MLB Player News

Romano (0-1) allowed two runs (one earned) in Sunday's loss to Houston. He struck out one batter and was charged with a loss and the blown save.

Dating back to last season, Romano had converted 31 consecutive save chances before he coughed up a walkoff homer to Jeremy Pena on Sunday. Despite the poor outing, the 29-year-old has registered a 2.16 ERA with a 10:2 K:BB over 8.1 innings. He's still locked into Toronto's closer role barring an extended slump.

Tapia was designated for assignment by the Royals on Sunday.

Tapia has made five relief appearances at Triple-A Omaha this year, and he's allowed two runs in five innings. He'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster after the Royals traded for Matt Peacock on Sunday, but Tapia will likely remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Chafin made the second appearance of his minor-league rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Toledo, tossing a 1-2-3 inning and striking out two in the nine-pitch outing.

On the heels of the sharp rehab appearance, Chafin looks as though he could be ready to return from the 10-day injured list when the Tigers return to action Tuesday in Minnesota. The Tigers foreshadowed Chafin's likely activation by optioning reliever Rony Garcia to Toledo after Sunday's loss to the Rockies, which opens up a spot on the 28-man roster.

Jimenez recorded the save, allowing two hits in the ninth inning of a 2-0 win Sunday over Texas.

After retiring the first two batters of the ninth, Jimenez allowed consecutive singles before getting Willie Calhoun to line out. Entering the season, he had only pitched 1.1 innings at the big-league level but he's been excellent through his first seven appearances and has yet to allow a run. The 28-year-old is 3-for-3 in save opportunities on the season and leads Oakland in the category. While Lou Trivino may return to the closer role when he comes back from the COVID-19 injured list, Jimenez has proven himself a reliable late-inning option for the Athletics.

Howard (0-1) took the loss after allowing two runs on two hits in two innings while striking out four as the Rangers fell 2-0 on Sunday in Oakland.

Howard returned from the 10-day injured list due to a finger injury and relieved opener Garrett Richards. The former retired the side in order in the third but ran into trouble in the fourth, allowing a single and, later, a two-run home run to Stephen Piscotty. The appearance actually lowered the 25-year-old's career ERA as a Ranger to 10.59. That high number is partially due to having allowed 10 home runs in 26.1 career innings for Texas. After allowing only 11 home runs in 235 minor-league innings, Howard has allowed 18 homers in 79 innings in the majors.

Hendriks is dealing with back tightness following Sunday's loss to Minnesota, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Hendriks took the loss Sunday when he allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk while striking out one in 1.1 innings. Manager Tony La Russa downplayed the severity of the issue and indicated Hendriks said during the outing that he was fine. However, he'll receive treatment following Sunday's series finale and will have a day to rest ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Royals.

Alexander (0-2) allowed five runs on eight hits across 3.2 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Rockies. He walked one and struck out two.

Alexander was ineffective for the second straight start, as he only lasted one inning and took the loss against the Yankees his last time out. The big blow against the lefty was a two-run home run by Randal Grichuk in the third inning. Alexander now has a rough 7.20 ERA on the season, though he should stick in the rotation for now with Casey Mize (elbow) and Matt Manning (shoulder) on the injured list. He lines up to face a tough Dodgers team in his next scheduled start Saturday, so fantasy managers will probably want to stay away.

Taylor (back) covered two-thirds of an inning and gave up two earned runs on three hits in his second rehab appearance Sunday for Double-A Portland. He struck out one in the 21-pitch outing.

Taylor, who is working his way back from a strained back, made his first rehab appearance April 17 at Triple-A Worcester before moving down to Portland after a week-long stay in the COVID-19 protocols as a close contact. Though the lefty was roughed up in Sunday's appearance, he at least pumped 14 of his 21 pitches in for strikes. The Red Sox may want to see Taylor turn in one quality rehab appearance for either Portland or Worcester before welcoming him back from the 10-day injured list.

Ramirez was charged with a blown save in Saturday's win over the Royals, giving up three earned runs on two hits and a hit batsman over one-third of an inning while recording one strikeout.

Ramirez unraveled Saturday after three straight scoreless efforts, allowing the Royals to get in position to eventually pull ahead after he entered the seventh inning with the benefit of a 6-4 lead. The right-hander plunked Salvador Perez before promptly allowing a two-run home run to Carlos Santana that knotted the game at 6-6. Ramirez would also be charged with another run after his exit, and the poor outing marked his second time yielding multiple runs in his first five appearances.

Swanson recorded his first hold in a win over the Royals on Saturday, firing a perfect sixth inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

The right-hander's sparkling start to the season continued Saturday, with Swanson needing just 11 pitches, 10 which he threw for strikes, to get through his one frame. Swanson now has an unblemished ERA through 6.2 innings across five appearances, generating a stellar 8:0 K:BB in the process.