MLB Player News

Yarbrough (8-5) took the loss in relief Monday, coughing up seven runs on 10 hits and a walk in 2.1 innings as the Rays were downed 8-1 by the Blue Jays. He struck out one.

The southpaw entered the game after Collin McHugh in the third inning, and while Yarbrough was able to wiggle out of the jam McHugh left for him, he didn't have the same luck in the fourth or fifth frames. Yarbrough needed 77 pitches (46 strikes) to record only seven outs, and he's been tagged for seven earned runs in back-to-back outings while giving up at least five in five of nine appearances since the All-Star break. His 7.50 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 27:9 K:BB through 42 innings in the second half should keep him far away from active fantasy rosters down the stretch.

McHugh didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 8-1 loss to the Blue Jays, giving up three hits over 2.1 scoreless innings. He struck out one without walking a batter.

The veteran hurler lasted exactly one turn through the Toronto order, and McHugh left the game in a bit of a jam with two runners on and one out in the third inning. Fortunately for him, Ryan Yarbrough didn't allow any of the inherited runners to score when he replaced McHugh. Unfortunately for the Rays, Yarbrough's night went south right afterward. McHugh will continue to handle a flexible role on the Tampa Bay staff and has worked two-plus innings in eight of 11 appearances since the All-Star break, posting a dazzling 0.90 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB through 20 innings with four wins, a save and a hold over that stretch.

Alexy allowed six runs on four hits, four walks and a hit batsman while striking out three over 3.2 relief innings in Monday's 15-1 loss to the Astros.

Alexy made two encouraging starts for the Rangers, throwing 11 scoreless innings, before manager Chris Woodward opted to piggyback him for his third outing behind starter Spencer Howard. Alexy discussed the changes in preparation needed to come out of the bullpen with Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. "It's always different when you are coming out of the bullpen," the right-hander said. "Deciphering when to start getting really ready is always a little different out there." He had pitched in a similar role six times in the minors, but that was after a definite one-inning limit for the game opener. On Monday, Howard was on a 50-pitch limit, but there was no telling how long he would last.

Howard (0-4) picked up a loss after he only lasted 1.1 innings, surrendering six runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two versus the Astros on Monday.

The 25-year-old was tagged for three runs in the first inning and then three more in the second before getting pulled. Howard now owns a 7.38 ERA and 1.59 WHIP over 39 innings this season. He is on an innings limit still after being reinstated from the COVID-19 list on Sept. 8 and his next opportunity to start is tentatively scheduled for Sunday versus the White Sox.

Colome blew a save after giving up one run over 1.1 innings in the loss against the Yankees on Monday. He gave up one hit and stuck out four.

The closer was called upon to protect a three-run lead while inheriting two baserunners. He surrendered a game-tying three-run homer to Aaron Judge before striking out the final four batters he faced. It was the 32-year-old's first blown save since Aug. 25. Colome hadn't given up a run in his last eight outings while posting a 1.00 WHIP and converting six saves over that stretch.

Bazardo (lat) was activated from the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Bazardo has recovered from a strained right lat but will remain in the minors following his activation. He's appeared in two contests this season for the Red Sox, allowing one hit and two walks while fanning three in three scoreless innings.

Gonsalves was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Gonsalves has spent nearly the last two weeks in the big leagues, but he'll head back to the minors following the activation of both Hirokazu Sawamura (COVID-19) and Austin Davis (personal). Gonsalves allowed two runs on two hits and struck out four across 4.1 frames during his time with the Red Sox.

The Blue Jays optioned Hatch (hamstring) to Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday.

Hatch was only up with the Blue Jays for one day after the team required a temporary sixth starter due to Saturday's doubleheader with the Orioles. He pitched the second game of the twin bill, working four innings and giving up one run on one hit and two walks while striking out three before exiting with a hamstring issue. The extent of the injury isn't yet clear, but evidently, it wasn't significant enough for the Blue Jays to move him to the 10-day injured list.

Payamps (undisclosed) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

Payamps had been on the injured list since Saturday, but his brief absence signals that he didn't test positive for COVID-19. The right-hander will be available out of the bullpen for Tuesday's series opener against Oakland.

McHugh will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher in Monday's game against the Blue Jays in Toronto, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McHugh has 124 career MLB starts under his belt, but the Rays aren't expected to have him pitch more than 2-to-3 innings before turning the game over to the bullpen. Ryan Yarbrough is expected to be available in a bulk-relief role, making him the Rays pitcher most likely to factor into any decision. Since returning from the injured list in early August, McHugh has covered 13.2 innings over eight appearances, giving up three runs (two earned) on nine hits and four walks while striking out 10.