MLB Player News

Munoz picked up his seventh save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Astros. He allowed two hits with no strikeouts or walks over a scoreless inning.

Munoz earned his fifth save since the Mariners traded away Paul Sewald at the deadline. It wasn't pretty, as Munoz allowed two baserunners prior to inducing Yainer Diaz to hit into a game-ending double play. Munoz has been shaky of late, allowing 12 baserunners with only five strikeouts over his past six appearances spanning 6.2 innings, but he's managed to give up only two earned runs over that stretch. On the year, he maintains a 2.70 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 44 strikeouts over 33.1 innings.

Hernandez held on for his second save of the season Friday versus the Cubs. He gave up one hit and one walk while striking out two.

On to try to preserve a one-run victory, the righty allowed a one-out single to Nico Hoerner but lucked out when the Cubs infielder was thrown out attempting to stretch it to a double. Hernandez then issued a two-out walk but struck out Cody Bellinger swinging to end the night. The Royals have two saves as a team since trading Scott Barlow, with Hernandez securing one and left-hander Austin Cox the other. Hernandez looks like the best bet to close the rest of the way, although manager Matt Quatraro might not settle on one guy.

Perez will serve as the Athletics' opener Friday versus the Orioles, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Luis Medina had been listed as the probable starter for Oakland, but he will instead operate in bulk relief. Perez, 26, has made only two appearances this season in the majors and carries a career 5.71 ERA.

Toronto optioned Jackson to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Jackson allowed three earned runs over five innings of relief during his two-week stay on the Blue Jays' major-league roster. Trevor Richards (neck) has been activated from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Toronto activated Richards (neck) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Richards missed the minimum 15 days because of neck inflammation. He'll return to the Blue Jays' bullpen Friday night against the Reds, holding a strong 2.98 ERA with 83 strikeouts through 54.1 innings this year.

Hernandez (1-8) allowed a run on one hit over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss and a blown save Thursday versus the Mariners. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Taylor Hearn was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the eighth inning, but he put two of the three batters he faced on base. Hernandez relieved him and immediately gave up a three-run moonshot to Julio Rodriguez. Hernandez has allowed nine runs (eight earned) over 5.1 innings in August, and he has two holds and a blown save without converting a save chance this month. He has one save, 12 holds, a 4.47 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 70:20 K:BB through 58.1 innings this year. Should the Royals have any leads to protect down the stretch, it's likely the save chances will be distributed on a committee basis.

Weissert was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

Weissert will provide the Yankees with a fresh relief arm as they begin a series this weekend against the rival Red Sox. He holds a 3.60 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 20 relief innings this season in the majors.

Clarke (elbow) was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Clarke wound up requiring just a minimum stay on the IL and rejoins the Royals' bullpen after skipping a rehab assignment. The right-hander has been used in high-leverage spot by Kansas City this season and could even be in the mix for some saves down the stretch.

Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Castillo allowed two runs over 3.1 innings during his most recent stint in the majors. The Royals will announce a corresponding move prior to their series opener Friday against the Cubs.

Brash picked up the save Thursday against the Royals, striking out one over a perfect inning.

Brash entered the contest with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and needed just eight pitches to retire the side in order and notch his fourth save of the season. It was a nice rebound effort after he surrendered four hits over his last two outings. The right-hander has now converted three of his last four save attempts and has not issued a walk in three straight appearances.