MLB Player News

Romano was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday.

Romano made four appearances during his time in Toronto, striking out an incredible 57.9 percent of opposing batters while recording an unimpressive 5.06 ERA. Sean Reid-Foley was recalled in a corresponding move.

Smith was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Smith did not get into a game in his latest stint in Cleveland, which lasted just a single day. Bobby Bradley was recalled in a corresponding move.

Martin allowed one hit and struck out one in an inning to pick up the save Saturday against White Sox.

Texas closer Shawn Kelley was seemingly unavailable after throwing 38 pitches over the previous two days, so Martin stepped in to pick up his third save. He's been on a nice run since permitting a run in three straight outings in late May. Since then, Martin has allowed just one tally and struck out 13 over 10.2 innings spanning 11 appearances.

Mengden is a candidate to start Wednesday against the Cardinals, a game that would have represented Frankie Montas' (suspension) next turn in the rotation, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Mengden is a natural candidate for the role, given his extensive starting experience. The 26-year-old right-hander has already logged three starts with the Athletics this season, posting a 5.09 ERA and 1.65 WHIP across 23 innings overall. It's been a smoother road in Triple-A Las Vegas, where Mengden has generated a 3.47 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 4-2 record over 49.1 innings across eight appearances (seven starts).

Giles secured the save Saturday against the Red Sox despite giving up a run on one hit and one walk in one inning, though he did strike out three.

Giles issued a walk to Mookie Betts, who stole second base and subsequently scored on Xander Bogaerts' two-out, ground-rule double. Giles then struck out J.D. Martinez on five pitches with the tying run on second base to end the game. The run breaks a string of 17 straight scoreless outings for the right-hander, and he now has a 1.33 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 47:8 K:BB while converting 12 of 13 save chances.

Barnes (3-2) was charged with a blown save and took the loss after surrendering three runs on two hits and two walks Saturday versus the Blue Jays. He had two strikeouts over two-thirds of an inning.

Barnes started the eighth inning with a 6-5 lead but was removed with the bases loaded after giving up one run on two singles, two walks and a pair of wild pitches. Two of his runners then came around to score. The 29-year-old now has five blown saves in nine chances and has earned only one save in his last 20 appearances while the Red Sox continue to utilize a committee for the ninth-inning role.

Johnson gave up one unearned run on four hits and no walks across five innings during Saturday's 8-7 loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Johnson exited the game with a 6-1 lead and seemed like a sure bet to receive the win, but the bullpen surrendered seven runs across the seventh and eighth innings. The 28-year-old figures to remain in the starting rotation in place of Nathan Eovaldi (elbow) for the time being, but it's not clear when his next start will come with the Red Sox having a pair of off days next week ahead of the two-game set in London against the Yankees next weekend.

Hand allowed two hits but struck out two in the ninth inning to post his 22nd save of the season in a 2-0 victory over the Tigers on Saturday.

The left-hander has experienced a little trouble against the Tigers this weekend, but despite allowing four hits and a run in two innings, Hand still has two saves against them. Owners can cut him a break for allowing some baserunners, as the run he permitted Friday is the only one Hand has yielded in his last 15.2 innings. He is 3-2 with a 1.08 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 33.1 innings this season.

McHugh (elbow) threw for a second straight day Saturday, striking out one in one inning for Double-A Corpus Christi.

McHugh will be evaluated Monday to determine how he responds to being used on consecutive days, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. If that checkup turns out satisfactory, all indications are that McHugh would be activated in time for Tuesday's series opener against Pittsburgh.

Pearson was placed on the minor-league injured list with an undisclosed injury Saturday, retroactive to June 20.

Pearson has pitched well since earning the promotion to Double-A New Hampshire in early May with a 2.70 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 31:5 K:BB, but he's now sidelined with the undisclosed issue. The 22-year-old will be eligible to be activated June 27, but it's unclear if he'll require a longer absence.