MLB Player News

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday that he'll stay away from using Jansen (hamstring) for a few more days, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Jansen experienced tightness in his right hamstring while making a relief appearance Wednesday against the Astros and could be unavailable through Boston's three-game weekend series against the visiting Dodgers. The good news is that the veteran closer was able to throw long-toss Friday and is expected to avoid the injured list. Chris Martin and Josh Winckowski are among the fill-in options for saves.

Brentz (elbow) was pulled off his minor-league rehab assignment Friday.

Brentz is not immediately joining the Royals' bullpen, so he may have suffered a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The 28-year-old left-hander underwent the reconstructive elbow procedure last July.

Stewart (elbow) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The activity marked Stewart's first time throwing off a mound since he suffered a setback with his injured right elbow in late July. Stewart been on the shelf since late June with what was originally diagnosed as elbow tendinitis. He's aiming to return around Sept. 10.

Cleveland optioned Herrin to Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

Herrin has struggled to a 5.53 ERA and 1.48 WHIP across his first 27.2 major-league innings this season. Cody Morris is up from Columbus to fill the vacant spot in the Guardians' bullpen.

Cleveland recalled Morris from Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

Morris will join the Guardians' bullpen ahead of Friday's series opener in Toronto. The 26-year-old right-hander has surrendered four earned runs on seven hits and two walks in just four major-league innings this season.

Kansas City recalled Snider from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Snider has allowed four earned runs over 4.2 major-league innings this season, and his minor-league numbers aren't much better, but the Royals need a fresh bullpen arm after having to place Taylor Clarke on the family medical emergency list.

Kansas City placed Clarke on the family medical emergency list Friday.

Clarke will be away from the Royals for at least part of their three-game weekend series in Seattle. Collin Snider has been recalled in a corresponding move.

Boston claimed Weiss off waivers from the Angels on Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Worcester.

Weiss was designated for assignment by the Angels on Tuesday and has found a new home in the Red Sox system. The 31-year-old reliever owns a career 5.79 ERA in only 18.2 total innings of work at the major-league level.

Erceg (3-3) recorded the win against the White Sox on Thursday, firing a scoreless sixth inning during which he allowed a hit and issued a walk.

Erceg followed starter Ken Waldichuk and navigated around some trouble during his one frame. The right-hander was then rewarded for his work when Zack Gelof put the Athletics up for good in the seventh inning with a two-run home run. Erceg may be starting to hit his stride, as he's now produced scoreless efforts in three of his last four appearances despite issuing one free pass in each of those outings.

Smith allowed one run on one hit over one inning in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Twins.

The Rangers' bullpen blew another lead, although the save was blown by, and the loss credited to, Josh Sborz prior to Smith entering the game with the bases loaded and no outs. Smith's contributions to the loss was to give up a two-run home run to pinch-hitter Ryan Jeffers. This was the sixth time in the last eight appearances that Smith has allowed a run, and the Rangers' closer has a 14.21 ERA with two losses and two blown saves during that run. Texas manager Bruce Bochy has not indicated a change is brewing at closer, but Aroldis Chapman would be the most likely candidate to take over should Smith be removed from the role.