MLB Player News

Englert is expected to pitch in bulk relief behind opening pitcher Ian Seymour during Monday's game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays recalled Englert from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, and he proceeded to work in long relief of starter Nick Martinez later that day in a 7-2 loss to the Tigers, covering five innings and striking out three while allowing one earned run on four hits and no walks. Though Englert will continue to work out of the bullpen Monday, he looks as though he'll be taking over the rotation spot of the struglging Steven Matz, who was recently shifted to a relief role.

Fuentes earned the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Pirates, allowing two hits while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

With Raisel Iglesias having pitched back-to-back days, it was Fuentes who got the call in the ninth inning Sunday instead of Robert Suarez. It didn't come easy for the 20-year-old right-hander, as the Pirates got the tying and go-ahead runs aboard with one out. However, Fuentes managed to induce a popup off the bat of Jared Triolo before striking out Endy Rodriguez to close out the one-run victory and earn his first career save. While Atlanta still views Fuentes as a long-term starter, he's been stellar out of the bullpen recently, allowing just one run on eight hits while striking out 14 in his last 12 appearances (13.1 innings).

Seymour will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Monday's game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Seymour will likely pitch one or two innings before turning the ball over to right-hander Mason Englert, the latter of whom was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday. The left-handed Seymour has struggled as of late, allowing seven runs (five earned) on six hits and seven walks while striking out six in 6.2 innings spanning his last four appearances.

Elder did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Pirates, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out four.

Elder gave up a home run to Spencer Horwitz to start the game Sunday, though he'd settle in and hold the Pirates to just one additional run (and one hit) over his final five frames. Elder has now turned in quality starts in seven of his last nine outings, lowering his ERA to 2.66 across 14 starts (84.2 innings) with a 1.05 WHIP and 71:25 K:BB. Elder is currently lined up to face the Mets on the road his next time out.

Witt was removed from Sunday's game against Minnesota due to right knee soreness.

It's unclear when the injury cropped up, but Witt was taken out of the game in the seventh inning and was replaced by Michael Massey. Witt went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts prior to his exit, and he'll undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury. The Royals have an off day Monday, so the 25-year-old shortstop will aim to be available for Tuesday's home game against the Rangers.

Bender earned the save in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Rays, allowing one hit while striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Pete Fairbanks was utilized out of the bullpen Saturday, so the Marlins called on Bender to close out Sunday's game. Bender ended up tossing 24 pitches, 10 of which came in his strikeout of Cedric Mullins to seal the game for Miami. Bender sits at a 3.04 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, five holds and a 29:9 K:BB across 26.2 innings this season.

Witt (undisclosed) was removed from Sunday's game against the Twins, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Witt was removed from the game in the seventh inning with the Royals holding a 5-1 lead. It's not clear why he was pulled, but the Royals should have an update on the superstar shortstop during or shortly after Sunday's game. Michael Massey is in the game at second base, with Maikel Garcia and Nick Loftin shifting to shortstop and third base, respectively.

Alcantara (5-4) earned the win against the Rays on Sunday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out seven across seven innings.

It was another strong effort by Alcantara, with his lone blemish being an RBI single that he gave up to Yandy Diaz in the third inning. Alcantara tossed 58 strikes on 90 pitches while generating 11 whiffs, and his seven strikeouts matched a season high that he set against the White Sox on April 1. He's logged a quality start in back-to-back outings and now sits at a 4.33 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 89.1 innings this season. He's also up to 57 career wins with the Marlins, which is third-most in franchise history behind Ricky Nolasco (81) and southpaw Dontrelle Willis (68). Alcantara is slated to start next weekend on the road against the Pirates.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington relayed Sunday that Griffin is looking at a "more relaxed timeline" in his recovery from a flexor strain in his right elbow, Jason Mackey of MLB.com reports.

Cherington didn't offer an exact timeline for Griffin, but the former noted that the 20-year-old shortstop is looking at a longer stint on the 10-day injured list after more exams by team doctors. Griffin has yet to start throwing but has been taking groundballs, and the Pirates should have a better sense of Griffin's recovery timeline once he's cleared to play catch.

Allen was removed from Sunday's game against the Athletics due to left hamstring discomfort.

Allen injured his hamstring while running to first base on a single in the third inning, with Taylor Trammell entering the game as a pinch runner. The Astros should have a better sense of the severity of Allen's injury once he undergoes more tests.