MLB Player News

Howard (1-1) earned the win Monday over the Athletics. He allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits and struck out one over five innings.

Howard got through three innings without trouble, then allowed an RBI single to Seth Brown in the fourth and a solo home run to Sheldon Neuse in the fifth. The Athletics rallied late against the Rangers' bullpen, but Brett Martin closed it out to earn Howard his first win in five appearances this year. Howard allowed four runs in four innings in his previous start, so this was a marked improvement for the right-hander. He still has an 8.04 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 15:4 K:BB through 15.2 innings, but with Dane Dunning (ankle) landing on the injured list, Howard should get an extended look in the rotation. He's lined up for a weekend home start versus the Mariners.

Zerpa (1-0) allowed one hit across two scoreless innings to earn the win in the second game of Monday's doubleheader versus the Tigers. He recorded zero strikeouts and zero walks.

Zerpa hadn't pitched above the Double-A level this season, but he was able to hold his own against major-league hitters in just his second career appearance with the Royals. For his efforts, he was awarded the win after Daniel Lynch (finger) went only four innings and wasn't eligible for the decision. Zerpa has a 4.36 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 69:21 K:BB in 64 innings across 13 starts with Northwest Arkansas this year, and it's expected he'll return to the Double-A club Tuesday after being designated the 27th man for Monday's doubleheader.

Alexander, who allowed one run across 3.1 innings of relief in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the Royals, has a 1.06 ERA across his last eight appearances.

The run actually snapped a streak of six straight scoreless outings for Alexander. The lefty has allowed just two runs across 17 innings since returning from the injured list June 13. He's still working in a long-relief role for the time being, but the Tigers could give Alexander a shot in the rotation at some point, as he made 15 starts a season ago. The team currently has Tarik Skubal, Beau Brieske, Michael Pineda and Drew Hutchison as healthy starters on the roster, with Alex Faedo optioned to Triple-A following his start in Monday's nightcap.

Barlow tossed a perfect inning and earned a save in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against Detroit.

Barlow needed just six pitches to roll through the Tigers and finish off the 3-1 victory. He's now converted six straight save chances since coughing up three runs and blowing an opportunity against the Angels on June 21. On the year, the 29-year-old is 14-of-16 in save chances with a 2.27 ERA over 39.2 frames.

Fleming left Monday's game against the Red Sox with right oblique tightness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fleming will undergo further testing Tuesday to determine the severity of the issue. However, manager Kevin Cash stated that Fleming is likely headed to the 10-day injured list, per Topkin.

Taylor (back) is scheduled to throw an inning with Double-A Portland on Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of Mass Live reports.

Taylor is set for yet another appearance in the minors while rehabbing from a strained lower back. The Red Sox have not yet announced whether this will be his final rehab outing before being activated from the 60-day IL.

Chapman (0-3) took the loss against Boston on Sunday, allowing one run on one hit and two walks while striking out two over one inning.

Chapman came on in the sixth inning with the game tied 6-6, and he allowed the first three batters he faced to reach base on a single and two walks. The veteran reliever bounced back to retire the next three hitters -- including two by strikeout -- but a Jeter Downs sacrifice fly allowed the go-ahead run to cross the plate, and New York was unable to score again in the contest. Chapman has allowed three runs and has walked five batters over three innings since returning from the IL on July 1. It seems unlikely that he'll regain the closer role until he gets back on track.

Anderson (elbow) is on track to throw in a Florida Complex League game later this month, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It has taken awhile for Anderson to recover from the elbow procedure he underwent last October, but he has seemingly made good progress of late. He's scheduled to face live hitters Tuesday, and if all goes well in the next two weeks, the Rays are hoping he will pitch in a FCL game July 26.

Fleming is expected to work as the Rays' primary pitcher out of the bullpen behind opener Matt Wisler in Monday's game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Though he won't be awarded the starting nod, Fleming will essentially be taking Jeffrey Springs' spot in the rotation after Springs was moved to the 15-day injured list Sunday with lower right leg tightness. Over 23.1 innings with the big club this season, Fleming has posted a 6.17 ERA, 1.89 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB.

Swanson (personal) was reinstated from the paternity list Monday.

Swanson was away from the team for a few days following the birth of his daughter, but he'll rejoin the Mariners after spending just two days on the paternity list. Jacob Barnes was designated for assignment by Seattle to make room on the active roster.