MLB Player News

Blach (1-2) threw five innings and allowed two runs on two hits and four walks and earned the win in a 4-2 decision over the Rays in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader.

Blach shut out the Rays through the first three innings, but was tagged for a two-run homer from Travis d'Arnaud in the fourth. The 28-year-old was lifted after 75 pitches, and has been shaky with his new team. In three appearances with the Orioles since joining the team from the Giants, Blach has allowed 13 earned runs in 14.1 innings with a 12:10 K:BB. Overall, Blach has posted an ugly 10.95 ERA, 2.15 WHIP and 17 strikeouts in 24.2 innings this season.

Kittredge will serve as the opener for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against Baltimore, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kittredge hasn't pitched well lately, posting an 8.31 ERA in 13 innings since the start of August. Austin Pruitt is expected to follow him out of the bullpen.

Richards threw five innings and allowed two runs on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts Tuesday in a no-decision during a 4-2 loss to the Orioles in the first game of a doubleheader.

Richards shut out the Orioles through four innings, but was tagged for a two-run homer from Rio Ruiz in the fifth. The 26-year-old was lifted after 78 pitches, but is still off to a strong start with his new team. In four appearances with the Rays since joining the team from the Marlins, Richards has allowed five earned runs in 16.2 innings with a 19:4 K:BB. Overall, Richards is 4-12 with a 4.27 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 122 strikeouts in 128.2 innings this season.

Barria is scheduled to start Tuesday's series opener in Oakland.

The Angels didn't have Barria make a start last week after a pair of off days allowed manager Brad Ausmus to go with a streamlined rotation. Barria's turn will come back up again Tuesday, and with no off days on the schedule until Sept. 12, the right-hander should be in store for a two-start week. He lines up for a second turn Sunday on the road versus the White Sox.

Payano cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Payano posted a 5.73 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in 22 innings for the Rangers this season. He'll likely be stuck waiting until next year for his next big-league opportunity.

Covey was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday.

Covey has struggled to a 6.88 ERA in 52.1 innings for the White Sox this season. His 51.0 frames for Charlotte have gone far better, as he's posted a 2.82 ERA. His role down the stretch is not yet clear.

Speier's contract was purchased by the Royals on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old lefty is primed to make his big-league debut out of the Royals' bullpen. He recorded a strong 2.42 ERA in 22.1 relief innings for Double-A Northwest Arkansas this season, but that figure jumped to 5.63 in 40.0 innings for Triple-A Omaha.

Poche (4-4) was credited with the victory in an extra-inning win over the Orioles on Monday, firing a scoreless 10th inning during which he allowed a hit.

Poche got the call in the 10th inning after Emilio Pagan had already worked the ninth, and he got through his frame on a relatively efficient 15 pitches. It was just the latest taste of success for the emerging southpaw, who's generated scoreless efforts in six of his last seven trips to the mound. Poche has been charged with four blown saves, but he's amassed 12 holds in addition to his four victories.

Hildenberger was called up by the Twins on Tuesday.

Hildenberger has endured a rough season thus far. He struggled to an 8.36 ERA in 14 innings before being demoted in mid-May and then spent two months on the injured list with a right flexor mass strain. He looks to be back on track now; he allowed just one run in 12.1 minor-league innings after returning from the injury.

Pruitt is likely to cover multiple innings as part of a bullpen day approach deployed by manager Kevin Cash for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Pruitt will be going on less rest than usual, as he just logged 5.1 innings Saturday. Therefore, he may not cover the usual amount of frames that Cash usually has a true primary pitcher work, but he may be in line for at least 2-to-3 innings if he's able to keep his pitch count at reasonable levels.