MLB Player News

The Guardians announced Monday that Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 as part of MLB's sports-betting investigation, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Clase becomes the second Guardians pitcher to be placed on the restricted list in connection with the investigation, as right-hander Luis L. Ortiz previously went on leave earlier in this month. The 27-year-old righty has taken a step back statistically this season but has still performed as one of baseball's top closers, notching saves in 24 of 29 chances while logging a 3.23 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 47.1 innings. The 52-53 Guardians are 3.5 games behind for the final wild-card spot in the American League and may have considered moving Clase ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, but his placement on non-disciplinary leave likely takes any potential deal off the table. While Clase is out for at least the next month, right-hander Cade Smith (3.02 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 65:17 K:BB in 44.2 innings) looks like the next man up for save chances in the Cleveland bullpen, though manager Stephen Vogt could opt for a committee approach at closer.

The Twins designated Gillispie for assignment Monday.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Michael Tonkin, who was called up from Triple-A St. Paul. Gillispie was a waiver claim of the Twins in late June but has been hammered for 22 runs over 13.2 innings during his time with St. Paul.

The Twins selected Tonkin's contract from Triple-A St. Paul on Monday.

Tonkin has spent all of this season in the minors, posting a 4.82 ERA but a much more promising 34:7 K:BB over 28 innings with St. Paul. He will give manager Rocco Baldelli a fresh bullpen arm.

Yesavage threw four perfect innings for Double-A New Hampshire on Saturday. He struck out five.

The 22-year-old right-hander hadn't pitched since July 6, a planned layoff as the Blue Jays focus on limited Yesavage's workload in his first professional season, but he returned to the mound in impressive fashion and fired 33 of 48 pitches for strikes. Over 71.2 innings across three levels this season, Yesavage sports a 3.01 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 116:30 K:BB.

The Red Sox promoted Early from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Worcester will be breaking two new starters into its rotation this week, as right-hander David Sandlin was promoted along with the 23-year-old lefty. During his four-month stay with Portland to begin the season, Early made 15 appearances (12 starts) and logged a 2.51 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 96:29 K:BB across 71.2 innings.

Fitts is scheduled to start Monday's game against the Twins at Target Field.

Despite getting roughed up for four earned runs over just 3.1 innings in a loss to the Phillies in his return to the Boston rotation last week, Fitts will get at least one more start for the big club. Though injuries to Tanner Houck (elbow) and Hunter Dobbins (knee) may have extended Fitts' leash in the rotation, the Red Sox could call up Cooper Criswell or Kyle Harrison from Triple-A Worcester to replace him as the team's No. 5 starter if Fitts turns in another subpar performance Monday.

Marsh received an injection for his sore right shoulder last week, MLB.com reports.

Marsh has yet to pitch at any level this season after he first experienced shoulder tightness early on during spring training before suffering multiple setbacks in the subsequent months. He's in the midst of a rest period while he waits for the injection to alleviate the discomfort in his shoulder, but if the shot provides the desired effect, he could soon restart a throwing program. Even if he's able to steer clear of any further setbacks, Marsh will likely require an extended ramp-up program and probably won't be a realistic candidate to return from the 60-day injured list until late August at the soonest.

Ragans (shoulder) has been playing catch out to 105 feet and is expected to extend his throwing distance during the upcoming week, MLB.com reports.

If Ragans is able to stretch out his distance to around 120 feet and avoids any setbacks with his shoulder, he could be cleared to start throwing off a mound at some point next week. On the mend from a left rotator cuff strain that landed him on the injured list June 11, Ragans is progressing but still has several checkpoints to hit in the recovery process before he returns to the Kansas City rotation. At this point, the southpaw appears unlikely to be activated until the second half of August at the soonest.

Canha (elbow) is scheduled to begin a hitting progression Monday, MLB.com reports.

Canha was placed on the injured list July 8 due to left elbow epicondylitis. He received an injection that same day to relieve discomfort in his elbow, and he was cleared to resume throwing shortly after the All-Star break. The outfielder is now ready to take the next step in his recovery by hitting, and if all goes well, he could soon be cleared to head out on a rehab assignment.

Lorenzen (oblique) completed a bullpen session over the weekend and is expected to make one or two rehab starts before returning from the 15-day injured list, MLB.com reports.

Lorenzen is making good progress in his recovery from the left oblique strain that forced him to the IL on July 14, but he'll need more than the minimum 15 days to move past the issue and get stretched back out for starting duty. Before landing on the shelf, Lorenzen produced a 5-8 record, 4.61 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 85:29 K:BB in 99.2 innings over his 18 starts with Kansas City.