MLB Player News

Pearson is set to join the Blue Jays in Toronto on Monday and could be recalled from Triple-A Buffalo ahead of the big club's series opener versus the White Sox, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

The Blue Jays appear to have abandoned developing Pearson as a starter due to injuries having cost him extensive time in each of the previous three seasons, but the power right-hander still possesses the type of premium velocity that could make him a major weapon near the back end of the bullpen. He's flashed that potential thus far at Buffalo, pitching to a 2.16 ERA and 16:5 K:BB across 8.1 innings over his eight appearances. Once he's formally activated, Pearson could start out in a lower-leverage role out of the bullpen, but it's not difficult to envision him emerging as one of the top setup men for closer Jordan Romano if he can stay healthy and keep his free passes in check.

Smith allowed one hit and struck out one to record his second save in Sunday's 5-2 win over Oakland.

With a couple of left-handed batters due up in the ninth inning, Texas manager Bruce Bochy had Smith warming up to close out the game instead of a rested Jose Leclerc. Smith has been reliable in whichever role Bochy wants, so more save chances can be expected. The lefty reliever has allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out 10 over 8.1 innings.

Fairbanks struck out one and did not allow a hit in a shutout ninth inning to earn the save in a 4-1 win over the White Sox on Sunday.

Fairbanks pitched for the second time in as many days and was able to send the White Sox down with 13 pitches. The 29-year-old has been nearly untouchable in the early going. He currently boasts a 0.00 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a 5:3 K:BB over seven innings. Saves have been hard to come by with the Rays dominating the competition so far, but Fairbanks has been the team's best reliever and seems to be the ninth-inning guy for manager Kevin Cash.

Duran struck out one and did not give up a hit in a scoreless ninth Sunday against the Nationals to secure his fifth save of the season.

Duran sent all three batters down in 12 pitches in what was his first save since April 14. The 25-year-old flamethrower has held opponents scoreless in six of his eight outings, and now sits at a 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and a 10:2 K:BB over 7.1 innings.

Akin (1-1) issued two intentional walks and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the extra-inning win over the Tigers on Sunday.

Akin issued intentional walks to right-handed hitters in Eric Haase and Spencer Torkelson, and the strategy paid off. The Orioles southpaw was able to get lefty hitters Zach McKinstry and Nick Maton out to end a bases-loaded threat before Baltimore won with Adam Frazier darting home on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 10th inning. Akin has had his struggles in a low-leverage role, pitching to a 6.75 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 5:2 K:BB across 5.1 innings. He also has one hold.

Estevez picked up the save in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Royals with a perfect inning.

Estevez picked up his third save of the season Sunday, retiring all three batters he faced on just six total pitches. He has allowed just one hit and no runs in his last three appearances combined.

Long was traded from the Giants to the Athletics on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations.

Long was designated for assignment by San Francisco on Wednesday, but he'll have an opportunity to carve out a role with the Athletics. The southpaw began the season at Triple-A Sacramento and posted a 9.90 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 10 innings over four relief appearances, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him head to Triple-A Las Vegas to begin his time with his new club.

Clase picked up the save with a clean ninth inning Sunday against the Marlins.

Clase coaxed three straight groundouts on just six pitches to wrap up a 7-4 win over Miami. Clase now has seven saves on the year, tied for second-most in the league, converting all but one opportunity. He's 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB through 12 innings this season.

Abreu picked up the save Sunday during a 5-2 win over Atlanta, recording one walk and one strikeout over a scoreless ninth inning.

Houston took a 5-2 lead in the top of the ninth, and with Ryan Pressly unavailable again, the Astros turned to Abreu for a second straight day. He proceeded to walk the leadoff hitter -- Austin Riley -- and hit the next batter -- Ozzie Albies -- but induced a double play by Eddie Rosario and struck out Sam Hilliard to end the game. It was Abreu's second save in three tries, and he currently has a 0.73 ERA with a 19:6 K:BB through 12.1 innings.

Managar Dusty Baker said after Sunday's 5-2 win over Atlanta that Pressly wasn't available to pitch, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The 34-year-old threw 22 pitches and picked up his first save of the season Friday in Atlanta, so it's curious Bryan Abreu was called upon in save situations both Saturday and Sunday. Pressly remains the favorite for saves going forward and is assumed to be healthy since Baker didn't mention an injury, but the right-hander now has just one of Houston's five saves this season.