MLB Player News

Pivetta (2-4) earned the win after allowing one run on two hits across nine innings during Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Astros. He finished with eight strikeouts and zero walks.

Pivetta allowed a leadoff blast to Jose Altuve in the first inning and then proceeded to shut down the Astros' potent offense for the rest of the day. After posting a dismal 7.84 ERA though his first five starts, the 29-year-old right-hander has been dominant over his last three appearances. During that stretch, Pivetta has allowed just two runs across 22 innings while sporting a 20:1 K:BB. His next start is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday's matchup with the White Sox.

Lopez (4-1) allowed two runs on two hits and no walks while striking out one across two innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Royals.

Lopez entered the game in the sixth inning with the score tied 2-2. He immediately ran into trouble, surrendering a single, a triple and a sacrifice fly to account for the two tallies against him, though he returned for a clean frame in the seventh. Lopez had turned in six straight appearances without an earned run -- spanning 6.1 innings -- prior to Wednesday's loss, also picking up two wins and a hold in that span. For the season, Lopez has a 4.02 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP across 15.2 frames.

Yarbrough is set to serve as a bulk reliever behind opener Jalen Beeks in Friday's game against the Orioles in Baltimore, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Even though Yarbrough has pitched well in his last two starts -- he allowed one run on six hits and four walks in 8.2 innings between the outings -- the 30-year-old has yet to record his first win of the season. Yarbrough would already have been well positioned to factor into the decision if he operated as a traditional starter against the 14-24 Orioles, but the Rays' choice to deploy him behind an opener should only increase his odds of capturing his first win. Beeks is expected to work no more than 2-to-3 innings before giving way to Yarbrough, who could end up pitching the rest of the game if he's able to retire hitters efficiently.

Beeks will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Friday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Since he hasn't covered more than two innings in any of his nine relief appearances this season and will be taking the mound on three days' rest, Beeks will likely be pulled from the game before the lineup turns over. Ryan Yarbrough is scheduled to enter the game behind Beeks and serve as a bulk reliever, which could put him in better position than normal to factor into the decision.

Iglesias (1-2) took the loss during Wednesday's 6-5 defeat at the hands of the Rangers, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit with one strikeout in one-third of an inning.

Iglesias entered a 4-4 tie with the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the ninth and induced a Jonah Heim strikeout to neutralize the threat. Los Angeles scored one in the top of the 10th and Iglesias stayed to finish things up, but he served up a Nathaniel Lowe walk-off homer on the very first pitch. After converting all eight save opportunities prior to Saturday, the 32-year-old has surrendered walk-off long balls in consecutive appearances that have upped his ERA from 2.13 to 4.61.

Barlow was unavailable for Wednesday's save opportunity against the Angels due to a "hot spot" on his right index finger, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The right-hander has apparently battled the blister issue all season, but it flared up more than usual Wednesday and prevented him from being available. Barlow could remain unavailable for another day or two before reclaiming the closer's role. Dennis Santana secured the save against the Halos, but Matt Bush (who blew the save in Wednesday's win) and Brock Burke could also be in the mix if another save opportunity arises in the next couple days.

Holmes earned a save against the Orioles on Wednesday, tossing two scoreless innings during which he allowed one hit and struck out one.

Aroldis Chapman has been shaky of late and had pitched three of the past four days, so the Yankees opted not to go to him with a one-run lead entering the bottom of the ninth inning. Instead, manager Aaron Boone stuck with Holmes, who had thrown just eight pitches in a scoreless eighth frame. The right-hander had no trouble closing out the contest, retiring the side in order. Despite his recent struggles, Chapman hasn't blown a save this season and isn't likely to be demoted from the closer role just yet, but Holmes would be among the top candidates to step in if that decision were to be made down the road.

Winder isn't expected to start against the Royals this weekend, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The right-hander surprisingly covered 3.2 frames as a long reliever Tuesday, and he won't be rejoining Minnesota's starting rotation this weekend, with Devin Smeltzer, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober (groin) expected to take the mound. Winder had a 1.61 ERA over his first five outings but has given up nine runs (eight earned) over seven frames in his last two appearances, and it appears he may now be ticketed for bullpen work.

Smeltzer is scheduled to start Friday's game against the Royals, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The 26-year-old was called up for a spot start last Saturday and will receive another turn through the rotation after giving up one run on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks over five innings. Smeltzer and Josh Winder are in competition for the No. 6 spot in the rotation -- assuming the Twins continue to use six starters -- with Chris Paddack (elbow) out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery Wednesday.

Valdez was designated for assignment by the Angels on Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Valdez's contract was selected by the Angels on Tuesday, and he allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and no walks while failing to strike out a batter in a relief inning against the Rangers. He'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster after Jose Suarez was called up Wednesday.