MLB Player News

Thornton was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Thornton was called up by Toronto on Aug. 7 and made four relief appearances for the big-league club since then. He struck out six while posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in six innings but will head back to the minors after Ross Stripling (hip) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Chapman appears to be the top candidate to step in as the Yankees' primary closer after manager Aaron Boone suggested following Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Rays that Clay Holmes (back) will likely go on the injured list, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Though Chapman hasn't received any save opportunities since returning July 1 from an IL stint of his own due to Achilles tendinitis, he's started to resemble the dominant end gamer he's been throughout most of his career, especially in his more recent appearances. Dating back to July 26, Chapman has turned in nine straight scoreless outings while delivering an 0.43 WHIP and 10:1 K:BB in 9.1 innings over that stretch. Despite not having held the closer's role since landing on the IL in late May, Chapman is likely still rostered in the majority of fantasy leagues, but Holmes' impending absence means that the 34-year-old lefty should be scooped up immediately if he happens to be sitting on the waiver wire anywhere.

The Royals optioned Mills to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

He'll cede his spot on the 26-man active roster and in the bullpen to right-hander Joel Payamps (personal), who was reinstated from the bereavement list. Mills turned in a 5.66 ERA and 1.66 WHIP while collecting four holds over his 18 appearances following his July 1 call-up from Triple-A.

Payamps was reinstated from the bereavement list Wednesday.

Payamps had been away from the team since Saturday while tending to a personal matter, but he'll be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale in Minnesota. He's made five appearances since the All-Star break, posting a 3.00 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in nine innings.

Bautista struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Tuesday to record his seventh save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Blue Jays.

The dominant rookie fired nine of 11 pitches for strikes while setting down the heart of the Toronto order, and two of his fastballs popped triple digits on the radar gun. Bautista has gone 4-for-4 on save chances since taking over as the Orioles' closer, and since the All-Star break, he sports a 1.35 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 22:3 K:BB through 13.1 innings.

Hendriks struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Astros.

The White Sox pulled ahead in the eighth inning and Hendriks made the one-run lead stick. This was the eighth straight appearance in which he's picked up a save, and he's allowed just one run in eight innings in that span. Hendriks appears to be over his late-July struggles. The White Sox's closer has a 2.95 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 61:11 K:BB while converting 27 of 30 save chances in 42.2 innings this year.

Winder (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Monday in Fort Myers, Fla., and was feeling well Tuesday, John Shipley of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Winder was placed on Triple-A St. Paul's 7-day injured list July 23 with right shoulder impingement syndrome. He hopes to return in September but he'll need to make a few rehab appearances in the lower levels of the minors prior to being activated.

Adam earned the save Tuesday, striking out two in 1.1 innings in a 3-1 victory over the Yankees.

Adam entered the game in the eighth inning with two outs and one on to face Aaron Judge and got the slugger to ground out. He then worked a perfect ninth, including fanning Anthony Rizzo and Jose Trevino. Adam has been called upon to finish out the last three ballgames for the Rays, saving Sunday's contest against Baltimore and finishing Monday's 4-0 victory over New York. His seven saves are tied for the team lead with Colin Poche and Brooks Raley.

Barnes threw a perfect inning to pick up the save Tuesday against the Pirates. He struck out two.

The veteran reliever needed just 10 pitches to take care of the bottom of the Pirates' order and secure his third save of the season. This was his first save since returning from the IL in early August, as manager Alex Cora has turned to Garrett Whitlock and John Schreiber for recent save opportunities. The Red Sox closer situation is murky at the moment with any of Whitlock, Schreiber and Barnes in contention for saves, but Barnes still figures to be third in line as he carries a subpar 6.45 ERA and 1.52 WHIP on the season.

Pivetta (9-9) earned the win Tuesday, allowing one hit and three walks over seven scoreless innings against Pittsburgh. He struck out six.

Pivetta cruised through the Pittsburgh lineup Tuesday, allowing just four runners on base in seven innings of work. This marks the first time the veteran righty has not allowed a run since June 4, as he brought his ERA down to 4.28 on the season. He tentatively lines up to face the Orioles in Baltimore this weekend.