MLB Player News

Beeks recorded two outs but was charged for four runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks in relief Wednesday in the Rays' 10-9 loss to the Rangers. He was not involved in the decision.

Beeks was the first reliever to enter the contest behind opener Andrew Kittredge, but Austin Pruitt (3.1 scoreless innings) effectively functioned as the Rays' primary pitcher. Pruitt likely would have been first in line after Kittredge had the latter not failed to retire any of the three hitters he faced, prompting manager Kevin Cash to turn to Beeks as a de facto second opener. Beeks didn't fare much better than Kittredge and looks unlikely to recapture a meaningful role as a primary pitcher or traditional reliever anytime soon. The recent returns of Tyler Glasnow from the injured list and Brendan McKay from Triple-A Durham have lessened the Rays' need to rely on Beeks.

Pruitt allowed one hit over 3.1 scoreless innings of relief in Wednesday's loss to the Rangers. He struck out one batter and did not issue a walk.

Andrew Kittredge and Jalen Beeks combined to allow five runs in the first inning, but Pruitt's strong performance allowed the Rays to claw back into it (they actually took an 8-7 lead in the fourth before the Rangers pulled ahead again in the seventh). Pruitt now has a 0.66 ERA and 11:1 K:BB in his last three appearances (two starts), spanning 13.2 innings. With two off days next week, Pruitt figures to remain in a multi-inning relief role for the time being.

Kittredge allowed three earned runs on three hits without recording an out as the opener against the Rangers on Wednesday. He did not record any walks or strikeouts and did not factor into the decision.

Kittredge facilitated a quick Rangers comeback from an early 2-0 deficit by falling flat over 20 pitches to open the contest. Kittredge allowed an RBI single to Willie Calhoun before exiting, and the runs that subsequent singles Nomar Mazara and Danny Santana drove in on singles off Jalen Beeks went on Kittredge's ledger as well. The right-hander had allowed just one earned run over his prior four appearances, but Wednesday's meltdown served as his eighth outing with multiple earned runs allowed since the All-Star break.

Betances (lat) will pitch Friday for Double-A Trenton, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

This is expected to be his final rehab appearance before coming off the injured list. He has logged two scoreless innings while striking out three and walking two during his rehab assignment.

Alexander will get a spot start Monday against the Orioles, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

With Wednesday's game getting postponed, the Tigers have a doubleheader Thursday, which forces them to use a sixth starter next week. Alexander threw four innings in Tuesday's game, so it's possible he could go deep enough to qualify for a win. He has a 5.13 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 24 strikeouts in 26.1 innings as a starter.

The MRI on Hand's arm was clean, according to manager Terry Francona, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Francona said Hand will still have to build back up because his tired arm has caused his arm slot to get lower and lower, so the Indians want to fix the matter while also trying to fight for a playoff spot. It may be unrealistic to expect Hand, who has a 9.00 ERA in his last 10 appearances, to return to his old self with only 15 games to go. Nick Wittgren could be an option for saves while Hand works his way back into form.

Hendriks struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 20th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Astros.

He's converted 11 of 12 save chances since the beginning of August, posting a 1.50 ERA, 0.50 WHIP and incredible 33:0 K:BB through 18 innings over that stretch. Hendricks' emergence as the A's closer has been a key component in their hunt for a playoff berth, and the club now sits in the second AL wild-card spot -- a half-game ahead of Cleveland, and a half-game back of the Rays for home-field advantage in the play-in contest.

Peters (3-3) took the loss Wednesday, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks over three innings as the Angels were downed 4-3 by Cleveland. He struck out only one.

Four of the five hits off the southpaw went for extra bases, including homers by Francisco Lindor and Carlos Santana, and the Angels couldn't climb out of the early hole Peters had dug. He hasn't been able to complete five innings in four of his last five starts, and Peters will carry a 4.83 ERA and 48:21 K:BB through 59.2 innings into his next outing Sept. 18, on the road against the Yankees.

Cimber struck out the only batter he faced to record his first career save in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Angels.

With Brad Hand (arm) unavailable, manager Terry Francona elected to play matchups in the ninth inning, using Nick Wittgren, Oliver Perez and Cimber for one out apiece. Wittgren is the most likely candidate to see regular save chances if Hand is sidelined for a while, but Cimber could become part of a committee approach to filling the gap.

Lopez (9-13) allowed six runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out six over 4.2 innings to pick up the loss against Kansas City on Wednesday.

Lopez was hoping to maintain the form he had in his last start, when he pitched a complete-game one-hitter, but the Royals teed off on offerings that stayed over the center of the plate. The right-hander was touched for four home runs and has now given up 31 in 166.2 innings (1.7 HR/9). Lopez's inconsistent season trudges on Monday when he faces the Twins on the road.