MLB Player News

May (back) pitched a perfect ninth inning with three strikeouts in a non-save situation in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the White Sox.

May exited Sunday's game versus Cleveland with mild cramps in his back, but he was fine in his return Wednesday. He threw 10 of his 17 pitches for strikes to finish off 5.1 perfect innings by Minnesota relievers in the contest. In 19 innings this season, May has a 4.74 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 31 strikeouts, and he's added two saves and six holds in 19 appearances.

Nelson was optioned to the Indians' alternate training site Wednesday.

The 24-year-old had his contract selected by Cleveland last week and will return to the alternate training site. Nelson made his big-league debut Thursday against the Royals and surrendered four runs on four hits with one walk over two-thirds of an inning.

Perez was optioned to the Astros' alternate training site Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Perez made three relief appearances during his most recent stint in the majors, allowing one run while striking out two over two innings. He'll return to the alternate training site to make room on the active roster for Lance McCullers (neck), who will start Wednesday against the Rangers.

Kay was optioned to the Blue Jays' alternate training site Wednesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Kay was roughed up during his last two outings, as he allowed eight runs (seven earned) over 2.2 innings. He'll attempt to sort things out at the team's alternate training site after the Blue Jays' bullpen got several reinforcements Wednesday when Jacob Waguespack and Hector Perez were called up in corresponding moves.

Alvarado (shoulder) threw again at Tropicana Field on Monday and could face live hitters sometime this week after manager Kevin Cash described the southpaw as "making really good progress", Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The big left-hander will first likely utilize at least one bullpen session as a bridge to facing some of his teammates, but the fact he's set to possibly take multiple steps forward in his recovery in coming days is certainly noteworthy. If he continues without setbacks, Alvarado could be a factor for the Rays in a potential postseason run.

Mata (hamstring) has completed a pair of bullpen sessions over the past week and is expected to pitch in a simulated game at the Red Sox's alternate training site before the 2020 season ends, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Mata has been shut down since late August after developing a left hamstring cramp during a simulated game, but the injury doesn't look like it will keep him sidelined as the offseason nears. One of the organization's top pitching prospects, the 21-year-old Mata posted a 5.03 ERA and 1.47 WHIP to go with 59 strikeouts over 53.2 innings at Double-A Portland. Mata could probably use some further refinement in the minors, but he should be a candidate to enter Boston's rotation at some point in 2021.

Giles was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a right flexor strain, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Giles returned from the injured list Friday and made two relief appearances since he came back. However, manager Charlie Montoyo revealed Wednesday that he was put back on the injured list with a similar injury to what he dealt with earlier in the season. The right-hander underwent an MRI, but the results aren't yet known. "I wouldn't think he's coming back this year," Montoyo said.

Armstrong (back) is throwing off a mound, but it's unclear whether he'll return to the team this season, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Armstrong has been sidelined for just over two weeks while dealing with back soreness, but he recently began a throwing program. However, the Orioles aren't sure whether he'll be able to ramp up his workload enough to return to game action before the end of the regular season.

Taylor (elbow) threw a bullpen Wednesday and could be activated Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Taylor was dealing with elbow discomfort, but the issue has been downplayed since he landed on the injured list. Assuming he feels healthy following his bullpen session, manager Dusty Baker said that the southpaw could return to action as soon as Friday. Taylor carries a 2.12 ERA over 17 relief innings this season.

Devenski underwent season-ending surgery Tuesday to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

The Astros haven't announced a timeline for Devenski's return to full activities, but given that his procedure wasn't a reconstructive one, he should have a good chance at being ready to go for the start of spring training. Due to arm injuries, Devenski was limited to only four appearances out of the Houston bullpen this season.