MLB Player News

Hand pitched a scoreless ninth inning to secure the save Tuesday versus Minnesota. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Hand wasted little time Tuesday as he required only eight pitches to put down the Twins, though he did hit a batter. The 29-year-old is a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities and has a 1.09 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 35:7 K:BB across 24.2 innings.

Martin was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Martin didn't fare well in Monday's start against the Mariners, as he surrendered two runs on four hits and three walks while fanning three over three innings of work. As a result, he's been banished to the minor leagues, opening up a spot on the 25-man roster for Reymin Guduan.

Alvarado (personal) remains in Venezuela with his family and isn't expected to return to the team for Tampa Bay's weekend series against the Red Sox, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Manager Kevin Cash got in touch with Alvarado on Tuesday, and while the skipper was optimistic that the lefty would be back by the weekend, it seems unlikely at this point. Alvarado was placed on the family medical list Sunday.

Borucki (elbow) is slated to throw his third bullpen session Saturday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki has finally advanced to throwing off a mound, though the Blue Jays have been reluctant to offer up a timetable for the southpaw's return. "I know we're going to be patient with him," stated manager Charlie Montoyo. "When he's ready for 75-90 pitches, he'll be here."

Sadzeck was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to right elbow inflammation.

Sadzeck last pitched Sunday against the Angels, which appears to be when the injury cropped up. He's struggled out of the bullpen of late, allowing five runs (two earned) over his last four outings (4.2 innings).

Martin was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Martin will take the place of Kyle Dowdy (elbow), who was sent to the 10-day injured list. Martin has accrued a 7.20 ERA with nine strikeouts over 15 innings this season in the major leagues.

Mayza (forearm) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

As anticipated, Mayza is back from the shelf after missing the 10-day minimum due to left forearm tightness. Justin Shafer was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move.

Vasquez landed on the 7-day injured list with a left shoulder strain Tuesday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Vasquez spent some time on the injured list with a shoulder impingement in mid-May, and he doesn't appear to be fully clear of the issue. The lefty owns a 6.14 ERA in 14.2 innings for Triple-A Rochester.

Pressly pitched a clean ninth inning to record his third save in Monday's 4-2 win over the Mariners.

Pressly came on to protect Houston's lead presumably because closer Roberto Osuna was given the day off. Osuna had thrown 22 pitches Sunday and didn't pitch Saturday, so he should have been good to go. It could be he was given an off day after a stretch during which Osuna pitched six times in nine days and was rocked for a 7.50 ERA.

McHugh (elbow) played catch Monday but offered no significant update on his rehab, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The Astros are slow-rolling McHugh's return from elbow discomfort, which is the prudent thing to do. Thoughts of McHugh's return pop up after his eventual replacement in the rotation, Corbin Martin, couldn't get out of the fourth inning for a third straight start Monday. Prior to being placed on the injured list, McHugh had been working out of the bullpen, but Martin's struggles could eventually lead to McHugh's return to a starting role.