MLB Player News

Yarbrough tossed four scoreless innings and picked up the win in relief Wednesday during the Rays' 6-1 triumph over the Yankees. He allowed two hits and no walks and struck out three.

After posting a 7.23 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in his first four outings out of the All-Star break, Yarbrough has righted the ship over past two appearances, throwing six shutout frames while giving up three hits and issuing no free passes. Since he threw 55 pitches Wednesday, Yarbrough will likely be rested for at least three days before manager Kevin Cash turns to the lefty again out of the bullpen.

Kahnle was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Kahnle will take the roster place of Luis Cessa, who was optioned back to the minors following his start against Tampa Bay on Wednesday. Though Kahnle tossed an inning of work versus Boston earlier this month, he's only appeared in nine games for the Yankees this season, as he's spent a majority of the past couple months at the Triple-A level working through some velocity issues.

Pomeranz allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out one over one inning in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to Philadelphia.

This was Pomeranz's third appearance as a reliever and first in what was deemed a high-leverage spot -- he entered with Boston down a run in the seventh inning. "I wanted to see how he, in a close game, put him in a high-leverage situation with a few switch-hitters and a lefty there to see how he reacted," manager Alex Cora told Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald. "He threw the ball well in Baltimore, so we trust the guy." Pomeranz got into some good counts, throwing seven of eight first-pitch strikes, but was unable to put batters away. The left-hander said his mechanics have been off all year and feels he's blocking himself while throwing. In pitcher-speak, that means instead of delivering directly toward the plate, he's drifting toward one side of the plate, in this case it's the left side. The outing brought his ERA back up over six (6.34), and one wonders if he's of any value when pitching like this. The Red Sox have a roster decision to make Friday when second baseman Ian Kinsler (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the disabled list. Beyond that, pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) is closing in on a return. Pomeranz's roster spot may be in jeopardy.

Hand gave up two hits and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning to record his 28th save of the season, and fourth with Cleveland, in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

The southpaw narrowly escaped blowing the save, as after Billy Hamilton led off the ninth inning with a single, Jose Peraza drove a ball to right field that hopped over the fence for a ground-rule double, keeping Hamilton at third base. Hand then kept the Reds off the board and wriggled off the hook. Cody Allen looked very good in the setup role Wednesday, and the duo will likely continue to share closing duties down the stretch.

Diaz pitched a scoreless 12th inning Wednesday against the A's to secure his 47th save of the season, allowing a hit while striking out the side.

Diaz allowed the first batter he faced to reach base before striking out the next three batters on just 11 pitches. The closer has now allowed just one run through seven innings this month while converting all seven of his save chances. He owns an impressive 1.95 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 103:15 K:BB to go with his 47 saves this season (60 innings).

Hildenberger picked up his third save of the season Wednesday against the Pirates, issuing a walk and striking one batter out in a scoreless ninth inning.

HIldenberger needed just 14 pitches -- eight of which were strikes -- to convert his third consecutive save opportunity, allowing a one-out walk before inducing a game-ending double-play. The 27-year-old has certainly been shaky at times this season, as evidenced by his 4.58 ERA, but he appears to be the Twins' No. 1 option in the ninth inning following Fernando Rodney's departure.

Phillips was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday.

Phillips was sent back to the minors after allowing four runs on two hits and two walks during Wednesday's loss to the Mets. The 23-year-old now owns an unsightly 13.03 ERA, 2.07 WHIP and 6:10 K:BB through 9.2 innings this season. A corresponding roster move will be announced prior to Friday's series opener against the Indians.

Lopez (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three over 4.2 innings against the Blue Jays.

It was a tough first start with a new club for Lopez, as he allowed three extra-base hits, including the big blow on a Curtis Granderson grand slam in the fourth inning. The 25-year-old had made just two career starts in the majors before Wednesday, and only started in two of his 26 appearances at the Triple-A level this season. With Kansas City well out of contention, Lopez should get an extended audition despite any struggles. He'll line up to take on the Rays on Monday.

Giles picked up the save Wednesday, allowing one run while striking out one over one inning in the 6-5 win over the Royals.

Giles allowed a solo home run to Ryan O'Hearn with one out to bring the margin within one, but he was able to shut the door after that to lock down his third save since coming to Toronto. The 27-year-old sports a bloated 6.03 ERA -- and a 10.80 mark with the Blue Jays -- but he figures to continue being the main option at the back end of the Toronto bullpen going forward.

Stanek will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher in Friday's series opener against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Stanek owns a 3.00 ERA through five appearances (six innings) this month, three of which have been starts. While he doesn't pitch deep enough into games to factor into the decision, Stanek owns a useful 2.45 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 62:20 K:BB through 47.2 innings this season.