MLB Player News

Belisle picked up his eighth save Tuesday by tossing a spotless ninth against the Indians.

Starter Bartolo Colon left the game after one inning with an illness, so this rapidly turned into a bullpen game, with Belisle the 10th pitcher deployed by manager Paul Molitor. A long-time middle-relief piece and occasional setup man, Belisle had just five saves in 13 seasons before 2017. However, he's been effective as the Twins' closer since the trade deadline, converting eight of 10 opportunities while allowing only five runs and 13 total baserunners in 16.2 innings. Belisle is set to close out the season with the ninth-inning role, but the 37-year-old righty probably won't carry it over to next year.

Ferrell (concussion) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Ferrell was placed in concussion protocol on Sept. 19, but he's moving in the right direction in his recovery -- he also threw Saturday. The 26-year-old has only thrown 9.1 innings in 2017, and would likely be in a mop-up role if he does return before the end of the year.

Pomeranz has experienced a dip in velocity recently, Bill Ballou of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports.

Pomeranz's decreased fastball velocity was all the buzz post-game Monday when the left-hander exited after two-plus innings, but manager John Farrell downplayed it, suggesting that the calendar and the number of innings thrown has more to do with it than anything physical. When velocity is down, a pitcher needs to locate and Pomeranz didn't do it Monday.

McHugh (4-2) struck out six batters and allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks through five innings to earn the win Monday night over the Rangers.

McHugh hasn't completed the sixth innings since Aug. 25 in Los Angeles. At this point, the Astros seem to be relying on McHugh to give his all over short bursts before they turn to the bullpen. He's been effective despite his short starts, as McHugh has allowed just six earned runs over his last four outings.

Kahnle pitched a scoreless inning in Monday's win over the Royals, striking out two and walking one.

Kahnle has now tossed 13 consecutive scoreless outings after going through a bit of a rough patch toward the end of August. While he's earned the opportunity to be deployed in high-leverage situations, the back end of the Yankees' bullpen is simply too deep to allow Kahnle to see any save chances.

Pomeranz (16-6) allowed five runs on seven hits and one walk across just two innings while taking the loss Monday against the Blue Jays. He did not record a strikeout.

Pomeranz allowed a solo home run in the first inning before he was tagged for four runs on five hits and a walk in the second. He fell behind in the count on several occasions and worked up to 47 pitches before his removal ahead of the third. This poor outing comes as something of a surprise, as the lefty had delivered four quality starts in his last five. He will look to get back on track in his final regular-season start Saturday against the Astros.

Junis (8-3) took the loss after allowing six runs on seven hits and a walk in 5.2 innings Monday against the Yankees. He struck out four batters.

Junis was hit hard in this one, as five of the seven hits he conceded went for extra bases, including homers by Aaron Judge and Greg Bird. It was a rare blowup for Junis, as Monday marked the first time since June 29 that the 25-year-old allowed more than three runs in a start; he put together a 2.42 ERA and 38:5 K:BB across eight starts (48.1 innings) over that stretch. Junis will look to get back on track and finish his rookie season on a high note, with his final start lined up for Saturday against Arizona. Seeing as the the Diamondbacks have already clinched home-field advantage in the NL wild-card game, they may end up resting some regular starters.

Manaea (back) will make his final start of the season Thursday against the Rangers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manaea was scratched from his start over the weekend due to upper back tightness, but it was never expect to end his season. The 25-year-old was cleared to rejoin the starting rotation for one final start after tossing a successful bullpen session Monday. He owns a 4.56 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 152 innings this season.

Fulmer (finger) will start Saturday against the Indians, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports.

Fulmer exited his last start after just 20 pitches due to a blister on his right index finger, and while he was hoping to make his next start on schedule, the issue is still bothersome enough to push his outing back. The 23-year-old is no longer lined up for two starts before the end of the regular season, as Chris Volstad is expected to start in his place Tuesday. Fulmer, who's compiled a 4.42 ERA and 17:11 K:BB in 18.1 innings with the White Sox, will be making his last start of the season Saturday.

Fulmer (finger) said he wants to make his next start Tuesday, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports.

Fulmer exited his last start after just 20 pitches due to a blister on his right index finger. He was able to throw a successful bullpen session Sunday, and it appears he may not be forced to miss a turn in the rotation if he checks out fine prior to Tuesday's game. Still, the White Sox haven't listed a starter, and seeing as they're already out of playoff contention, they may decide to play it safe with Fulmer if he isn't 100 percent.