MLB Player News

Walls went 1-for-3 with a walk, two stolen bases and one run scored in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Astros.

Walls had one of the Rays' two hits in the contest. The shortstop has managed to log four steals on five attempts over 11 games in August while batting .269 (7-for-26) this month. It's a welcome sign of success at the plate when compared to his meager .169/.290/.231 slash line for the year. Walls has added nine steals, four RBI, 16 runs scored and no home runs over 155 plate appearances. With third-base prospect Junior Caminero replacing Curtis Mead in the majors, Walls' playing time could take a hit since Jose Caballero will likely have to get more of his time at shortstop moving forward.

Leone was removed from Wednesday's game against the Yankees due to right elbow soreness, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Leone was only able to get through one-third of an inning before his elbow forced him out of the game, during which he gave up two earned runs on two hits and two walks. He'll head in for further evaluation Thursday, at which point the White Sox will have a better idea of how long the 32-year-old will be sidelined.

Littell allowed one run on one hit and two walks while striking out three over five innings in a no-decision versus the Astros on Wednesday.

Aside from a Jeremy Pena solo home run in the fifth inning, Littell was in control, though he threw just 68 pitches (44 strikes) in this start. That matches his lowest pitch count since the start of July -- he'd thrown no fewer than 79 pitches in any of his last six starts. He's now at a 4.03 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 116:26 K:BB through 129.2 innings over 24 starts this year. Littell is tentatively projected for a favorable road start against the Athletics in his next outing.

Dubon went 1-for-3 with a walk, one RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-inning win over the Rays.

Dubon entered the contest just 2-for-27 over his first 10 games in August. His hit -- which was the Astros' second of the game -- plated the winning run in the 10th inning. For the season, Dubon is slashing .253/.282/.363 with four home runs, three steals, 35 RBI and 38 runs scored over 307 plate appearances. His versatility, along with Houston's lack of left-handed-hitting outfielders, has helped to keep Dubon in the lineup more often than not despite his recent slump.

Pena went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-inning win over the Rays.

Pena has found his power with three homers over the last four games, and this was the first time in that span he's failed to record multiple hits. The shortstop is up to 12 homers on the year, including five since the All-Star break. He's added a .278/.322/.405 slash line with 56 RBI, 61 runs scored, 13 stolen bases, 20 doubles and one triple over 118 contests.

Hader (5-6) struck out three over two scoreless and hitless innings to earn the extra-inning win over the Rays on Wednesday.

Bryan Abreu gave up the tying run in the eighth inning, but Hader was sterling in the ninth and 10th frames to extend his scoreless streak to 8.1 innings. He's allowed just three runs over his last 15.1 innings, all of which came in a single appearance July 29 versus the Pirates. Hader is at a 3.48 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 82:18 K:BB while converting 26 of 27 save chances through 54.1 innings this season.

Rodriguez made an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Tigers due to a right ankle injury, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez tweaked his ankle during his at-bat in the eighth inning but was able to remain in the game briefly, logging an RBI single before being replaced on the basepaths. Manager Scott Servais said after the game that the 23-year-old's injury isn't a serious issue, so it's possible he'll be able to return to Seattle's lineup without missing any time.

Faedo will work as the Tigers' opening pitcher Thursday against the Mariners, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Faedo has proven to be effective while serving as an opener, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings across his last two opening assignments. Once he exits the game, Kenta Maeda is expected to take over as the Tigers' bulk reliever.

Blanco was removed from his start Wednesday against the Rays after getting hit in the left index finger by a comebacker, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Blanco reported soreness in his finger after getting hit in his left (non-throwing) hand by a 106-mph line drive off the bat of Brandon Lowe, prompting his removal after six shutout innings. Initial X-rays came back negative after the game, so it appears the 30-year-old righty managed to escape without a significant injury. He's lined up to start against Boston next week, though the Astros will likely keep an eye on his finger up until then.

Holton (5-1) tossed a scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts to earn the win in Wednesday's 3-2, 10-inning victory over the Mariners.

Holton worked the top of the 10th inning and did a good job keeping his automatic inherited runner on base. The lefty then picked up the win when Akil Baddoo delivered a game-winning hit in the bottom of the inning. Holton has perhaps been Detroit's best reliever this season, as he lowered his ERA to 2.66 to go with a stellar 0.86 WHIP. He's also tallied a career-high four saves this year, and he could see more opportunities if he keeps pitching this well.