MLB Player News

Hernandez saved Thursday's 3-2 win against the White Sox, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Hernandez received a second straight save chance and delivered again with a stress-free outing. The 26-year-old has recorded saves in two of his last three appearances with five strikeouts across the outings and appears to be the new favorite to close games for Texas. He features a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with seven strikeouts in seven innings.

Pivetta didn't factor into the decision during Thursday's 7-3 loss to Kansas City, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk with five strikeouts in five innings.

Pivetta was given a two-run lead before he took the mound but gave it right back by surrendering two of his own on two hits in the bottom of the inning while allowing another run on three baserunners in the fifth. Aside from a one-run outing July 25, the 29-year-old has allowed at least three runs in each of his last six starts and has seen his ERA balloon from 3.23 to 4.51 as a result. In addition to 4.51 ERA, Pivetta carries a 1.33 WHIP with 119 strikeouts in 123.2 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come midweek against Atlanta.

Puk recorded the final out of Thursday's win against the Angels to earn the save.

Puk relieved Zach Jackson -- who allowed the tying run to reach base -- to earn his third save of the season. He has been in a near-even split for save chances with Jackson since the All-Star break, and the closer role will likely remain up for grabs after Lou Trivino was dealt at the trade deadline. We'll also note that Dany Jimenez just returned from a shoulder injury as well. Puk has made the most of his chances, turning in 12 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run and has tallied all three of his saves on the season since July 22. For the season, Puk owns a 2.01 ERA and a 45:11 K:BB across 44.2 frames.

Law was designated for assignment Thursday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Law has made two appearances out of the bullpen since being promoted to Detroit on July 30. He'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster in favor of Bryan Garcia, who will start Friday against the Rays.

Alcala underwent elbow surgery Wednesday and will not pitch again in 2022, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Alcala was placed on the injured list April 12 and attempted to return to the bullpen multiple times since. However, he recently had arthroscopic debridement surgery to end his campaign after just 2.1 innings. Alcala is expected to be ready for spring training in 2023.

Lopez (back) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and will throw a sim game over the weekend, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Lopez was placed on the injured list July 28, but the move was retroactive to July 25. It was hoped that he would have only a minimum stint, and this ramp-up schedule suggests he could be activated when first eligible Tuesday. Lopez has been a key part of the White Sox's bullpen, maintaining a 2.98 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 44:8 K:BB across 42.1 innings for the season.

Giles (shoulder) logged a hold for High-A Everett in a win over Hillsboro on Tuesday, firing a perfect sixth inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

Giles was encouragingly sharp while getting through his one frame on 12 pitches, nine of which found the strike zone. The oft-injured veteran right-hander was impressive over his first five outings since 2020 earlier in the season before going on the injured list July 9, and he'll likely log multiple appearances in the minors before being deemed ready for activation.

Santana was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left ankle sprain Thursday, retroactive to Aug. 3.

Santana hasn't been particularly sharp recently, giving up five runs in 2.1 innings over his last three appearances. It's possible that his ankle injury contributed to his struggles, and he'll be unavailable for at least two weeks. His placement on the IL helps create space on the active roster for Cole Ragans, whose contract was selected Thursday.

Barnes (shoulder) was activated from the 60-day injured list Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Barnes has been sidelined by the shoulder issue since late May and has been cleared to rejoin the big-league roster after an eight-game rehab assignment in the minors. The veteran right-hander surrendered seven earned runs across 7.2 innings with Triple-A Worcester and Double-A Portland. Barnes had a 7.94 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 14:12 K:BB across 17 frames prior to the injury and will likely fill a low-leverage role now that he's healthy.

Gage was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Gage was called up by the Blue Jays on Tuesday but didn't make any appearances during his time in the major-league bullpen. He'll head back to the minors to help make room on the active roster for Anthony Bass and Zach Pop, who were recently acquired by Toronto via trade.