MLB Player News

Pilkington allowed a hit and two walks while striking out six over 5.2 scoreless innings versus the Twins in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader. He did not factor in the decision.

Pilkington turned in a strong performance, but he was long out of the game when it was finally decided in the 15th inning. He was tagged for four runs in five innings in his previous start, but this was a much more convincing outing. For the year, he has a 3.88 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 50:32 K:BB through 58 innings across 15 appearances (11 starts) in the majors. With Aaron Civale (forearm) set to return Tuesday, it's unclear if Pilkington will hang around as a reliever or get optioned back to Triple-A Columbus in favor of a fresh arm after Saturday's doubleheader depleted the Guardians' bullpen.

Brieske (right forearm soreness) will not return this season, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

His rehab is nearly done, but he's run out of time to make a responsible return to the big-league rotation. Brieske, 24, had a 4.19 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 81.2 innings over 15 starts in the majors this year as a rookie.

Patino was scratched his scheduled start Saturday for Triple-A Durham due to right shoulder discomfort, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 22-year-old righty has had a difficult season. He opened the year in the rotation but failed to complete a single inning before suffering an oblique strain which sidelined him until mid-July. Since his return, he's bounced between the majors and minors, posting a 7.91 ERA in six MLB starts and a 4.50 ERA in nine Triple-A outings. He's now at real risk of missing the remainder of the season unless his shoulder injury turns out to be very minor.

Rodriguez was called up by the Twins on Saturday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez made a single four-inning appearance back in April, allowing three runs. His 5.02 ERA in 89.2 innings at the Triple-A level hardly inspires confidence, but he'll be called on nonetheless with Trevor Megill heading to the COVID-19 injured list.

Megill was placed on the the COVID-19 injured list Saturday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear whether Megill has tested positive for the virus himself or if he's merely on the injured list due to contact tracing, but he'll miss at least a few days and possibly more. Dereck Rodriguez was called up to take his place in the bullpen.

Barlow (finger) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Barlow has missed most of the last two months due to a blister on his finger, but he resumed mound work in early September and will return to game action in the minors Saturday. It's not yet clear how many rehab appearances he'll require before rejoining the big-league club.

Martinez (4-5) gave up four earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out six over five innings to take the loss in a 5-0 defeat against the Astros on Friday.

Martinez was crushed by four solo home runs on 97 pitches to take his fifth loss in nine starts this season. Three of the homers came off the bat of Yordan Alvarez, who perfectly read the ball coming out of Martinez's hand in each of his three times through the order. Martinez's ERA rises to a bloated 5.77 with the performance and he now has a -0.4 WAR on the season according to Baseball-Reference. The rookie right-hander is tentatively expected to make his next start against the Mariners.

Holmes (6-4) gave up one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out one over 0.2 innings to take the loss in a 7-6 defeat against the Brewers on Friday.

Holmes came into a tie game in the bottom of the ninth and promptly gave up a leadoff double to Hunter Renfroe. The baserunner would eventually come around to score and give the Brewers the walkoff victory on a bases-loaded single by the number nine hitter, Garrett Mitchell. Holmes converted his last three save opportunities coming into the game, but he struggled in this non-save situation. He has an ERA of 4.50 in seven September appearances.

Ridings (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Somerset on Saturday.

Ridings has been facing live hitters for several weeks and will return to game action in the minors Saturday. It's not yet clear whether the right-hander will have enough time to ramp up prior to the end of the regular season since he hasn't pitched in a game in over a year.

Yarbrough is expected to serve as the Rays' bulk reliever behind opener Shawn Armstrong during Saturday's game against the Rangers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Yarbrough has been effective over two appearances in September, striking out four in 7.2 scoreless innings. Although Armstrong will begin Saturday's game on the mound, Yarbrough should have the chance to see plenty of work in relief.