MLB Player News

Vest tossed a scoreless inning of relief with a strikeout to earn the save in Monday's 2-1 win over the White Sox.

Though Kyle Finnegan has seemingly taken over closing duties from Vest since joining the Tigers at the trade deadline, it was Vest working the ninth inning Monday with Finnegan taking the eighth. It was the first save for Vest since July 20 and his 17th this season in 22 chances. Both pitchers figure to see high-leverage work moving forward, and while Finnegan is the top reliever to target in Detroit's bullpen at the moment, Vest still has some fantasy value in his current role.

Finnegan (2-4) tossed a scoreless inning of relief with a strikeout to earn the win in Monday's 2-1 victory over the White Sox.

Finnegan has earned three saves with the Tigers since coming over before the trade deadline, but he was used in the eighth inning Monday and managed to pick up his first win with his new team while Will Vest got the save. Finnegan still looks like Detroit's top closing option at the moment, though manager A.J. Hinch is known for mixing and matching with his bullpen, so Vest figures to remain in the mix for saves, giving both players fantasy value moving forward.

Astros manager Joe Espada said that Hader wasn't available to pitch in Monday's 7-6 victory over the Red Sox due to left shoulder discomfort, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Espada didn't specify whether Hader will require a stint on the injured list due to the shoulder issue, as the Astros will sent the closer in for further tests before deciding his next steps. While Hader was unavailable Monday, the Astros sent right-hander Enyel De Los Santos to the mound to begin the ninth inning, and he retired two of three hitters before being pulled in favor of lefty Bennett Sousa, who struck out the left-handed-hitting Roman Anthony to secure the save.

Estevez earned the save in Monday's 7-4 win against the Nationals, allowing one walk and no hits over a scoreless inning.

The 32-year-old reached the 30-save mark for the second time in his nine-year career, working around a two-out walk. Estevez has now converted five consecutive save opportunities since his last blown save July 18, pitching to a 3.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB in nine innings over that span. Across 51.1 total frames, the Royals closer sports a 2.81 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 42:19 K:BB while going 30-for-36 in save opportunities.

Martin (calf) threw a bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

This was the second bullpen session of the weekend for Martin, who is expected to face batters Tuesday. If all goes well against hitters, the right-hander is expected to begin a brief rehab assignment.

Sborz (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Monday, MLB.com reports.

Sborz, currently on the 60-day injured list, made a string of appearances on a rehab assignment before a brief "deloading" program, which is a planned period of reduced training. The right-hander continues to try to ramp up to game velocity.

The Royals placed Harvey on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right adductor strain.

Harvey has yet to allow a run this season, but he's been limited to just 12 relief appearances due to a shoulder injury and now an adductor strain. He will be eligible for activation Aug. 26, but it's unclear whether he'll have a chance to be ready at that time.

The Red Sox designated Burdi for assignment Monday.

He will give up his spot on the 40-man roster to left-hander Jovani Moran, who was called up from Triple-A Worcester ahead of Monday's series opener in Houston. The 32-year-old Burdi had made just four relief appearances for Boston this season but has pitched well for Worcester, logging a 1.88 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB across 24 innings.

The Red Sox optioned Murphy to Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

Murphy spent the first three months on the injured list while completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery before being activated in late June. Over 14 appearances out of the Boston bullpen, Murphy submitted a 3.05 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 19:10 K:BB in 20.2 innings while being used mainly in lower-leverage spots. His demotion likely has less to do with his performance than it does Boston's desire to bring in a fresh arm, as Murphy had pitched three of the past five days while covering three innings in total. Boston called up left-hander Jovani Moran from Triple-A to replace Murphy in the bullpen.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Cruz (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Thursday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Cruz has already reported to Somerset and got through a 19-pitch live batting practice session Sunday, clearing the way for him to begin a rehab assignment. He's expected to make three appearances in the minors before being activated from the 15-day injured list, potentially by the end of next week. Cruz has been out since late June with a strained oblique.