MLB Player News

Robles allowed four earned runs on three hits and one walk across two-thirds of an inning Tuesday against the Tigers.

Robles came into the game in the ninth inning with the Twins up by four. Though he retired the first batter he faced, Robles went on to allow a single, double and walk before surrendering the game-tying grand slam to Eric Haase. With Taylor Rogers (finger) sidelined, Robles is projected to see the majority of save chances for the Twins. While Tuesday's performance may not be enough to change that, he'll need to get back on track quickly to remain the primary closer.

Norris pitched a clean 11th inning to record the save in Tuesday's extra-innings win over the Twins.

The Tigers rallied from down 5-1 to tie the game in the ninth inning, then took the lead in the 11th. With Michael Fulmer and Jose Cisnero having pitched earlier in the game, and Gregory Soto likely unavailable after logging 1.2 innings Monday, Detroit turned to Norris for the save. The lefty delivered a clean inning for his first career MLB save. Fulmer, Cisnero and Soto should see most of the save opportunities moving forward, which will push Norris back to more of a middle-relief role.

Alexander allowed five runs on six hits across four innings but did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Twins. He walked one and struck out two.

Alexander allowed four first-inning runs and was in line for his second loss of the season, but a Detroit rally in the ninth inning got the lefty off the hook. Alexander has now made three straight starts for the Tigers, and this was actually the longest outing of the bunch, so he's still not stretching out very much. The team needs Alexander to start with Jose Urena (groin), Matthew Boyd (triceps) and Spencer Turnbull (forearm) all on the injured list, though the former isn't moving the needle much for fantasy managers with the short starts. Alexander lines up to face the Orioles in his next scheduled appearance Sunday.

Fulmer (neck) worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless inning in Tuesday's extra-innings win over the Twins. He struck out one.

Fulmer was activated from the injured list before the game after missing a month due to a neck strain. The righty wasn't given a save opportunity in Tuesday's contest, as the Tigers rallied to take the lead in the 11th inning, but he should work his way back into Detroit's closer mix. Lefty Gregory Soto is also on hand, and the two figure to split the ninth-inning role depending on matchups. Jose Cisnero may also factor into the end-game equation.

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.