MLB Player News

Yates (4-1) picked up the extra-inning win Monday against the Astros, pitching two innings while allowing one unearned run and one walk. He struck out four.

The Texas closer entered during a 2-2 tie in the ninth inning and returned in the 10th to secure the win. Yates was charged with an unearned run when the automatic runner in extra innings scored after he plunked Jeremy Pena with the bases loaded. This marks the 23rd career win for the 37-year-old reliever, as he has pitched to a splendid 1.08 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 59:19 K:BB across 41.2 innings this season.

Smith went 1-for-5 with a two-run homer in Monday's 4-3 victory over Houston.

The Texas utility man won the game in the 10th inning with his 410-foot, two-run homer off lefty reliever Caleb Ferguson. This is Smith's first extra-base hit since taking over the leadoff spot from Marcus Semien on July 29. In seven games since then, the 26-year-old is batting .233 (7-for-30) with eight strikeouts and no walks. Overall, Smith is now slashing .278/.369/.442 with 12 homers, seven steals, 50 runs scored and 48 RBI across 408 plate appearances.

Brown did not factor into the decision in Monday's 4-3 loss to Texas, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out four.

The Houston right-hander earned his third quality start in four outings since the All-Star break with this 97-pitch performance. The only run he allowed came via a Leody Taveras sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. Since the break, Brown has been a reliable starter, pitching to a 2.28 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 25:8 K:BB across 23.2 innings. He looks to keep his string of solid performance rolling in his next appearance, currently scheduled to be in Boston this weekend.

Allen did not factor into the decision in Monday's 7-6 loss versus the Diamondbacks. He allowed two runs on five hits and two walks across five innings.

Allen was recalled to make his first start since July 6 after struggling to a 5.67 ERA in his first 18 starts, barely making it out of the first inning Monday. He gave up back-to-back home runs to the first two hitters he faced and then loaded the bases before barely escaping the opening frame. Allen went on to get through the next four innings unscathed. It's unclear if Allen will get another turn in the rotation, as Alex Cobb (hip) will return this weekend and Triston McKenzie may also get another look after having his best start in the minors his last time out.

Jax picked up the save in Monday's 3-0 win over the Cubs, pitching a scoreless inning with one strikeout. He allowed one hit.

Jax secured his first save since June 23, working around a Cody Bellinger single to wrap up the Twins' 63rd win of the season. Jhoan Duran worked the eighth inning, retiring the eight and nine hitters before allowing a double to Ian Happ and then striking out Michael Busch. Perhaps manager Rocco Baldelli will start using Jax in more save situations amid a tight AL Wild Card race as the 29-year-old has been better than Duran this season, pitching to a 2.01 ERA and 2.11 FIP -- versus Duran's 3.47 ERA and 3.91 FIP -- across 49.1 innings with an 11.9 K/9.

Ramirez went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, two runs and two stolen bases in Monday's 7-6 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Ramirez had himself another impressive showing, tallying three more hits in what is now his seventh multi-hit game since the All-Star break. His RBI double in the first inning was his 25th of the season, making it his fifth season with 25 doubles and 25 home runs, which is tied for fourth most in franchise history. The 31-year-old is in the midst of yet another impressive all-around campaign hitting .282/.334/.545 with 29 homers, 94 RBI and 24 stolen bases through 109 games.

Festa (2-2) earned the win Monday against the Cubs, pitching five scoreless innings while allowing two hits and two walks. He struck out nine.

The Minnesota rookie dominated in his first appearance at Wrigley Field, generating 14 whiffs en route to his nine punchouts. After allowing 12 runs in 10 innings over his first two starts, Festa has found a groove in his last three outings, pitching to a 1.88 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 22:5 K:BB across 14.1 innings. The 24-year-old is projected to make his next start against the Guardians at home this weekend.

Slaten (elbow) has been cleared to throw up to 120 feet, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Slaten has been progressing through a throwing program after landing on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation July 12. He's yet to gain clearance for mound work but could get approval to do so shortly if all continues to go well in his rehab.

Lee is dealing with right shoulder soreness, leading to his absence from the lineup for a second straight day Monday against the Cubs, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Lee was on the bench for Sunday's series finale with the White Sox and he'll sit Monday as well, which is now understood to be the result of some lingering shoulder soreness. On the bright side, manager Rocco Baldelli said Monday that Lee could have started the series opener versus the Cubs, so he'll likely be back in action soon.

Wilson (hamstring) took batting practice Monday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Wilson has been progressing well in his recovery from a strained left hamstring and participated in batting practice for the first time since being placed on the IL on July 21. Still, the Athletics are taking it slow with the 22-year-old, who isn't expected back for multiple weeks.