MLB Player News

Soto worked around a hit to pitch a clean ninth inning and record the save in Wednesday's win over the Rangers.

Soto has had a few hiccups this month, as he came into Wednesday's appearance having allowed four runs in five July innings, and he was a bit rocky in this one, as he hit a batter and committed a balk in addition to allowing a hit. However, he was able to escape trouble to record his team-leading 10th save of the season. The lefty has managed a solid 2.77 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 39 innings this year. Soto should remain a top option for saves in Detroit, though Michael Fulmer (neck) is set to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday and figures to get some ninth inning chances when he's able to return to the MLB roster.

Scott (3-4) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk, striking out two in two-thirds of an inning and taking the loss in Wednesday's 5-4 defeat at the hands of the Rays.

With a one-run lead, Scott loaded the bases before striking out Vidal Brujan and getting Austin Meadows in an 0-2 hole. Meadows lined a two-run, game-winning single to center field, though, pinning Scott with both a blown save and a loss. Entering Wednesday, the hard-throwing lefty had held opponents scoreless in 17 of his last 20 appearances and hadn't allowed multiple runs in a game since May 24. Despite his poor performance Wednesday, Scott still boasts a 3.08 ERA and 13.0 K/9 in 38 innings and has been a bright spot in a tough season for Baltimore's bullpen.

McHugh (3-1) allowed one hit and a walk in two scoreless innings, striking out three and earning the victory in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Orioles.

The veteran righty has now held opponents scoreless in 13 consecutive appearances, striking out 38 and issuing only three free passes in that 27-inning span. After missing the 2020 season, McHugh has settled in with the Rays and become an incredibly valuable and versatile weapon capable of short starts and high-leverage relief appearances alike. His 1.51 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, three wins and five holds make him an intriguing fantasy option for the remainder of the season.

Wells allowed three runs on five hits, walking two and striking out seven in 5.2 innings of Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Rays. He did not factor into the decision.

The rookie was one out shy of a quality start, but he had thrown 93 pitches and was pulled with two gone in the fifth. Wells' outing would've been even better if not for a pair of poorly located pitches, one a curveball and the other a fastball, that Randy Arozarena crushed for solo home runs. His K/9 was a modest 7.7 in 43 minor-league innings this year, so it remains to be seen whether his stuff truly plays in the big leagues or if Wednesday was an anomaly against the Rays, which strike out more than any team in baseball. It's unclear whether Wells will become a mainstay in Baltimore's rotation, or if he'll be either relegated to the bullpen or optioned to Triple-A once Keegan Akin (COVID-19) returns.

Brasier (concussion) has been cleared to increase baseball activities, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Brasier had been dealing with restrictions from the concussion protocol since early June, but he was able to resume some baseball activities in late June. Although the right-hander doesn't yet have a timetable to return to game action, his clearance to increase his workload represents a clear step forward in his recovery process.

Fulmer (neck) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer progressed to throwing bullpen sessions and live batting practice recently, and he'll now be able to return to game action with the minor-league club. The right-hander has been on the injured list since June 27 due to a right cervical spine strain in his neck, but he could return after a relatively brief rehab stint. Once Fulmer is cleared to rejoin the Tigers, he could reclaim a late-inning relief role with the major-league squad.

Merryweather (oblique) doesn't yet have a timetable to return to mound work, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Merryweather had a minor setback in his recovery in early July, but he's still been able to play catch recently. A better timetable for the right-hander's return could be revealed once he resumes mound work, but it appears as though he could be sidelined until at least mid-August.

Garza was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Garza served as a bulk reliever Wednesday and allowed a run on four hits and no walks while striking out one in 3.1 innings. He'll now return to the minors after first baseman Yu Chang was recalled in a corresponding move.

Loaisiga (illness) threw on flat ground Tuesday and will possibly be activated over the weekend, Max Goodman of SI.com reports.

The right-hander was placed on the COVID-19 injured list July 10 and didn't clear health and safety protocols until Sunday. He's expected to throw a bullpen Wednesday and will need a second bullpen or live throwing session before potentially returning this weekend for the Yankees' series at Boston. Loaisiga has been one of the team's most valuable bullpen pieces this season, registering a 2.11 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 46:10 K:BB across 47 innings. He has picked up seven wins, 10 holds and two saves.

Moll has fired two scoreless innings over his first two appearances with the Athletics since being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on July 3.

The 29-year-old has given up one hit and two walks over that span without recording any strikeouts, but Moll's second big-league stint has certainly started better than his initial one with Oakland back in 2017, when he pitched to a 10.80 ERA and 2.40 WHIP across 6.2 innings. Moll is likely to remain in low-leverage scenarios for the time being.