MLB Player News

Hendriks struck out one and did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless inning to earn the save Tuesday against the Royals.

Hendriks was handed a two-run lead, and he needed only 14 pitches to tally his 25th save of the season. After allowing five earned runs across an eight-inning span in seven appearances from June 26 to July 11, Hendriks has now turned in four consecutive scoreless outings. Overall, he has a 2.44 ERA with 71 strikeouts across 44.1 frames.

Manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday that he'll avoid using Mayers in high-leverage spots for the immediate future, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander ranks second on the team with 13 holds, but he's given up three runs over three frames in his past five outings. Mayers posted a 2.10 ERA and 0.90 WHIP for the Angels in 2020, but he's been unable to replicate those numbers this season.

Nittoli was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Tuesday.

Nittoli made his big-league debut in late June and gave up two runs in one inning before returning to Triple-A Tacoma. The 30-year-old could remain at Tacoma if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

McCaughan was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

McCaughan was tagged for seven runs over four innings during his first big-league start Monday, and he'll now head back to Triple-A. Hector Santiago returned from his suspension Tuesday and should claim McCaughan's spot in the rotation.

Montero and Kendall Graveman were traded from the Mariners to the Astros on Tuesday in exchange for Abraham Toro and Joe Smith, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Montero was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Friday, and he'll join the Astros instead of going through the waiver wire. The 30-year-old converted seven of 13 save chances this season and has struggled with a 7.27 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 37:15 K:BB across 43.1 innings.

Graveman and Rafael Montero were traded from the Mariners to the Astros in exchange for Abraham Toro and Joe Smith on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The players will simply switch clubhouses since the two teams are in the midst of a three-game set in Seattle. Graveman has been electric this season with a 0.82 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 34:8 K:BB over 33 innings, and he's recorded four holds and 10 saves in 12 chances. Ryan Pressly has also been dominant as Houston's closer this year, so Graveman figures to lose some fantasy value since he'll operate as a setup man for his new team.

King (hand) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Per Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, manager Aaron Boone said that King saw a hand specialist Tuesday and he will continue to not throw for about another week. The right-hander's move to the 60-day IL means he won't be able to be activated until at least Sept. 3, though it's not yet clear if his arm will be fully ready at that point.

The Yankees optioned Abreu to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.

The righty appeared in one game after being called up July 10, striking out one and walking two in 1.2 scoreless, hitless innings. Overall this season, Abreu has posted a 1.88 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 14.1 big-league innings. Now, he returns to Triple-A to clear a roster spot for newly acquired reliever Clay Holmes.

The Athletics optioned Moll to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

The lefty has appeared in three games for the Athletics, throwing 2.2 scoreless frames with two strikeouts and three walks. Moll returns to the minors to clear a spot for the newly acquired Andrew Chafin, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him back with the big-league club at some point this season.

Sborz was placed on the paternity list Tuesday.

Players typically miss three days while on paternity leave. If that's the case with Sborz, he'll be back for Friday's game against Seattle. Jason Martin was recalled in a corresponding move.