MLB Player News

Romano struck out one in two-thirds of an inning to record his 14th save of the season in a 7-3 win over the Orioles.

It didn't look like Romano's services would be needed headed into the ninth inning, but Trent Thornton gave up one run on two hits and a walk, putting the tying run on deck and prompting manager Charlie Montoyo to turn to his closer. Romano has been scored upon only once in 12 appearances in August, posting a 1.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 21:3 K:BB through 12.2 innings on the month with two wins and five saves.

Barlow secured his third save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Rockies on Monday. He needed just seven pitches to get through three batters, completing a perfect inning.

Monday marked Barlow's first appearance since Aug. 19 after he spent some time on the 10-day injured list for a finger blister. The 25-year-old was thrown right back into the closer's role upon his return and was able to shut down the Rockies for his third save in as many attempts. Barlow now owns a 1.02 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB over 17.2 innings at the major-league level.

Alexy (1-0) allowed one hit and three walks while striking out four over five scoreless innings to pick up the win over the Rockies on Monday.

Alexy was called up to make his MLB debut and became the third Ranger pitcher over the past week to author a promising first start in the majors. He followed starts by Jake Latz and Glenn Otto, and the rookie trio combined for a 1.84 ERA over 14.2 innings. Alexy is tentatively scheduled to make his next start Monday.

Howard (COVID-19 protocols) is expected to go on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock or Double-A Frisco on Thursday.

Howard was scratched from what was to be his fourth start for the Rangers last Wednesday due to health and safety protocols. The Rangers will use the rehab assignment to build up Howard's pitch count.

Pressly saved Monday's 4-3 victory over Seattle, allowing one walk with one strikeout in the ninth inning.

Pressly's services were mandated when Houston took the lead in the top of the eighth and the closer delivered by working around a leadoff walk to slam the door on Seattle. The 32-year-old has now recorded saves in each of his last three appearances and his 22 saves rank 13th in MLB.

Yarbrough will start Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays hadn't yet announced a starter for the second game of their series against Boston. Yarbrough has struggled considerably in three starts against the Red Sox this season, allowing 16 earned runs on 18 hits, four of which have been home runs, in 12 innings.

Taylor was identified as a close contact for COVID-19 and must quarantine, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Taylor spent a couple days on the virus-related injured list in the middle of August but didn't test positive for COVID-19. When he can rejoin the Red Sox will obviously depend on whether he produces a positive test this time around. Fellow relievers Matt Barnes and Martin Perez tested positive Monday.

Colome allowed a hit in a scoreless ninth inning and earned a save over Detroit on Monday.

Colome found himself in a two-out jam after a single and his throwing error put runners on first and third. He managed to wiggle out and earn his third save in the last four days. He's now 10-for-16 in save opportunities with a 4.26 ERA through 50.2 innings. Colome has a secure grasp on the closer role with Taylor Rogers (finger) on the injured list and could continue seeing some ninth-inning work when he returns.

Naughton is scheduled to make his first major-league start Wednesday against the Yankees, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Naughton has two appearances as a reliever for the Halos this season and has given up one earned run over 5.1 frames, and he'll now receive his first MLB start in Wednesday's series finale. The 25-year-old delivered 4.1 innings of long relief after being promoted from Triple-A on Friday, so he should be able to provide decent length for the Angels if he's effective.

Barnes (COVID-19) tested positive for the virus Monday and will be out no fewer than 10 days, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The struggling closer will miss at least the first nine days of September, as dictated by MLB's health and safety protocols. Updates about Barnes' potential symptoms and expected return date should become available in the next week or so.