MLB Player News

Pagan allowed one hit and a walk across a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save against the Blue Jays on Thursday.

The right-hander effortlessly worked around a double and a walk to earn his 18th save of the year. Despite a rough span earlier this season, Pagan has been on fire, converting five straight save chances and 11 of his last 12.

Thornton did not factor into the decision during Thursday's loss to the Rays, giving up three runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out four across 4.2 innings.

Thornton held Tampa Bay scoreless until the fourth inning, when he gave up a leadoff double to Austin Meadows. A fielding error by Justin Smoak allowed Tommy Pham to reach and Meadows to score. Pham then accounted for the second run on a sacrifice fly by Avisail Garcia. Thornton was soon pulled in the fifth after giving up a double, hitting Meadows with a pitch and issuing back-to-back walks. The right-hander will take a 5.23 ERA and 1.50 WHIP into a tough matchup against the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Jimenez worked around a hit and a walk to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Royals. He struck out one.

Jimenez got into a little hot water, but he struck out Kansas City slugger Jorge Soler with runners on the corners to end the game. The righty's 4.88 ERA and 1.37 WHIP are nothing special, though he should remain locked into the closer's role for the rest of this year with the team lacking much in the way of proven relievers.

Pressly (knee) is scheduled to throw off a mound Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Pressly has been sidelined since undergoing arthroscopic right knee surgery in August, but he's been playing catch lately and is finally ready to resume mound work. Barring setbacks, the right-hander is hoping to return from the injured list sometime during the second half of September.

Alvarado (elbow) was shifted to the 60-day injured list Thursday, which likely ends his season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This move frees up a roster spot for Kean Wong, who was promoted from Triple-A Durham on Thursday. Per Topkin, manager Kevin Cash said Alvarado hasn't suffered any setbacks, but his elbow apparently hasn't responded well to rest and there simply isn't enough time for the southpaw to return before the end of the season, barring the Rays making the World Series.

Manaea is scheduled to start Sunday against the Tigers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manaea looked good in his 2019 big-league debut last Sunday, holding the Yankees to one hit and three walks over five scoreless innings. The strong showing earned the southpaw another turn in what is expected to be a six-man rotation for the next couple of weeks.

Stewart was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

Stewart has made three appearances for the Blue Jays since being claimed off waivers at the end of July, posting a 3.77 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB across 14.1 innings in those outings. He'll likely fill a long-relief role for the stretch run, while he could also make an appearance or two as a primary pitcher.

Shafer was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

Shafer has made 26 appearances for the Blue Jays this season, posting a 3.19 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 29:22 K:BB across 31 innings. The right-hander figures to fill a middle-relief role for the rest of the season.

Richards could make either a conventional start or work as a primary pitcher Sunday against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Richards was effective in the first game of a doubleheader against the Orioles on Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over five innings. The right-hander has worked as both conventional starter and primary pitcher since arriving via trade from the Marlins, and it remains to be seen how he'd be deployed if he does take the hill Sunday.

Puk, who is fully healthy, hasn't logged an appearance since Aug. 26 due to manager Bob Melvin wanting to remain selective about when to utilize him, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "I talked to him about that today," Melvin said. "We'll get him in the right spot and get him rolling. It was a lot to throw at him. We'll try to find a good spot."

Puk was put right to work upon his promotion from Triple-A Las Vegas on Aug. 20, making three appearances between Aug. 21 and Aug. 26. Puk was serviceable in that trio of outings, allowing an earned run on two hits and three walks over 2.1 innings while recording two strikeouts. His most recent turn, against the Royals, was his first of the multi-inning variety, and the Athletics originally wanted to allow him a few days' rest as a result. However, with nine days and counting now having elapsed between trips to the mound, it's clear that Melvin is interested in protecting Puk to an extent in his first go-around against big-league bats.