MLB Player News

Festa (2-5) took the loss Tuesday against Tampa Bay, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out seven.

It's the second straight tough-luck loss for Festa -- the right-hander held the Rays to a pair of four-inning runs, though Minnesota could only muster one tally off Jeffrey Springs in the eventual defeat. While Festa's now 0-4 in his last five starts, he's pitched to a respectable 3.91 ERA in that span (23 innings). Overall, his ERA sits at 4.75 on the season with a 1.20 WHIP and 58:13 K:BB across 47.1 frames. Festa will hope for better luck in his next outing, currently slated for early next week at home against the Angels.

Cleavinger earned the save in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Twins, retiring the lone batter he faced in the ninth inning.

Edwin Uceta originally got the call in the ninth inning, but he allowed a pair of singles to put the tying and go-ahead runs aboard. Cleavinger was then called upon with two outs to face Christian Vazquez, who he'd retire on just two pitches. It's the fifth save this year for Cleavinger, who had allowed five runs over his last three appearances (2.2 innings) coming into Tuesday. While Uceta and Manuel Rodriguez have been the Rays' top ninth-inning options in the absence of Pete Fairbanks (lat), the left-handed Cleavinger could see the occasional matchup-dependent save opportunity going forward.

Rocchio went 1-for-1 with a home run, four RBI, two runs scored and a walk in Tuesday's 7-1 win over Kansas City.

The Cleveland shortstop opened the game's scoring in the second inning innocuously with a sacrifice fly. Rocchio then returned to blast a 372-foot, two-run homer off reliever Sam Long in the seventh before drawing a bases-loaded walk in the eighth to notch his first career four-RBI performance. The 23-year-old continues to play regularly at shortstop for the Guardians despite slashing .211/.298/.319 with seven homers, 46 runs scored and 31 RBI across 381 plate appearances, as his above-average glove keeps him in the lineup.

Springs (2-2) earned the win Tuesday over the Twins, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out four.

Carlos Santana's solo home run in the second inning proved to be the lone blemish on Springs' line Tuesday, as the left-hander held Minnesota scoreless over his final four frames to pick up his second win this season. It was also the first time Springs has made it through six innings this season, as he works his way back to full strength following Tommy John surgery. The 31-year-old Springs has allowed just one run on five hits over his last two starts (11 innings), lowering his ERA to 3.27 on the year with a 1.36 WHIP and 37:11 K:BB across 33 innings. His next outing is currently lined up for early next week against the Phillies.

Singer (9-10) took the loss Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings against Cleveland. He struck out three.

The Kansas City right-hander fell one out short of his 13th quality start in this 99-pitch outing. Singer held the Guardians lineup in check, allowing just one extra-base hit -- a Kyle Manzardo double in fourth -- as he lowered his post-All-Star-break ERA to 3.64 across 54.1 innings with a 1.25 WHIP and 51:11 K:BB. Overall, the 28-year-old now sports a 3.35 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 150:43 K:BB in 158.1 total innings this season. He is scheduled to make his next start against the Yankees on the road next week.

Bibee (11-6) earned the win in Tuesday's victory over the Royals, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out six.

The Cleveland right-hander picked up his fourth win and second quality start post-All-Star break with this 91-pitch performance. The only blemish on Bibee's evening came in the sixth inning when Paul DeJong hit a sacrifice fly. The 25-year-old has been on a roll in the second half, pitching to a 3.09 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 39:11 K:BB across 44 innings. Bibee currently lines up to make his next against the bottom-feeding White Sox in Chicago next week.

Sulser will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Sulser will be making the first start of his major-league career Wednesday, and though he pitched 2.2 innings Sunday, his outing against the Twins likely won't last more than one frame or two. Once Sulser departs, Tyler Alexander is expected to pitch in bulk relief.

Nastrini (0-7) took the loss Tuesday against the Orioles, allowing seven runs (four earned) on four hits and six walks over 1.2 innings. He struck out two.

After allowing just two runs over his last two starts (10.1 innings), Nastrini fell back to earth in Baltimore in an ugly outing. Command continues to be an issue for the rookie right-hander -- Nastrini's now carrying an 8.9 BB/9 through his first 32.1 innings. Overall, his ERA is up to 7.79 with a 1.95 WHIP and 24:32 K:BB through eight starts with the White Sox. If Chicago elects to give Nastrini another turn in the rotation, he'll line up for a home matchup early next week against the Guardians.

Povich (2-10) earned the win Tuesday over the White Sox, allowing five hits over 7.1 scoreless innings. He struck out 10.

Povich took advantage of a matchup with the last-place White Sox, turning in his best start thus far in his rookie campaign while striking out a season-high 10 batters in a scoreless effort. Povich had lost five of his last six outings coming into Tuesday, posting an ugly 9.24 ERA in that span. The left-hander lowered his ERA to 5.76 though 59.1 innings this year with a 1.60 WHIP and 47:26 K:BB. Povich is currently slated for a road matchup with the Red Sox early next week in his next start.

Barger was removed from Tuesday's game against the Phillies due to left knee discomfort.

Barger went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run before his knee caused him to come out of the game ahead of the seventh inning. There's no telling if he'll be available for Wednesday's contest, but an extended absence seems unlikely.