MLB Player News

Alvarado recorded the final out to pick up his second save Friday against Houston.

The Rays went to the lefty Alvarado to turn around switch hitter Marwin Gonzalez. The substitution worked, as Gonzalez grounded into a fielder's choice on the first pitch to end the game. Expect Sergio Romo to continue to get the bulk of save opportunities in Tampa Bay, but the Rays are obviously not shy to play the percentages in the ninth inning.

Busenitz was sent back down to Triple-A Rochester, Dan Hayes of The Athletic Minnesota reports.

Busenitz was roughed up his first time out in the majors, allowing three runs over 1.1 innings, but he picked up a win with 1.2 scoreless innings Thursday against the White Sox. The decision to return him to Triple-A came down to the fact that Busenitz still has options remaining, as the Twins needed to open up a roster spot for Saturday's starter Adalberto Mejia. Expect Busenitz back in Minnesota at some point this season.

Stanek will open Saturday against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports Friday.

Wilmer Font was forced to leave Friday's game, which will lead to some rearranging of the Rays' starting plans going forward. Stanek will open for the second time in three days after holding Houston scoreless over 1.2 innings with three strikeouts and two walks allowed Thursday. He will look for a similar result in the rematch Saturday.

Yacabonis was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Yacabonis has pitched three times for the Orioles this season, allowing six earned runs in 6.1 innings. Ryan Meisinger and Paul Fry were called up to replace him and Yefry Ramirez.

Giles was not used in a save situation Thursday as Hector Rondon closed out Houston's 1-0 win over Tampa Bay.

Giles hasn't pitched in a save situation since June 12, an opportunity he converted, although there haven't been many chances for the Astros since then. The only game that qualified as a save chance between then and Thursday night was against the Royals on June 17. In that game, Rondon got the save after Giles was used in the eighth inning to face the heart of Kansas City's lineup. Houston's bullpen situation is best described as having co-closers. Giles remains perfect in save opportunities on the year, but there's been enough bad outings in non-save situations for manager A.J. Hinch to feel the need for another ninth-inning option.

Yarbrough (7-4) allowed one earned run on seven hits and a walk while striking out four across 6.1 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Astros.

Yarbrough entered the game with two outs in the second inning and worked in and out of trouble for much of his appearance. However, he managed to induce 10 groundballs and allowed only one extra-base hit -- a home run to Jake Marisnick -- which limited the damage. He'll look to use this appearance to get him back on track, as he had allowed 15 earned runs in his last 25 innings prior to Thursday's effort.

Barria (5-4) allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four across 5.1 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Red Sox.

Barria's sole blemish came only a solo home run by Rafael Devers, with the second earned run coming as a result of the bullpen failing to strand a runner that was on first base when he exited the game. He continues to get results without a standout skill -- he has a strikeout rate of 7.4 K/9 and a groundball rate of 38.7 percent -- so it seems unlikely that he will be able to maintain his 3.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP all season. However, he has a nice base to work from as he has exhibited good control -- he has allowed just 2.5 BB/9 -- and has a 13.1 percent infield flyball rate, so it is unclear just how much correction is coming.

Kimbrel walked one and struck out three to earn the save Thursday against the Angels.

Kimbrel struck Mike Trout out to secure his 24th save of the season; the second-highest total in the American League. He remains one of the most dominant closers in the game and has converted 15 consecutive save chances successfully.

Johnson allowed one earned run on three hits and a walk while striking out two across four innings Thursday against the Angels. He did not factor into the decision.

Johnson's only earned run came on a home run by Andrelton Simmons, but he was forced out after only 61 pitches in his start in place of Steven Wright because he hadn't been fully stretched out. Across his past three appearances, Johnson had not surpassed 43 pitches, so the Red Sox took a cautious approach. Wright is eligible to return from the disabled list July 3 -- it is unclear if he will do so -- so Johnson's time in the rotation may be short-lived.

Treinen worked a scoreless ninth to pick up his 20th save of the season Thursday against the Tigers.

It was another easy outing for Treinen, who allowed just one baserunner over his 14 pitches before finishing off the Tigers to notch his second save of the series. Treinen hasn't blown a save since April 18 -- a span of 25 outings -- and he's surrendered just three earned runs in that stretch.