MLB Player News

Fairbanks struck out two without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Tuesday against the Marlins.

Fairbanks was called upon to protect a three-run lead, and he did so with little issue. He's allowed an earned run in three of his last 10 appearances, which resulted in losses. Fairbanks has been excellent otherwise in that stretch, racking up 15:4 K:BB to go with a 0.96 WHIP. He should remain the Rays' preferred closer.

Crochet (shoulder) is feeling better and is projected to return from the injured list in early August, MLB.com reports.

Crochet was taken off a rehab assignment July 21, though he quickly recovered from soreness in his shoulder. There has been no word on the resumption of his rehab assignment, but the team remains hopeful that he'll be able to contribute out of the bullpen for roughly the final two months of the campaign.

Sborz (biceps) will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Sborz, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with right biceps tendinitis July 15, played catch Tuesday. The right-hander had become an important bullpen piece over the last month before the injury flared up.

Sewald picked up the save Tuesday against Minnesota. He allowed one run on one hit over one inning. He didn't record a strikeout.

Though Sewald managed to nab his 20th save of the season, he allowed a run for a second consecutive appearance, serving up a solo homer to Michael Taylor in the ninth. However, Sewald had three runs of cushion when entering the ballgame and moved up to 11th in MLB in saves. Though he hasn't been one of the most efficient closers in baseball (3.00 ERA), Sewald is locked into ninth-inning duties for the Mariners.

Bradford gave up two runs on six hits and no walks across five innings during Tuesday's 4-3 loss at Houston. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

The left-hander was initially expected to start Tuesday but was instead used in a bulk role behind opener Yerry Rodriguez. Bradford surrendered a pair of solo homers but was otherwise able to keep the Astros off the board. The Rangers had an open rotation spot Tuesday with Nathan Eovaldi (rest) having his turn skipped, and Bradford should return to a more traditional relief role with team off days on deck Thursday and Monday.

Pressly recorded the save Tuesday against the Rangers after he allowed two runs on two hits during the ninth inning. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

The right-hander took the mound in the ninth inning with a 4-1 advantage, and Mitch Garver attempted to spark a comeback with a two-run homer. It's the 24th save of the season in 28 tries for Pressly, though he's given up six runs (five earned) across his past six outings. The 34-year-old's status as Houston's closer should be safe given his 3.11 ERA for the year, but manager Dusty Baker could try to avoid using him for Wednesday's series finale since Pressly has pitched the past two days. If that's the case, Bryan Abreu or Hector Neris would likely be called upon in a save chance.

The Twins optioned Ortega to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

After allowing three runs in the ninth inning during Tuesday's loss to the Mariners, Ortega's ERA ballooned to 4.50 through 14 innings this season. Ortega has been solid overall in both the majors and Triple-A, so there's plenty of reason to believe he'll be back with the Twins later this summer. A corresponding move will be announced Wednesday.

Lange (5-3) allowed an unearned run to take the loss in Tuesday's extra-inning contest with the Angels. He gave up a hit and a walk, while also striking out one.

Lange worked the 10th inning of a 6-6 game and allowed his inherited runner to score on a one-out Mickey Moniak double. The righty also walked Hunter Renfroe and uncorked a wild pitch, so it wasn't his sharpest outing even if he didn't allow any earned runs. Lange continues to mow batters down, as he now has 53 strikeouts in 41.2 innings, though he's also walked 28. He'll need to exhibit better control if he wants to avoid rough outings moving forward.

German signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

German was released by the Reds earlier this month and will now return to the Red Sox organization. German made his MLB debut last season with the Red Sox, though he will likely require a major turnaround from his 7.78 ERA and 2.24 WHIP in Triple-A before he gets another shot at the big-league level.

Boston optioned Robertson to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Dodgers on Tuesday evening -- along with Justin Hagenman -- in exchange for Enrique Hernandez. Robertson should get an opportunity in the Red Sox bullpen at some point down the stretch.