MLB Player News

Barlow gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 13th save of the season in a 10-7 win over the Twins.

The right-hander rebounded from his third blown save of the season in impressive fashion, fanning Alex Kirilloff and Jorge Polanco en route to his fourth save in July. Barlow's recent stumbles have left him with a 5.35 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 47:22 K:BB through 38.2 innings on the season, but his high-leverage experience could still make him an attractive target for a contender at the trade deadline.

Bradford will start Sunday's game against the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The left-hander allowed two runs over five frames in bulk relief Tuesday and will work as a traditional starter for Sunday's series finale in San Diego, with Nathan Eovaldi (elbow) missing a second straight turn through the rotation. Even with Eovaldi's availability up in the air for the near future, it'll likely just be a spot start for Bradford since the Rangers acquired Max Scherzer from the Mets on Saturday.

Pivetta could pitch behind opener Brennan Bernardino in Sunday's game against the Giants, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Pivetta delivered five scoreless frames of bulk relief Tuesday against Atlanta, lining him up to potentially take the mound for Sunday's series finale in San Francisco. Boston's full pitching plans haven't been confirmed, but the right-hander has been excellent out of the bullpen this season with a 1.98 ERA over 41 innings and is a decent bet to take the mound after Bernardino.

Bernardino will start Sunday's game against the Giants, Ian Browne of MLB.comreports.

Sunday's contest will feature a pair of openers, with Bernardino pitching for the Red Sox and Scott Alexander for the Giants. Bernardino has started four games this season but hasn't recorded more than six outs in any appearance, so he should cover only an inning or two before giving way to Boston's likely bulk reliever, Nick Pivetta.

Littell will start Sunday's game against the Astros, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

The right-hander hasn't pitched since he delivered two scoreless innings last Sunday against Baltimore, and he'll start Tampa Bay's bullpen day in Houston a week later. Littell has covered at least two frames in each of his past four outings, but he shouldn't be expected to last more than once through the order Sunday.

Jansen (2-5) took the loss Saturday against the Giants. He allowed a solo home run and failed to record an out.

After the Red Sox scored a pair of runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game, Jansen took the mound with the opportunity to force extra innings. However, he would only throw one pitch, as J.D. Davis took him yard for a walk-off home run and handed Jansen his fifth loss of 2023. The outing broke a streak of seven consecutive scoreless appearances (5.2 innings) for Jansen and marked just his third home run given up on the season.

Loaisiga (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa on Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Loaisiga underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow in May and will likely make several appearances in the minors before returning to the Yankees' bullpen. The 28-year-old made only three appearances before landing on the IL, surrendering one run across 3.1 innings.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

He gave up seven earned runs in one inning during his most recent performance Wednesday against the Rangers, and Kendall Graveman will take his place in the bullpen. The Astros could summon Martinez again next time they need a fresh bullpen arm.

Swanson is considered one of the top candidates to get saves while Jordan Romano (back) is on the 15-day injured list, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Yimi Garcia and Tim Mayza were also mentioned by McGrath as candidates to work in a closer-by-committee situation in the short term, and the Jays could also look to acquire a high-leverage reliever via trade. Swanson has eight career saves and five in the last two seasons. He has a 3.51 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 48.2 innings.

Pearson was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Jordan Romano was placed on the 15-day injured list with lower-back inflammation in a corresponding move. Pearson has one save at Triple-A and one save in the majors this season, but it will likely be Erik Swanson or Yimi Garcia who get tabbed for any save opportunities that arise in the short term.