MLB Player News

Bass pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning Wednesday against the Marlins, leading to his fourth save of the season.

With the recent departure of Jordan Romano (finger) to the 10-day injured list and Ken Giles (forearm) still building up his arm strength, Bass has become the Blue Jays' only realistic candidate to handle the closer role in the short term. The right-hander earned his first save since Aug. 8 and as he was able to withhold a run from scoring for the first time in his last three appearances. Both Romano and Giles are expected back in 2020, but until either one of them returns, Bass figures to remain as the team's primary closer.

Lopez (0-2) was charged with the loss against the Twins on Wednesday, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits and a pair of walks while striking out two across 1.2 innings.

Making his third start since coming off the injured list, Lopez worked his way into a bases loaded first-inning jam, but luckily struck out Nelson Cruz and induced a double play to escape without damage. Trouble knocked again in the second frame, this time blemishing the score with a solo home run by Jake Cave and a two-run double by Josh Donaldson. That would be the final batter of the night for the 26-year-old. His outing was especially disappointing since he was unable to make it out of the first inning against the Twins during his first start of the year. The right-hander now owns a disappointing 8.38 ERA and 2.28 WHIP across four starts. He'll look to bounce back Tuesday at Pittsburgh.

Jimenez (1-2) allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in a loss to the Brewers on Wednesday. He also hit two batters.

Jimenez had little control in his brief appearance, and the bases-loaded sacrifice fly he allowed to Eric Sogard was enough to stick him with the loss. The 25-year-old Jimenez was pulled from the closer role a week ago and has only made three appearances since. In that span, he's allowed two runs in two innings. Jimenez has an 11.81 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 11 strikeouts across 10.2 innings this season. With no closing duties expected in his future, he's a non-factor in the fantasy game.

Pressly earned the save against the Rangers on Wednesday after tossing a perfect ninth inning that included two strikeouts.

Called upon to protect a 2-1 lead in the ninth, Pressly barely hesitated in retiring all three of his batters, throwing 11-of-14 pitches for strikes. The 31-year-old now sports a 4.26 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with seven saves across 14 appearances.

Junis made a precautionary exit from Wednesday's game against the Indians after being hit by a line drive between the biceps and triceps of his right arm, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

The liner was 106.9 mph off the bat, leaving the right-hander minimal time to react. Junis allowed two runs on four hits with one strikeout and zero walks over four innings before leaving the contest. The 27-year-old's status for the next turn through the rotation should receive more clarity as he continues to be evaluated.

Yarbrough (groin) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Yarbrough landed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin issue Saturday, and he felt good after playing catch Monday. He'll progress in his throwing program by throwing a bullpen session Friday, after which a better timetable for his return could be established.

Anderson (forearm) threw a successful sim game Wednesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Anderson's bullpen session Monday was "very encouraging," and he had another positive update regarding his throwing session Wednesday. The right-hander could potentially return for the Rays' weekend series against the Marlins as long as he continues to respond well.

Chapman is appealing his three-game suspension, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Chapman was issued a three-game suspension Wednesday for throwing above Mike Brosseau's head Tuesday, but he called the punishment "a little harsh." As a result of the appeal, he'll be available out of the Yankees' bullpen until a final decision is made by the league.

Chapman was issued a three-game suspension Wednesday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Chapman threw a fastball over Mike Brosseau's head Tuesday as he recorded the save against the Rays, and he'll miss time as a result. It's unclear whether he plans to appeal the suspension. Assuming he misses time, Zack Britton should serve as the interim closer during his brief absence.

Akin is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Mets, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

As expected, Akin will receive a second turn through the rotation after making his first MLB start in Monday's 4-3 win over the Blue Jays. He tossed 81 pitches in the outing, working 4.1 innings and surrendering three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out six. Manager Brandon Hyde suggested earlier in the week that Akin would likely have his workload monitored carefully the rest of the season, so 25-year-old shouldn't be expected to see his pitch count increase much from Monday.