a save against the Padres on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect two-thirds of an inning.

The Giants carried a one-run lead into the ninth inning, and with primary closer Camilo Doval having blown a save and thrown 28 pitches Tuesday, manager Bob Melvin turned to Ryan Walker to shut the door. However, Walker allowed two hits and retired only one batter, so Melvin pulled him and instead turned to Rodriguez. The righty came through, striking out Jackson Merrill and getting Gavin Sheets to pop out to secure his first career major-league save. Rodriguez has been remarkable this season, posting a minuscule 0.66 ERA and 0.62 WHIP with a 39:3 K:BB over 27.1 innings. He has a modest six holds (along with Wednesday's save) across his 26 appearances, but he seems to be working into a higher-leverage role with three of those holds coming over his past seven outings. Doval remains entrenched as the Giants' go-to closer, but considering Walker's inconsistent results, Rodriguez could be a compelling option to close on days when Doval is down or if he were to miss time.

Kahnle picked up the save Wednesday against the White Sox, throwing a perfect ninth inning with no strikeouts.

Will Vest has been Detroit's preferred ninth-inning option lately, receiving four of the last five save opportunities, but it was Kahnle who worked the final frame Wednesday. Vest allowed two runs on five hits in those chances and converted each one. However, Vest threw the seventh and eighth frames Wednesday. Kahnle is up to eight saves this season -- one fewer than Vest -- and it's likely the two will continue to split work.

Bautista picked up the save Wednesday against Seattle, allowing one hit and one walk with no strikeouts over a scoreless ninth inning

Bautista's 11th save didn't come without a hiccup, as he allowed the game-tying run to reach second base with just one out. However, the 30-year-old retired Leody Taveras and Rowdy Tellez to escape the jam. Bautista has converted each of his last four save chances and has allowed one run in his last six innings of work.

Vest (5-0) tossed two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts to earn the win in Wednesday's 5-4 victory over the White Sox.

After Detroit starter Sawyer Gipson-Long only covered 3.2 innings, the Tigers needed a lift from their bullpen, and Vest was up to the challenge. The veteran righty has been excellent this season with a 1.80 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 32 strikeouts across 30 innings. Vest has also already matched his regular-season win total from the last two years combined and is currently leading Detroit with nine saves.

Harrison was diagnosed with a left elbow contusion after getting hit by a comebacker during Wednesday's game against San Diego, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Harrison took a grounder off his elbow during the fifth inning of Wednesday's contest and was immediately pulled from the game. However, it appears he escaped from the incident with only a bruise. A team day off Monday will give Harrison an extra day to rest before his next scheduled start, but the Giants will wait a few days to see how he recovers before they pencil him in for another outing. The southpaw allowed five runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out three batters in 4.2 frames Wednesday and finished with a no-decision.

Hernandez was pulled from Wednesday's game versus the Diamondbacks due to numbness in his right pinky, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Manager Brian Snitker said after the game that Hernandez looked to be fine after an evaluation from the team's training staff. Atlanta may look to stay away from using Hernandez out of the bullpen for another day or two as a precaution, but a trip to the injured list shouldn't be necessary.