MLB Player News

Hand earned the save in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the White Sox after allowing one run on two hits while recording one strikeout during the ninth inning.

The left-hander gave up a leadoff double to Tim Anderson but retired the next two batters, only to surrender an RBI single to Yasmani Grandal. Hand has earned a save in both his appearances this season and has allowed one run on two hits and zero walks while striking out four over two frames.

Alexander (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win Tuesday against the Royals. He allowed two hits and struck out two.

Alexander is no longer being considered for a piggyback tandem with Michael Fulmer, but that didn't stop the lefty from securing the win as the second pitcher of the game Tuesday for the Tigers. Despite working in a more traditional bullpen role, Alexander should still be able to give Detroit multiple innings of relief when he pitches, which should allow him to vulture a few wins here and there the rest of the season.

Jimenez did not allow a baserunner and struck out one to earn the save Tuesday against the Royals.

Jimenez was called upon to protect a one-run lead and did so with little trouble, needing only eight pitches to retire the side in order. It was a bounce-back outing for Jimenez, who allowed an earned run on two hits in last outing -- though he did successfully hold the lead. Jimenez has earned a save while closing out all three of the Tigers' wins this season.

Rodriguez (lat) threw a live batting practice session Tuesday, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to July 20, so he is eligible to return as soon as this weekend. He's expected to be a setup man when he eventually returns.

Scrubb was called up by the Astros on Tuesday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old, who came over from the Dodgers in a trade for Tyler White last July, has yet to pitch above the Double-A level, though he owns a career 2.68 ERA and a 26.6 percent strikeout rate in 74 innings at that level. He'll take the bullpen spot that had belonged to Joe Biagini, who hit the injured list with shoulder soreness in a corresponding move.

Astros manager Dusty Baker is hopeful that Pressly (elbow) will be able to avoid the injured list, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It's nothing concrete, but it does sound as though Pressly's elbow soreness may not be too serious. He's yet to appear in a game this season and appears to have missed his window as the Astros' temporary closer, as Roberto Osuna recorded his first save of the year Monday.

Taylor (illness) will throw a simulated game Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

A positive COVID-19 test significantly delayed Taylor's preseason buildup. He's reportedly not close to returning to action.

Martin (illness) was activated from the injured list Tuesday.

Martin missed the majority of camp after testing positive for COVID-19. He's ready to go following a brief buildup period and should be one of the top lefties in a depleted Rangers bullpen that's without Joely Rodriguez (lat) and Rafael Montero (elbow).

Giles will receive a second opinion on his strained right forearm and remains shut down for now, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

A forearm strain is sometimes the initial diagnosis for an injury which winds up requiring a very lengthy recovery time, though there's been no indication so far that this is one of those cases. His return timeline should become clear after he receives the second opinion. In the meantime, Anthony Bass should be the Blue Jays' primary ninth-inning option.

Diekman earned his second hold in a win over the Angels on Monday, firing a scoreless eighth inning during which he issued two walks and recorded three strikeouts.

It was a bit of an adventure for the left-hander, who needed 23 pitches to navigate the frame thanks to the two free passes he issued. However, Diekman worked around his troubles by striking out the big-name trio of Shohei Ohtani, Justin Upton and Albert Pujols, the latter an inning-ending whiff with Mike Trout on second base. The 33-year-old Diekman has already logged three scoreless appearances across his first four games, and given early returns, manager Bob Melvin is likely to continue calling on him frequently.