MLB Player News

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.

King earned a hold against the Orioles on Tuesday, pitching three perfect innings during which he struck out six batters.

Starter Jameson Taillon was lifted after giving up a leadoff double in the sixth inning, and King promptly snuffed out the threat by striking out the next three batters. The righty reliever went two more frames, setting down the side in order in each and collecting three more punchouts. King has been a force as a full-time reliever this season, recording a 1.40 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 37:4 K:BB over 25.2 innings.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Romano (illness) is recovering from a gastrointestinal infection but isn't expected to require a stint on the 15-day injured list, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Romano hasn't appeared out of the bullpen since Saturday on account of the illness, which he's been treating with antibiotics. Though the Blue Jays are labeling Romano as day-to-day and believe he'll avoid the IL, the 28-year-old doesn't sound like he'll be available for Wednesday's series finale with the Mariners. Adam Cimber has secured saves on back-to-back days while Romano was on the mend, but the Blue Jays could go in a different direction if a save situation arises Wednesday.