MLB Player News

Murfee will undergo an MRI on his injured right elbow Monday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Murfee was making his first appearance Sunday versus the Angels following a five-plus week stint on the injured list with an elbow issue, so this is ominous news. The first injury was referred to as inflammation, but an MRI could potentially show something more serious.

Mayers (1-2) took the loss Sunday versus the Orioles, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out one over five innings.

The Royals were able to overcome the three-spot opener Jonathan Hernandez gave up in the first inning, but Mayers struggled in the third and fourth innings. He's worked behind an opener each of his last three outings to mixed results -- he's given up 11 runs (10 earned) over 14 innings in that span. For the season, he's at a 5.06 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 16:9 K:BB over 21.1 innings. If he continues in his current role, he's lined up to start or pitch as a bulk reliever over the weekend at home versus the Angels.

Fairbanks (hip) is scheduled to throw a second live batting practice session Monday with the Rays' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fairbanks joined the FCL club over the weekend and already threw one live session, which apparently went well. Assuming Monday's workout goes without a hitch, Fairbanks could avoid a formal minor-league rehab assignment entirely and make his return to the Tampa Bay bullpen by the end of the week. Fairbanks' placement on the 15-day injured list is retroactive to May 28, so he'll be eligible for activation as soon as Tuesday.

Littell (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday and has made three appearances thus far, covering two innings and allowing four earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out one batter.

Littell is working his way back from a bout with right shoulder inflammation, an issue that resulted in his placement on the 15-day injured list May 24. Before picking up the injury, Littell was a fringe member of the Rays' 40-man roster, so he likely won't be assured a spot in the big-league bullpen once he's formally activated. Littell hasn't helped his cause by having pitched ineffectively thus far during his rehab assignment.

Foley (2-2) blew the save and took the loss in Sunday's 7-5 loss against the Diamondbacks. He allowed four runs on four hits and a walk over one inning.

Foley had a chance to earn his first save since April 25 as he was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning. After recording the first out, he allowed the next three Diamondbacks to reach safely before Christian Walker roped a two-out double, putting the Tigers behind 6-5 and ultimately handing Foley the loss. The 27-year-old Foley had allowed just one earned run in his last 11.2 innings prior to Sunday's outing. He still sports a solid 2.63 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 22:6 K:BB through 27.1 innings this season. With Alex Lange struggling, the Tigers may give Foley another shot in the ninth.

Pearson (4-0) picked up the win Sunday over the Twins, allowing one hit and striking out three over two scoreless innings.

The right-hander needed only 25 pitches (16 strikes) to knife through the Minnesota order, and he was still the pitcher of record when Cavan Biggio launched a game-winning homer in the bottom of the eighth inning. Pearson's four wins have come in only 16 appearances, including three in his last four games, and his 2.05 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 25:5 K:BB through 22 innings highlight how well he and his 98 mph fastball have adjusted to a high-leverage bullpen role.

Leclerc allowed one hit and struck out two over 2.2 scoreless innings in Sunday's 7-3 loss to Tampa Bay.

Leclerc, pitching for the first time in eight days, came on in the fourth inning after the Rays chased starter Martin Perez. Leclerc opened the season as the Rangers' closer, but has dropped to a middle-long relief role. He hasn't allowed a run over his last seven innings, but manager Bruce Bochy continues to use other arms when games are on the line.

Long picked up the save Sunday against the Brewers. He allowed one hit over one-third of a scoreless inning.

Long was thrust into a bases-loaded situation with two outs and four runs of cushion but managed to shut down the Brewers' comeback efforts to claim his second save of the season. Though Long gave up a single to Abraham Toro that plated two runs, he managed to retire his next batter to improve to a perfect 2-for-2 in save opportunities in 2023.

Martin struck out two batters in a perfect 10th inning and earned a save over the Yankees on Sunday.

Martin fired 11 of 13 pitches for strikes to close out the 3-2 win to help the Red Sox take the series against the Yankees. He picked up his first save of the year and lowered his ERA to 2.29 with a 16:2 K:BB and 12 holds through 20 appearances. It was Martin's first save chance since blowing an opportunity June 1. Kenley Jansen picked up the win after working a scoreless ninth frame.

Richards took a no-decision after working three scoreless innings as a starter in Saturday's 9-4 loss to the Twins. He struck out seven while allowing one hit and one walk.

Richards filled the rotation spot that had previously belonged to the since-optioned Alek Manoah, but because he had worked out of the bullpen in each of his previous 21 outings this season, Richards' workload was monitored carefully. He still managed to impress in the abbreviated outing, recording his nine outs on 53 pitches, including 16 which induced swings and misses. Richards will likely have a longer leash if the Blue Jays decide to have him make another start, though he could still struggle to work deep enough into the contest to qualify for a win