MLB Player News

Montero earned his fifth save Friday against the Yankees after not allowing a hit during a scoreless ninth inning. He had two walks and zero strikeouts.

Closer Ryan Pressly pitched the past two games and blew a save Thursday when he surrendered four runs in one-third of an inning, which opened the window for Montero to step in for the save Friday. The hiccup is unlikely to bump Pressly out of the closer role without further struggles, so Montero, who has a 1.82 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB over 29.2 innings this season, should continue to operate as the Astros' setup man.

Shaw (3-1) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Friday versus the Red Sox.

Shaw worked in the seventh inning, but he allowed a two-run home run to Christian Arroyo and then put J.D. Martinez on base with a two-out single. Anthony Gose allowed the inherited runner to score, and the Guardians were unable to get Shaw off the hook as the veteran reliever took his first loss of the season. He's allowed four runs in his last three appearances since the end of his 8.2-inning scoreless streak. The 34-year-old has a 4.70 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 18:12 K:BB across 23 innings overall, and he's added four holds in 30 appearances. Given his recent shakiness, he could start to relinquish some of the high-leverage opportunities he'd earned earlier in the month.

Pivetta (8-5) earned the win Friday against the Guardians after giving up two runs on nine hits with four strikeouts and zero walks over seven innings.

The right-hander threw 66 of 98 pitches for strikes and generated only five whiffs, but he was able to limit the damage since only one of the nine hits he allowed went for extra bases. It's the third straight victory for Pivetta, and he has a 1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB across 22 innings during that stretch. He tentatively lines up for his next start Wednesday in Toronto.

Garcia was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with a left back strain, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander was reported to be dealing with discomfort in his left side earlier this week, but the injury has now been diagnosed as a back strain. It's unclear exactly how long Garcia will be sidelined, though he'll be eligible to be reinstated from the injured list July 7. Jeremy Beasley was added to the 26-man roster in a corresponding move.

Walter landed on the injured list for Triple-A Worcester on Friday with a neck strain, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Walter cruised to a 2.88 ERA in nine starts to open the year for Double-A Portland, but he owns an 8.22 ERA after two starts for Worcester. It's unclear to what extent those struggles were injury-related.

Garcia is dealing with lower-back inflammation, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Reports from earlier in the week indicated Garcia was dealing with discomfort in his left side, but the issue is evidently in his lower back. He tested the injury by throwing some pitches Friday, but the Blue Jays have yet to announce if he's cleared to pitch.

Pearson was diagnosed with a lat strain Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Pearson has had brutal luck with injuries and illnesses, throwing just 33 major-league innings since his debut at the start of the 2020 season. He'd been building up in Triple-A Buffalo since late June after missing the start of the season due to mononucleosis, but he only made it through four appearances before suffering yet another setback. The Blue Jays have yet to provide a timeline for his return.

Payamps (illness) began a rehab assignment Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Payamps has been on the COVID-19 injured list for the last 12 days. Given the relatively brief length of his absence and the fact that he doesn't have to work up to a large pitch count as a reliever, it's possible he's activated after just one or two rehab outings.

Brentz (elbow) paused his rehab assignment to return to Kansas City and be reevaluated Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Brentz has been out since late April with a flexor strain. He'd recently begun a rehab assignment but felt renewed tightness in the same area, so his game action will be put on hold for now. A new timeline for his return should be available after the reevaluation.

Loaisiga (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

Previous reports indicated that Loaisiga could advance from throwing off flat ground to a bullpen session Thursday or Friday, but he's evidently a bit behind that schedule. He's been out for over a month with shoulder inflammation, so his return isn't imminent, but he's trending in the right direction.