MLB Player News

Barlow (4-3) allowed a solo home run in one-third of an inning to take the loss in Thursday's 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Yankees.

The Yankees had only four baserunners all game, but the last one was a home run trot for Aaron Judge when he took Barlow deep in the ninth inning. Entering Thursday, Barlow hadn't allowed a run in his last 10 innings. Since the game was tied when he began his appearance, he'll avoid a blown save -- the Royals' closer is 16-for-18 in save chances this year. He's added a 2.11 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 45:12 K:BB through 47 innings overall as a reliable part of an otherwise shaky bullpen group that ranks fourth-worst in the majors with a 4.53 ERA.

Romano earned a save over the Tigers on Thursday, pitching 1.1 perfect innings. He didn't strike out any batters.

A vast majority of Romano's appearances this season have been one inning or less, but he was brought in with two outs in the eighth frame Thursday to face Jeimer Candelario with the go-ahead run on first base. Romano got Candelario out, then set down the side in order in the ninth inning to finish off the save. This was the right-hander's 22nd save of the season and the third in which he's recorded more than three outs.

Moore allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Thursday's 2-0 win over the Angels.

Brett Martin had pitched three of the last four days and was presumably unavailable for Thursday's save chance. Moore gave up a one-out single to Luis Rengifo but didn't give up anything else to secure his second save of the season. Through 12 innings this month, Moore has allowed four runs (one earned), nine hits, four walks and a hit-by-pitch while striking out 11. He's maintained a 1.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 52:24 K:BB through 47.2 innings while adding four holds and a 4-2 record. Given his solid pitching this year, the veteran southpaw could be traded prior to Tuesday's deadline, though his multi-inning capability makes it a bit less likely that he'll see significant high-leverage chances.

Howard (2-2) allowed three hits and struck out five over five innings to earn the win Thursday over the Angels. He did not issue a walk.

Nathaniel Lowe's solo home run in the fourth inning was all the run support Howard and the Rangers needed to get the win. Considering the right-hander had surrendered 12 runs (11 earned), including four home runs, in his previous four outings, Thursday's effort was a massive success. He trimmed his ERA to 5.93 with a 1.58 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB across 30.1 innings in eight appearances (six starts). Howard's next outing is projected to be a home start versus the Orioles next week.

Alexander (2-4) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits across four innings to take the loss Thursday against the Blue Jays. He walked one and struck out one.

Alexander was making his fifth start of the season and first since April 29. The lefty pitched decently against a strong Toronto lineup, but he was limited to just 69 pitches across four innings of work. With Michael Pineda (triceps) hitting the injured list last weekend, Alexander will likely stick in the rotation for the time being and might be able to build up his pitch count moving forward. He's tentatively lines up to take the mound again Wednesday against the Twins.

Castillo struck out one and issued a walk in a scoreless inning of relief during Tuesday's 10-3 win over the Cardinals.

Castillo had made two turns through the rotation as the Blue Jays' No. 5 starter heading into the All-Star break, but he was moved to the bullpen in advance of Yusei Kikuchi's (neck) return from the 15-day injured list Thursday. The rookie right-hander will likely be ticketed for lower-leverage work in relief, at least initially.

Barlow (finger) will begin a rehab assignment over the weekend, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Barlow was placed on the injured list July 13 due to a blister. He's set to miss slightly more than the minimum 15 days but should return in early August, barring a setback. Barlow's role will be worth monitoring, as he was removed as closer shortly before suffering the injury. However, Brett Martin has struggled of late, which could open up save chances in Texas.

Silseth will be recalled from Double-A Rocket City to start Sunday's game against the Rangers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was sent down July 10 but will draw a start Saturday to give Reid Detmers and Noah Syndergaard additional rest. Over his last two major-league starts, Silseth has allowed seven runs on 11 hits and a walk while striking out eight in 8.1 innings.

Manager Scott Servais said Thursday that Giles (shoulder) will throw a live BP session soon, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Giles has been on the injured list since July 9 due to tightness behind his right shoulder but has been cleared to face hitters. Since the right-hander has dealt with various injuries over the last few years, it wouldn't be surprising to see him require a rehab assignment before he's cleared to rejoin the Mariners.

Lopez was placed on the 15-day injured list with a lower-back strain Thursday, retroactive to July 25.

Lopez's back injury has kept him off the mound since Saturday, and he'll be sidelined for at least another week and a half after being diagnosed with a strain. It's not yet clear when the White Sox expect the right-hander will return to action.