MLB Player News

McArthur will serve as the Royals' opening pitcher for Wednesday's game versus Seattle, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

McArthur will be making the first start of his major-league career Wednesday. The 26-year-old righty has allowed two runs over four innings since being recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Aug. 4. He'll likely pitch for an inning or two before turning the game over to the bullpen, with Alec Marsh likely to serve as the Royals' primary pitcher.

Littell (2-4) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out five without walking a batter over 5.2 innings, taking the loss Tuesday versus the Giants.

Littell came up an out short of a quality start against his former team, but he didn't get much help from his offense. This was his fourth straight turn as a traditional starter, and he's allowed seven runs over 22.2 innings in that span, adjusting to the role admirably. The right-hander is at a 3.99 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 41:6 K:BB through 47.1 innings over 20 appearances (seven starts) between the Rays and the Red Sox this year. Littell is projected for a road start versus the Angels over the weekend, and he should have some staying power in the rotation following news of Shane McClanahan's imminent season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Clase picked up the save Tuesday against the Reds, working around a hit while logging a strikeout in a scoreless inning.

It was a much-needed effort from Clase after he allowed three runs while blowing a save in his last appearance Saturday in Tampa Bay. Despite the hiccup, Clase's been dependable of late, working to a 1.98 ERA over his last 14 outings (13.2 innings). He's now 32-for-41 in save opportunities with a 3.16 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 52:13 K:BB across 54.1 innings this season.

Pressly picked up the save in Tuesday's 6-5 victory over the Marlins. He allowed one hit while striking out two in a scoreless inning.

Pressly extended his scoreless inning streak to five as he improved to 28-for-32 in save chances this year. He's allowed just two hits over his last five appearances while striking out six in that span. Pressly is now carrying a 2.92 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP and 56:10 K:BB across 52.1 innings this season.

Scott was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was sent to Triple-A on Aug. 5 but will rejoin the major-league club with Angel Felipe (elbow) heading to the injured list. Scott has a 6.60 ERA over 15 big-league innings this season between stints with the Red Sox, Dodgers and A's.

Felipe was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a sprained right elbow, Martin Gallegos of MLB.comreports.

Felipe presumably suffered the injury Monday in St. Louis when he was tagged with the loss after giving up three earned runs in one-third of an inning. It's unclear exactly how long the right-hander will be sidelined, but the fact it's an elbow injury could put his season in jeopardy.

Pearson was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Pearson tossed one scoreless inning during his most recent stint in the big leagues, which lasted only a few days. Although he has pitched well in spurts during his time with the Blue Jays this season, a few rocky appearances has led to the hard thrower posting a 5.18 ERA out of the bullpen.

Romano (back) was activated from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Romano wound up being sidelined just a couple days beyond the minimum 15 with lower-back inflammation. The closer made one scoreless rehab appearance with Triple-A Buffalo to show the Blue Jays he was ready to go. Romano should immediately regain ninth-inning duties for Toronto.

Cox retired one batter and picked up his third hold of the season but was charged with two earned runs on two walks in Monday's 7-6 win over the Royals.

Cox appeared poised to pick up a save chance Monday, as he entered the game in the top of the ninth with the Royals holding a 5-4 lead. After issuing a leadoff walk, Cox was able to induce a groundout but was then pulled from the game after walking the next batter he faced. Nick Wittgren came on with one out and two on and wasn't able to protect the Royals' 5-4 lead, but he ended up scooping up the backdoor win after Kansas City broke through for two runs in the bottom of the ninth. With all three of the Royals' high-leverage relievers in Cox, Wittgren and Carlos Hernandez (two outs recorded, two earned runs allowed) struggling Tuesday, the team's closing situation would still appear to be highly unsettled in the wake of Scott Barlow being dealt to the Padres on Aug. 1.

Felipe (1-1) took the loss against the Cardinals on Monday despite also being credited with his fourth hold, allowing three earned runs on three walks over one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

Felipe entered the game in the seventh inning with a 5-3 lead, but he set up bullpen mate Francisco Perez with quite a jam by issuing walks to Paul Goldschmidt, Andrew Knizner and Tyler O'Neill around a Nolan Arenado strikeout. Felipe was subsequently charged with three runs and the loss when all of those runners crossed the plate after his exit, his first big-league defeat in 14 appearances. The right-hander has now been charged with five runs overall over his last five appearances, although all have come within three of outings in that span.