MLB Player News

Abreu struck out four in 1.1 scoreless innings Friday to record his second save of the season in a 10-7 win over the Orioles.

Plunking Coby Mayo (hand) with a pitch was the only blemish on a dominant relief performance by Abreu. The right-hander hasn't given up a run in August, posting a 0.70 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB over 10 innings, and with Josh Hader (shoulder) likely out for the rest of the regular season, Abreu is locked into the closer role for the Astros.

McCullers came away with a no-decision in Friday's 10-7 win over the Orioles, giving up three runs on five hits and five walks in four innings. He struck out four.

Out since July 19 due to blister issues, McCullers had trouble finding the plate in his return, tossing 50 of 97 pitches for strikes and falling short of qualifying for the win in a game in which the Astros never trailed. The five free passes were a season high for the right-hander, but he's issued multiple walks in six straight big-league starts dating back to June 10, compiling a disastrous 9.38 ERA, 2.21 WHIP and 21:22 K:BB in 24 innings over that stretch. With Luis Garcia (elbow) closing in on his return, McCullers may find himself bumped from the rotation as soon as next week.

Toronto has extended Manoah's (elbow) minor-league rehab assignment by an extra 10 days, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Manoah's initial 30-day rehab stint came to a close, but the right-handed hurler isn't yet ready to be activated. The Blue Jays have thus elected to use one of a potential three 10-day extensions available for pitchers coming back from Tommy John surgery per the collective bargaining agreement. Manoah has struggled during his rehab assignment to this point, posting a 7.71 ERA, 2.06 WHIP and 10:10 K:BB over 11.2 innings spanning five starts, though his most recent performance was his best -- he allowed one run over 4.2 frames with four strikeouts Wednesday with Triple-A Buffalo. Nicholson-Smith indicates that Manoah will throw a side session this weekend and is slated for another start with Buffalo early next week.

Falter (7-7) took the loss Friday against Detroit, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two over two innings.

Falter was roughed up in relief Friday, giving up three runs without recording an out in the seventh inning and ultimately yielding four runs across two frames. Since joining Kansas City, the left-hander has labored, allowing nine earned runs over eight innings in two starts before being shifted to the bullpen. That move hasn't stabilized things either, as he's surrendered six earned runs in four innings of relief.

Tellez started at first base and went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 4-3 win over Cleveland.

Tellez swatted his third home run in 24 games since being promoted to the majors July 18. He appears to be in line for regular plate appearances in the short term, as Friday's start at first base was his fourth in the five games since the Rangers placed Jake Burger (wrist) on the 10-day injured list. All of his starts have come against right-handers.

Pederson went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Friday's 4-3 win over the Guardians.

Pederson laced a first-pitch double to drive in the game-winning run in the ninth inning for the walk-off win. His hit followed a game-tying single by Corey Seager on the first pitch he saw, as it appears the Rangers had a plan to jump early on Cleveland closer Cade Smith. Pederson has hit safely in four consecutive games, going 5-for-15 with a double, a home run and three RBI.

Semien (foot) underwent an MRI on Friday that came back inconclusive, MLB.com reports.

Semien fouled a ball off his foot during the series finale against the Royals on Thursday and was held out of Friday's lineup. He remained in a walking boot and could miss the entire weekend set against the Guardians. Ezequiel Duran started at second base in Semien's place.

Ramirez went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Friday's 4-3 loss to Texas.

Ramirez delivered a two-out, two-run double with the bases loaded in the eighth inning that gave Cleveland a late lead, but that evaporated in the ninth. It was the fourth straight game with a hit for Ramirez, who has knocked in four runs during that stretch.

Smith (5-5) allowed two runs on three hits and did not retire a batter, picking up a blown save and the loss Friday against the Rangers.

Smith squandered a second consecutive save opportunity and has allowed runs in three straight appearances. Prior to this stretch, he pitched well as a fill-in closer for Emmanuel Clase (personal). Smith entered Friday with a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings over his last 12 appearances while converting four of his six save tries since replacing Clase as the primary closer.

Civale took a no-decision Friday against the Twins, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks in five innings. He struck out five.

Civale was able to make it through three scoreless innings to begin his outing, but a Royce Lewis grand slam in the fourth inning left a major mark on the hurler's ledger. The veteran right-hander has now fanned at least five in five of his last six starts, though the four walks Friday tied a season high. Civale has a 5.05 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 51:25 K:BB over 62.1 innings for the White Sox this year, and he'll remain a volatile fantasy option next week at home versus the division-rival Royals.