MLB Player News

Hildenberger was placed on the 7-day injured list Monday with a right flexor mass strain.

This explains why Hildenberger hasn't pitched for Triple-A Rochester since June 8. Prior to suffering the injury, the right-hander compiled an 8.44 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 9:3 K:BB in 10.2 innings with the Red Wings.

Smith was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Smith made four appearances out of the bullpen during his most recent stint with the Indians, allowing two runs on three hits with a 4:4 K:BB in 2.1 innings. Mike Clevinger (back) was activated from the injured list Monday and will take his place on the roster.

Shafer was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Shafer was sent to the minors to free up a roster spot for David Phelps (elbow), who was activated from the injured list Monday. The right-hander made two appearances during his most recent stint with the Blue Jays, allowing one run across 3.1 innings while posting a 5:3 K:BB.

Scott will serve as the opener Monday against the Royals, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Scott will likely pitch one or two innings before giving way to Tommy Milone, who is expected to cover the majority of innings. In three appearances with the big club this season (all out of the bullpen), Scott has compiled a 5.68 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 6:2 K:BB in 6.1 innings.

Law is starting Monday against the Angels.

Law will serve as the opener in Monday's series opener before giving way to Edwin Jackson, who is slated to serve as the primary pitcher. The right-hander opened for Jackson last week against the Orioles, allowing a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning.

Perez served up seven runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out one in three innings of relief Sunday in the Astros' 12-0 loss to the Blue Jays.

Since notching a win in three perfect frames of relief in his season debut with the Astros back on June 7, Perez has been roughed up in both of his subsequent appearances. Given that he tossed 68 pitches Sunday and likely won't be available for at least a couple more days, Perez could be at risk of a demotion to Triple-A Round Rock.

Lakins was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Lakins spent five days on the big-league roster, allowing one run in 2.1 innings of work across three appearances. He'll head back to the minors with Hector Velazquez (back) returning from the injured list and Ryan Brasier returning from the bereavement list.

Brasier returned from the bereavement list as expected Monday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Brasier had been out since Tuesday. Travis Lakins and Josh Smith were optioned in corresponding moves for the activations of Brasier and Hector Velazquez (back), who returned from the injured list.

Trivino (2-5) allowed four runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks over one-third of an inning in a loss to the Mariners on Sunday. He was also charged with his fourth blown save.

Trivino was partly done in by a dropped fly ball on the part of Mark Canha in right field in the eighth, but he also issued a four-pitch walk to Daniel Vogelbach and allowed a two-run double to Kyle Seager. Trivino ultimately found the strike zone on just seven of 18 pitches and has now allowed 16 runs (12 earned) over the last 8.2 innings. His five losses rank second among American League relievers, while his four blown saves makes him an AL co-leader in that dubious category. However, for the time being, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that manager Bob Melvin is vowing not to overreact to the right-hander's atypical struggles with any drastic role changes or a temporary demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas. "The reason I'm reluctant to say I'd move him around the bullpen is because I haven't talked to him yet," Melvin said. "But this guy is really good, he's just going through a tough stretch. Whether or not we need to give him a little break from that role, we'll discuss it internally. But he's still got good stuff."

Garcia is slated to serve as the Angels' opening pitcher for Monday's game against the Blue Jays, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The Angels have most frequently used Cam Bedrosian as the opener ahead of primary pitcher Felix Pena, but with manager Brad Ausmus increasingly leaning on Bedrosian for late-inning work in recent days, Garcia will get the chance to "start." Monday will mark Garcia's second turn as an opener this season, with the right-hander having previously tossed a clean inning ahead of Pena in a May 30 victory over the Mariners. Expect Garcia to be limited to around 1-to-2 innings again before giving way to Pena.