MLB Player News

Baumann (10-1) allowed a run on one hit over 1.1 innings and earned the win Monday over the Astros.

Baumann gave up a solo home run to Martin Maldonado in the eighth inning, but he ended up in line for the win when Cedric Mullins' three-run blast put the Orioles ahead in the ninth. This was Baumann's second appearance since he was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday -- he pitched a scoreless inning versus the Rays that day. He's now at a 3.82 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 60:32 K:BB through 63.2 innings this season while adding six holds and two blown saves. Yennier Cano has seen most of the save chances since Felix Bautista (elbow) got hurt, but Baumann could mix in for some setup work if he stays on the major-league roster through the end of the regular season.

Martin picked up the save in Monday's 4-2 win over the Rangers. He allowed one hit while striking out two in a scoreless inning.

With Kenley Jansen on the COVID list, Martin was tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the ninth inning Monday. The right-hander worked around a one-out hit to earn his second save of the season, his first since June 11. While Martin is unlikely to see many save chances with Jansen due to return this week, the former has had an excellent year as a late-innings option for Boston while posting a 1.07 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and 46:8 K:BB across 50.1 innings.

Pressly (3-5) blew the save and took the loss Monday against the Orioles. He allowed three runs on three hits and a walk while striking out three over one inning.

Tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the ninth, Pressly surrendered a pair of one-out singles before Cedric Mullins launched a three-run homer, sticking Pressly with his sixth blown save and the eventual loss. The right-hander's now given up five runs over his last two appearances after holding opponents scoreless in 11 of the previous 12 outings. Overall, Pressly has 30 saves on the year with a 3.84 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 71:13 K:BB across 61 innings.

Cano earned the save Monday, striking out his lone batter faced in an 8-7 win over the Astros.

Cionel Perez got the first two outs in the ninth before the Orioles turned to Cano. The 29-year-old right-hander would strike out Chas McCormick to close out a one-run victory and earn his seventh save of the year. It's Cano's third save since Felix Bautista (elbow) landed on the IL on Aug. 26. While Perez could continue to see high-leverage work against left-handed batters, Cano should remain Baltimore's top ninth-inning option. His ERA is down to 1.96 with a 0.97 WHIP and 59:11 K:BB across 69 innings this season.

McMillon (forearm) resumed throwing off the mound on Friday, MLB.com reports.

McMillon is progressing well from his right forearm strain and could be ready for a rehab assignment later this month. However, the Royals want to be cautious with their talented young relief arm, so it sounds like they're unlikely to activate him before the end of the season. McMillon has been out since late August.

Diaz will serve as the Tigers' opening pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

For the second time in three days, Diaz will open a game for the Tigers. After tossing a scoreless inning Sunday against the Angels before giving way to Joey Wentz, Diaz will most likely cover an inning or two Tuesday before giving way to Alex Faedo, who is available on five days' rest. Since joining the Tigers as a September call-up, Diaz has quickly emerged as one of manager A.J. Hinch's most trusted relievers. Diaz has yet to allow a run and has struck out nine while walking two over 6.2 innings.

Kowar (2-0) allowed a hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning to earn the win Monday over the Guardians.

Kowar's two wins have come over his last five appearances, in which he's posted a 5.1-inning scoreless streak with a 6:1 K:BB. The right-hander is finding a bit more success out of the bullpen in the majors, though he still has a 4.91 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 28:16 K:BB through 25.2 innings over 20 appearances this season. Kowar started just one of his 30 outings with Triple-A Omaha but pitched to a 5.96 ERA over 45.1 innings. It appears he'll mostly remain in a low-leverage role with the capability to take multiple innings for the rest of this season.

Stephan (6-7) allowed four runs (three earned) on three walks and a hit-by-pitch over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Monday versus the Royals.

Stephan couldn't find the strike zone, with just 12 of his 31 pitches landing for strikes in the wild outing. His poor showing allowed the Royals to rally in the eighth inning, though Enyel De Los Santos was tagged with the blown save after being unable to get the situation under control. Stephan has taken three losses while adding four holds over seven appearances in September, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) over 6.1 innings. He's at a 3.76 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 70:25 K:BB through 64.2 innings with two saves and 28 holds overall.

Abreu wasn't available to pitch during Monday's game against Baltimore after being struck by a line drive in the right forearm during Houston's weekend series with Kansas City, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Manager Dusty Baker noted that Abreu was sent for X-rays earlier in the day and the results came back negative. The team is hopeful the right-hander will be ready to pitch Tuesday, per Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston.

Crochet (shoulder) is close to being activated from the injured list, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Per the report Crochet will throw a bullpen session at some point during Chicago's three-game series against Washington that begins Monday, and if all goes well he will likely rejoin the roster shortly after that.