MLB Player News

Richards (0-1) took the loss Saturday as the Blue Jays fell 4-2 to the Rangers, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk over three innings. He struck out two.

Toronto has gone with something of a tandem approach to filling the hole in its rotation, and for the second straight appearance Richards started and went three innings before giving way to the rest of the bullpen. Unlike his last outing June 10, when he fanned seven Twins over three shutout frames, the right-hander had far less success this time around, tossing 36 of 65 pitches for strikes and serving up back-to-back homers to Josh Jung and Jonah Heim in the second inning. Until Alek Manoah turns things around or Hyun Jin Ryu (elbow) is ready to return, the Jays will likely continue patching together their fifth starter spot, and Richards should remain a big part of that plan. On the season, he sports a 3.82 ERA and 51:15 K:BB through 33 innings.

Mayers did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing six runs on seven hits and one walk over five innings against the Angels. He struck out one.

Mayers had been operating as a bulk reliever behind an opener during his last three appearances, but he drew his second start of the year Saturday. The role switch didn't change things for the right-hander, who has now given up 16 earned runs over his past three outings while posting more walks (five) than strikeouts (three) during that stretch. The Royals are dealing with numerous injuries to their pitching staff, which has allowed Mayers to carve out a role recently, but if he continues to struggle, Kansas City may have to look for help in the minors.

The Guardians recalled Herrin from Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old lefty will return to Cleveland's bullpen with the placement of Triston McKenzie (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Saturday. Herrin has made 10 major-league appearances this season, allowing nine runs over 12.2 innings while racking up 14 strikeouts.

Cleveland selected the contract of Norris from Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Norris will provide the Guardians with some bullpen depth after spending the first 10 weeks of 2023 in the minors. The southpaw posted a 6.93 ERA with a 1.91 WHIP in 37.2 innings over 14 appearances with Columbus prior to the promotion.

Bachman earned a save against the Royals on Friday, striking out two batters in two perfect innings.

Patrick Sandoval held KC scoreless over seven frames, and Bachman continued the shutout by retiring all three batters he faced in the eighth. Rather than turn to closer Carlos Estevez, who walked all three batters he faced the previous night, Angels manager Phil Nevin allowed Bachman to finish things out in the ninth with Los Angeles holding a 3-0 lead. The rookie succeeded with ease, retiring the side in order on 14 pitches. Bachman has allowed just one run over 12 innings as a major leaguer thus far, though his 10:8 K:BB suggests he's benefitted from some good fortune. Nonetheless, he may be moving up in the bullpen pecking order given his propensity for keeping runs off the board so far.

Englert (2-2) allowed one run on four hits across two innings of relief and earned the win Friday against the Twins. He had two strikeouts.

Englert followed opener Will Vest and was able to earn the win despite allowing a lot of traffic on the bases during his two innings of work. The righty has a middling 4.87 ERA and 1.52 WHIP for the season, limiting his fantasy appeal. He has at least been able to give the Tigers some length out of the bullpen, as 14 of his 23 appearances this year have covered at least two innings.

Garrett was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after Friday's game.

Garrett's contract was selected Wednesday. He made two relief appearances during his brief time in the big leagues, giving up three runs on seven hits in 2.2 innings of work. Spenser Watkins was called up to take his place in the bullpen.

Headrick was recalled Saturday from Triple-A St. Paul.

Headrick is expected to pitch in Saturday's game against Detroit and will likely be used as a multi-inning option after Jose De Leon opens the game. Though he's logged a 4.23 ERA at Triple-A this season, Headrick boasts a strong 21.9 K-BB%.

Winder was optioned Saturday to Triple-A St. Paul.

Winder gave up a run over two innings in Friday's loss to Detroit. He'll likely return at some point this summer to work in a long-relief role. He was seen as a potential starter last year, but he hasn't started at game at Triple-A (11 appearances) this season.

Romano struck out out three batters over 1.1 perfect innings of relief to record his 29th save of the season in Friday's 2-1 win over the Rangers.

The right-hander fired 14 of 18 pitches for strikes in an impressive performance, fanning Josh Jung, Jonah Heim and Mitch Garver to lock down his 10th straight successful save chance. Romano has a 1.74 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB in 10.1 innings since his last blown save May 20, and he's firmly on pace to top the career-high 36 saves he collected in 2022.