MLB Player News

Junis (8-2) allowed just three hits and two walks over 6.1 innings en route to the victory in a 15-5 thumping over Toronto on Wednesday, though he was tagged for four runs (two earned). He struck out three.

He actually shut the Jays out through six, but the seventh didn't go quite so well, and the two unearned runs actually came off an error by Junis himself. Nonetheless, Junis has been an excellent addition to the Royals' rotation, having given up three or fewer earned runs in six straight starts and eight of his last nine; in the latter span, he's posted a 5-0 record to go with a 3.02 ERA and 41:6 K:BB. Those numbers should ensure that fantasy owners remember his name heading into next season.

Manager Scott Servais said Zych (elbow) didn't feel 100 percent during his bullpen session Wednesday and may not return before the end of the season, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Zych was pushing to return from an elbow injury before the end of the season, but his chances are looking slim after reporting some soreness during Wednesday's bullpen. He compiled a healthy 2.66 ERA in 40.2 innings out of the Mariners' bullpen this season. Nick Vincent, Emilio Pagan and James Pazos will continue to serve as Seattle's primary setup men in his absence.

Hendriks recorded the final two outs of Wednesday's win over the Tigers for his first career save. He struck out one batter.

Ryan Dull started the ninth with regular closer Blake Treinen unavailable after pitching each of the previous three days. Dull made a mess of things, allowing Detroit to cut the lead to one run, but Hendriks cleaned up and now has a 2.88 ERA in 29 second-half appearances. He probably won't see many more save chances this season, if any, but Hendriks is establishing himself as a top setup man with his performance since the All-Star break.

Mengden (2-1) earned the win over the Tigers on Wednesday, allowing seven hits while striking out four over seven scoreless innings. He did not issue a walk.

On the heels of a complete-game two-hitter against Philadelphia, Mengden blanked the Tigers over seven for his third straight quality start. The peripherals suggest he's overachieved to a significant extent during his time with Oakland, but for those owners simply chasing wins and strikeouts, Mengden will make for an appealing play during the final week of the season with two starts on tap (vs SEA, at TEX).

Mariners manager Scott Servais said Tuesday that Zych (elbow) has resumed playing catch and could return before the end of the regular season, Josh Horton of MLB.com reports.

Zych has been on the disabled list since Aug. 20 with a right elbow flexor bundle strain. While he has yet to resume mound work, Zych isn't throwing the towel in on 2017 just yet, though time is beginning to work against him. He'll likely need to complete a bullpen session and face hitters within the next week to have a realistic chance of being activated from the DL and making an appearance prior to the Oct. 1 season finale.

Kimbrel struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to extend Tuesday's game into extra innings, where Boston eventually defeated Baltimore, 1-0.

Kimbrel has been used two consecutive nights in the same non-save situation: the ninth inning of a tied game. Overall, he's pitched five times in the last six days, so it wouldn't be surprising if he gets a night off in the series finale Wednesday.

Kelly (4-1) struck out the side in the 10th inning to earn the victory in Boston's 1-0 win over Baltimore in 11 innings Tuesday.

The Red Sox have no shortage of relievers putting up impressive numbers during the month of September. Add Kelly to that mix. He pitched three perfect innings in an extra-inning win over Tampa Bay last Friday and is looking like he'll be a key bullpen piece should the Red Sox qualify for the postseason.

Smith struck out both batters faced in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Orioles.

This was noteworthy as it marked the first time we've seen Smith throw on consecutive nights since his return from an elbow injury. When the Red Sox activated him, there were few expectations, but the right-hander hasn't permitted a run in five outings (4.1 innings) and has thrown himself into consideration for a postseason roster spot, should the Red Sox qualify.

Barnes closed out Tuesday's game to pick up his first save of the season in Boston's 1-0 win over Baltimore in 11 innings.

Having used closer Craig Kimbrel in the ninth inning, manager John Farrell had to rely on second-tier relievers for a second consecutive night. On Monday, it was Carson Smith closing out an 11-inning affair. Barnes faced the heart of the Baltimore order Tuesday, setting them down 1-2-3. He's capable of pitching in any situation and has pitched better than his 3.82 ERA might suggest.

Treinen pitched around a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth for his 12th save of the year Tuesday against Detroit.

Nine of those saves have come with Oakland, and Treinen's 2.45 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with the A's are certainly a far cry from the hideous stats he put up for the Nationals earlier this season. As one of the league's hardest-throwing pitchers, the 29-year-old righty possesses tantalizing fantasy upside and should continue returning value over the season's remaining days.