MLB Player News

Leclerc struck out two without allowing a baserunner to record his eighth save of the season Saturday against the Twins.

Leclerc had no problem shutting down the Twins and remains perfect in save opportunities since taking over the role in August. In 11 innings, he has struck out 20 batters while allowing only one hit and four walks. He's locked in as the Rangers closer and should continue to rack up saves as the season comes to a close.

The Twins recalled Littell from Triple-A Rochester ahead of his role as Sunday's primary pitcher against the Rangers, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Littell, who holds a 3.57 ERA for the Red Wings in the International League, will follow starter Gabriel Moya on Sunday.

Littell will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to be the Twins' "primary pitcher" Sunday against the Rangers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Littell was expected to be Sunday's starter, but manager Paul Moliter will instead opt to utilize the opener strategy, with reliever Gabriel Moya earning the "start." The 22-year-old had a 3.57 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 106 innings with Rochester this season.

Kiekhefer had his contract selected by the Athletics on Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Kiekhefer signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics in May and posted a 3.83 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over 44.2 innings with Triple-A Nashville. The left-hander has a 5.32 ERA and 1.41 WHIP over 22 career major-league innings.

Coulombe was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Coulombe spent a good chunk of the season's first half in the majors, posting a 4.56 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over 23.2 innings. The 28-year-old was last with Oakland as the 26th man for a doubleheader in June and brings some depth to the bullpen for the final month of the regular season.

Betances recorded his second save of the 2018 season Saturday, throwing a scoreless inning, working around a hit and striking out one to seal the Yankees' victory over the Tigers.

The righty coughed up two homers Thursday against Detroit to blow the save and absorb the loss, but the towering 30-year-old got the job done despite allowing a two-out single in Saturday's opportunity. He induced a weak groundout -- his second of the appearance -- to put out the fire. During Aroldis Chapman's (knee) absence, Betances might cede the occasional closing call to Zach Britton or David Robertson, but he's the primary arm in Aaron Boone's plans.

Norris (0-3) exited Saturday's start against the Yankees with left calf cramping and was charged with the loss.

Norris allowed two runs over 4.1 innings and struck out seven prior to leaving the game. All things considered, the reason for his removal being cramps is good news as he was making his first start since recovering from a groin injury that sidelined him since April. If he remains in the rotation, the 25-year-old's next turn will come next Friday against the Cardinals, though he should be considered day-to-day.

Almonte was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Almonte had one brief stint with the Angels this season, allowing two runs over an inning of work. The 25-year-old struggled for Salt Lake this season, posting an ugly 9.70 ERA and 2.34 WHIP across 21.1 innings.

Frare had his contract purchased by the White Sox on Saturday.

Frare spent the bulk of the season at Double-A Trenton with the Yankees -- where he dominated with a 0.62 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 57:15 K:BB over 43.2 innings -- before being acquired by the White Sox. The 25-year-old similarly allowed only one run across 12.2 innings with Triple-A Charlotte and now will join the White Sox bullpen for the final month of the season.

Bummer was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.

Bummer last saw the majors in early June and had a solid 3.26 ERA and 21:6 K:BB over 19.1 innings. The 24-year-old did allow a .321 opponent batting average and a 1.71 WHIP, which suggests some regression is likely in order. The 24-year-old could be used as a situational left-hander for the White Sox.