MLB Player News

Alexy allowed three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out two over two-plus innings in Friday's 8-3 loss to the Mariners.

Alexy, who was recently shifted from starter to reliever in the minors, made his bullpen debut for the Rangers. He made it through the sixth and seventh innings unscathed but left a bases-loaded, none-out mess in the eighth inning for Jose Leclerc, who ceded a grand slam to Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners averaged an exit velocity of 96 mph with an expected batting average of .413 on balls in play off Alexy.

Brasier struck out two in a perfect 11th inning Friday to record his first save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Yankees.

John Schreiber, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck -- who blew the save in the ninth but stayed in to pitch a scoreless 10th -- had all seen action already by the time Boston retook the lead in the top of the 11th, leaving Brasier to handle the save opportunity. Given the 34-year-old's 5.40 ERA through six appearances in July, Brasier isn't likely to see consistent high-leverage work after the All-Star break despite getting the job done Friday.

Fulmer (2-4) allowed two runs on two hits while retiring two batters and took the loss Friday against the Guardians. He walked two and struck out one.

Fulmer has been good this season but the righty didn't have his best stuff Friday, allowing an earned run for the first time in his last six outings. Fulmer actually made it through all of June without allowing an earned run, and he still has a strong 2.38 ERA for the year despite the hiccup. The 29-year-old should remain one of Detroit's better relief options in front of closer Gregory Soto.

Shaw (4-1) allowed one hit across two scoreless innings to pick up the win Friday over the Tigers.

Shaw entered Friday having allowed five runs (four earned) in his last 3.2 innings. He was able to keep the Guardians' deficit to one run, and they pulled ahead in the bottom of the seventh to put the veteran reliever in line for the win. This was Shaw's first win since June 15, and he's struggled by allowing at least one run in six of his last nine appearances. The right-hander has a 5.17 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 26:14 K:BB while adding four holds in 31.1 innings in 37 outings this season. Given his recent struggles, he'll likely continue to see middle-relief assignments.

Hearn (4-6) allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks over four innings Friday, striking out seven and taking a loss against Seattle.

After Matt Bush opened the game with a scoreless frame, Hearn took the mound in the second inning. He threw two shutout innings himself before the Mariners tagged him for three runs in the fourth. Hearn then allowed another run in the fifth. It was his first MLB appearance since June 25 and his season ERA dropped slightly to 5.78. In five June outings before his demotion, the 27-year-old posted a 6.75 ERA across 22.2 innings.

Smeltzer didn't factor into the decision during Friday's 6-2 defeat at the hands of the White Sox, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with one strikeout in three innings.

Smeltzer permitted both runs on four baserunners in the first inning but was able to prevent Chicago from scoring over the next two frames. Manager Rocco Baldelli opted to remove the 26-year-old with the top of Chicago's order due up for a third time despite having tossed only 67 pitches -- his second lowest total in 12 turns. Smeltzer concludes the first half with a 4.02 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 37 strikeouts in 62.2 innings.

Stephan struck out two batters in a perfect inning and picked up a save over Detroit on Friday.

Stephan threw 10 of 13 pitches for strikes and quickly worked through the Tigers in dominant fashion. He's now given up just one run over his last 12 appearances, lowering his season ERA to 2.80 through 35.1 frames. Emmanuel Clase was likely unavailable Friday after pitching the previous two days.

Yarbrough will be recalled from Triple-A Durham to start Saturday against Baltimore, Steve Carney of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander was demoted to Durham after surrendering four runs over 5.1 innings during his last start for Tampa Bay on June 30, and he'll temporarily rejoin the big-league rotation again Saturday. Yarbrough has a 5.82 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 20:11 K:BB across 34 frames in the majors this season.

Patino allowed two runs on four hits and a walk over 3.1 innings during Friday's win over Baltimore. He failed to record a strikeout and did not factor in the decision.

Patino made his first MLB appearance since April 11 after a lengthy stint on the injured list. His fastball sat in the mid-90s but he forced just two swinging strikes. The two runs he allowed Friday both came via the long ball, as Trey Mancini and Ramon Urias each knocked a solo home run. Patino threw 38 of 56 pitches for strikes and the Rays are likely going to be cautious with the 22-year-old as they ramp up his workload.

Raley threw a perfect inning and earned a save against Baltimore on Friday.

Raley tossed eight of 12 pitches for strikes and made quick work of the Orioles to finish off the 5-4 victory. He's now converted six of his seven save opportunities this season and lowered his ERA to 2.86 through 28.1 frames. The 34-year-old southpaw has given up three runs over his last 14 outings, all coming during an ugly outing in Cincinnati on July 9.