MLB Player News

Diaz allowed two hits but earned the save against the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

Diaz allowed consecutive singles to start the 10th inning but benefited from the potential game-tying run being thrown out at home for the first out. He went on to retire the next two batters without incident to lock down his 50th save of the season. While this appearance didn't fall in line with his usual dominance -- it was the first of 11 August appearances in which he didn't record a strikeout -- there shouldn't be cause for any concern.

Betances picked up his first save of the season Saturday against the Orioles, striking out the only batter he faced in Game 2 of the doubleheader.

Tommy Kahnle initially took over in the ninth inning with the Yankees up 5-0, but manager Aaron Boone was forced to turn to Betances after Kahnle was unable to close the door, allowing one run on three hits before getting the hook with two outs. Betances needed just five pitches to strike out Caleb Joseph and secure the win for New York. He's now allowed just one run since the All-Star break (12.1 innings), compiling an impressive 0.73 ERA and 22:1 K:BB over that stretch. The Yankees figure to continue to use a closer-by-committee approach with Aroldis Chapman (knee) on the disabled list, mixing and matching between Betances, Zach Britton and David Robertson (shoulder) in the ninth inning.

Pagan was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Pagan, who hasn't pitched since Aug. 19, was sent to the minors to free up a roster spot for Sunday's starter Chris Bassitt, who is set to be promoted from the Sounds in a corresponding move. In his last appearance, Pagan surrendered a trio of solo homers across three innings, raising his ERA from 3.40 to 3.71. He should be back with the A's sometime in early September after rosters expand.

Yarbrough allowed one run on five hits and one walk across five innings Saturday against the Red Sox. He struck out two and didn't factor into the decision.

Yarbrough was solid in what was his sixth start of the season, stifling a difficult Red Sox lineup through five innings before exiting with the game knotted at 1-1. The lone run he allowed came from a double play groundout in the second inning. The 25-year-old now owns a solid 3.75 ERA through 124.2 innings this season. It's unclear if Yarbrough will receive another start or if he'll return to his role as a long reliever.

Yacabonis was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk following Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Yacabonis will head back to the minors after serving as the team's 26th man during Saturday's doubleheader. He started Game 1 and took the loss, allowing six runs on five hits and two walks over 3.1 innings.

Giles allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to pick up his 18th save of the season in an 8-6 win over the Phillies.

A two-out double by Carlos Santana made things interesting, but that's par for the course for Giles in the ninth inning. Despite the struggles that got him chased out of Houston, the 27-year-old still has yet to blow a save this year, and his 43:5 K:BB in 40.1 innings might be a better predictor of his future performance than his 5.58 ERA.

Yacabonis (0-2) took the loss in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees, allowing six runs and five hits over 3.1 innings. He struck out three and walked two.

Yacabonis needed 73 pitches to record only seven outs during the matinee. The 26-year-old has allowed 18 runs and five home runs over 19.1 innings at the major-league level this season.

Manager Rod Gardenhire indicated Norris (hip) is likely to work out of the bullpen once he rejoins the Tigers, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Norris is set for a rehab start with Triple-A Toledo on Sunday and will have a pitch limit around 80. The 25-year-old has made only five appearances (two starts) in the majors this season after undergoing groin surgery in late April. Due to their place in the standings, the Tigers have no reason to rush back the left-hander if any concerns remain, so it's understandable for them to remain cautious.

Kittredge was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Kittredge will once again join the Rays to serve in a low-leverage role out of the bullpen. The 28-year-old has allowed 23 runs (22 earned) with a 16:11 K:BB across 24.2 innings at the major-league level this season.

Yarbrough will start Saturday's contest against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Yarbrough will be making his sixth start of the year and first since early July when he takes the mound Saturday. He has served as a "primary pitcher" -- coming in to work a majority of the game following an inning or two from the starter -- in over half his outings dating back to the All-Star break, so he will be able to last four or five innings if all goes according to plan. Across 31 appearances this year, he's logged a 3.84 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and an 8.0 K/9.