MLB Player News

Alexander is expected to work in bulk relief behind opening pitcher Drew Rasmussen on Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Many of Alexander's appearances have come as a bulk reliever this season, though it hasn't necessarily benefited his performance, as he owns a career-worst 5.50 ERA through 93.1 innings. He turned in a solid outing during his last appearance against the Phillies on Monday (one earned run over 4.1 innings), but he's too inconsistent to be considered a reliable streaming option.

Rasmussen will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Saturday's game versus the Guardians, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rasmussen has put up a 2.79 ERA and 1.09 WHIP across 19.1 innings this season. He'll likely be asked to work the first one or two innings of Saturday's contest before turning the game over to Tyler Alexander, who is expected to work in bulk relief.

Hurter (5-1) earned the win in Friday's 1-0 victory over the Orioles, striking out eight while issuing one walk over 5.2 hitless innings.

Hurter was stellar again in a bulk role Friday, holding the Orioles without a hit while logging a career-high eight punchouts. The rookie left-hander has wins in five consecutive appearances, allowing just six runs over 24.1 innings in that span. Overall, Hurter's ERA is down to 2.56 with a 0.83 WHIP and 37:5 K:BB through his first 38.2 innings in the majors.

Holton earned the save in Friday's 1-0 victory over the Orioles, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Holton let a combined no-hitter slip through his fingers when he allowed a two-out triple to Gunnar Henderson. However, the left-hander rebounded to strike out Anthony Santander, stranding the tying run at third to earn his eighth save this season. The 28-year-old Holton has been excellent of late, allowing just one run while striking out 16 in his last 15 appearances (20.1 innings). His ERA is down to 2.21 through 85.2 innings with a 0.79 WHIP and 67:14 K:BB.

Eflin (10-9) took the loss Friday against the Tigers, allowing a run on five hits and a walk over 6.2 innings. He struck out three.

Eflin was excellent Friday, blanking Detroit over his final 5.2 frames after allowing a solo home run to Kerry Carpenter in the first. However, the right-hander wound up taking a loss as the Orioles didn't record a hit until the ninth inning in a 1-0 shutout defeat. Eflin's now been stuck with the loss in back-to-back outings, though he's gone 5-2 with a 2.22 ERA through seven starts since joining Baltimore at the trade deadline. Overall, he sports a 3.55 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP and 128:18 K:BB across 154.2 innings between the Orioles and Rays this season. He's currently lined up to face the Giants at home in his next start.

Morel was removed from Friday's game versus Cleveland due to right Achilles discomfort, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Morel appeared to tweak his lower leg while turning back to first base after hitting a single in the third inning, and he ended up getting pulled for a pinch runner. The severity of his injury remains unknown, though it's possible the Rays will give him a day or two off even if it isn't too serious.

Taveras is absent from Friday's lineup against Seattle.

The Rangers will go with Ezequiel Duran, Wyatt Langford and Adolis Garcia in the outfield Friday. Taveras has gone 3-for-20 with five walks and four runs scored in September.

Fulmer (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Friday marks the first time Fulmer has thrown off a mound since he landed on the injured list in late August due to right elbow inflammation. It's still unclear if the right-hander will be able to pitch again before the end of the season, though the Angels likely won't be in any rush to insert him back into their rotation given the fact they have already been eliminated from playoff contention, and the 30-year-old journeyman likely isn't in their future plans.

Altuve (side) is starting at second base and batting in the leadoff spot for Friday's game against the Angels.

Altuve left in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Athletics due to a side issue. The 34-year-old is back in the lineup after a one-game absence and will return to second base for the series opener. Since Aug. 1, Altuve has slashed .289/.365/.444 with five stolen bases, five home runs and 15 RBI across 159 plate appearances.

The Rangers transferred Seager (hernia) to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Seager is slated to undergo season-ending surgery Friday to address his sports hernia, and his move to the 60-day IL will officially rule him out for the remainder of the season. Jacob deGrom (elbow) will return from the IL to fill the open 40-man spot. Seager is expected to be fully recovered by spring training.