MLB Player News

Yarbrough is expected to serve as the Rays' primary pitcher in Thursday's series opener against the Astros in relief of likely starter Ryne Stanek, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Before confirming their plans for Thursday, the Rays will presumably monitor the bullpen's usage in Tuesday's game against the Nationals. If Stanek nor Yarbrough are used extensively, both pitchers should be available Thursday, with the latter covering the bulk of the innings. Stanek hasn't recorded more than six outs in any of his seven "starts" this season, while Yarbrough has covered between 3.1 and 5.1 innings the three times this month he has relieved either Stanek or Jonny Venters.

Rays skipper Kevin Cash said Stanek would likely open Thursday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays will presumably wait and see if Stanek is needed in relief Tuesday against the Nationals before confirming him as Thursday's starter. Stanek has previously opened seven games for the Rays, but has been asked to record no more than six outs in any of those contests. Though Stanek may technically start against the Astros, it's expected that long reliever Ryan Yarbrough will cover the bulk of the innings out of the bullpen.

Loaisiga (2-0) tossed 5.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Monday against the Phillies, striking out eight while allowing one hit and two walks.

Loaisiga enjoyed an excellent outing in this one, delivering new career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts at the MLB level. Hew threw an impressive 66 percent of his pitches for strikes, including 15 swinging strikes, and induced six groundball outs to stifle the visitors. Loaisiga was roughed up a bit in his previous outing, but this bounce-back effort gives him a sterling 1.93 ERA to go along with an 11.6 K/9 through 14 innings with the Yanks. He'll face his toughest test yet in his next scheduled start against the Braves.

Chapman allowed a solo home run but still recorded his 23rd save of the season while striking out three over 1.1 innings Monday against the Phillies.

Chapman was called upon with two outs in the eighth inning and closed out the frame on one pitch with the tying man at the plate. He allowed a solo home run in the ninth inning, ending a string of 11 straight scoreless outings, but he still closed out the two-run victory. Chapman now carries a 1.29 ERA and 0.86 WHIP while sitting second in the American League in saves.

Palumbo (elbow) threw two scoreless innings for the Rangers' team in the rookie-level Arizona League on Sunday, Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports.

This was Pulumbo's first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2017. He'll likely get a few more outings with the rookies before heading up to a full-season affiliate.

Hill hit the one batter (David Fletcher) he faced in the eighth inning Monday and was then removed after just four pitches.

The Royals are working with a closer-by-committee situation, and while Hill has been a part of that, he appears to have been a bit of an afterthought in this contest. Kevin McCarthy came in to relieve him and pitched a clean eighth inning before Wily Peralta picked up his first career save with a clean ninth inning.

Jimenez gave up three runs on three hits and a walk in one inning Monday against the A's. He did not record a strikeout.

Closer Shane Greene took the loss after giving up a game-winning home run in a tie game in the ninth inning, but Jimenez should shoulder the most blame for the Tigers not closing out this victory. He figures to be next in line for saves if Greene gets traded, injured or coughs up the job in another manner, but this outing won't expedite that process.

Hart was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday.

Hart had only recently been called up to Baltimore on Saturday. He'll head right back down after allowing a pair of runs on three hits and a walk without recording a single out in his long appearance. Tim Beckham (groin) was activated from the 60-day disabled list in a corresponding move.

Pruitt was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Monday.

Pruitt was only just sent down on Friday, but he'll head right back to the majors as a replacement for Jonny Venters (hamstring). Pruitt has a mediocre 4.24 ERA in 51 innings for the Rays. His rather low 14.5 percent strikeout rate is offset by a very good 4.8 percent walk rate.

Gallegos was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

The Yankees will go with an extra man in the bullpen for their three-game series in a National League park against the Phillies, with Gallegos called up and outfielder Clint Frazier sent down. Gallegos has made one major-league appearance this season, tossing a pair of scoreless innings. He has a 5.09 ERA in 17.2 innings at the Triple-A level, though his excellent peripherals give him a 1.84 FIP.