MLB Player News

Kimbrel struck out two batters in a clean ninth frame to earn his 33rd save of the season Saturday against the Rays.

Kimbrel needed just 12 pitches to put the Rays down in order en route to converting his first save opportunity in over two weeks. Despite the lack of save chances, he's still strung together seven consecutive scoreless appearances, striking out 16 batters and allowing just five baserunners over seven innings during that stretch. He continues to be one of the most reliable relievers in the game, as evidenced by his 1.43 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and a 119:14 K:BB through 63 innings this season.

Martinez allowed four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Friday.

This wasn't a very strong showing, but Martinez at least allowed the Rangers to hang around throughout most of the game. It's not entirely clear if Martinez will continue on in the rotation over the rest of the season, but if he does, he will remain merely a low-upside AL-only streamer. He has a 5.47 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 59:26 K:BB over 100.1 innings this season.

Pruitt (7-5) took the loss in Friday's 13-6 extra-inning defeat at the hands of the Red Sox, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk over two-plus innings. He struck out three.

Pruitt played a pivotal hand in putting an end to the 15-inning marathon, allowing a fielder's choice groundout to Dustin Pedroia and then seeing the three runs driven in by Andrew Benintendi and Mitch Moreland also go on his ledger after he'd exited in the top of the 15th. The 29-year-old had been impressive in a long-relief role against this same Red Sox squad last Saturday, allowing just an earned run over four innings while striking out five. He's slated to serve in a similar capacity for the balance of the regular season.

Lawrence struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Astros, allowing a hit and two walks.

Lawrence's trademark control issues surfaced again, as he needed 25 pitches to get three outs. He'd encouragingly stayed away from issuing any free passes in his previous pair of appearances, but Friday marked the fourth time in his last seven major-league outings that he'd been guilty of multiple walks. The 29-year-old right-hander is capable of filling a variety of roles, including starter, but his inability to consistently locate (4.2 BB/9) and propensity for surrendering the long ball (1.9 HR/9) have mostly made him a fantasy liability during his stints with both the Blue Jays and Mariners in 2017.

Kelly retired all nine batters he faced in Friday's 13-6 extra-inning win over the Rays.

Kelly carried the Red Sox from the 11th through the 13th innings in what may have been his finest performance of the season. While his ERA stands at 2.72, Kelly's 3.67 FIP speaks to a less effective reliever that hasn't been completely trusted in high-leverage spots. The makeup of Boston's setup men leading up to closer Craig Kimbrel has been a dance choreographed by manager John Farrell all season, so Kelly's effort Friday could alter the setup crew once again.

Giles recorded his 31st save, working around a double and striking out one in Friday's 5-2 win over the Mariners.

Giles has bounced back nicely after a blown save Sept. 8, registering a hold and two saves in three outings since. All three of those appearances have come in the last four days, so Giles may not be available Saturday.

McHugh (fingernail) will "probably" pitch next Tuesday when Houston opens a series against the White Sox, according to manager A.J. Hinch, Hunter Atkins of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Hinch was discussing immediate plans for McHugh and fellow injured starter Lance McCullers (arm), suggesting both could be headed to the bullpen. Hinch said both will pitch Tuesday, but added he hasn't decided who will start. It's uncertain if the manager is deciding between those two for the start, if there will be another pitcher starting, or if it will be a bullpen start. We should learn more this weekend, when McHugh is expected to throw an inning of relief and McCullers throws a bullpen session Saturday.

Colome allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk and only managed two outs in the ninth Friday against the Red Sox for his sixth blown save.

This marks Colome's first blown save since July 27 against the Yankees and the first time he has allowed multiple runs in an inning since July 4 against the Cubs. Colome owns the major league lead in saves with 44, but he has been hittable this year, as he owns a 3.22 ERA after Friday's rough outing.

Andriese allowed two runs on five hits over 4.1 innings with three strikeouts in a no-decision Friday against the Red Sox.

Andriese hasn't gotten an out in the sixth inning since he returned from the disabled list, and he has completed the fifth just once, his first time out. This was probably Andriese's best turn through the rotation yet, which speaks to his struggles since returning from a hip injury. Seeing as the Rays are still holding on to slim playoff hopes, his starting spot may be in jeopardy down the stretch.

Fulmer allowed just one run on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts through six innings but was left with a no-decision Friday against Detroit.

Fulmer's likely to be part of the White Sox pitching staff next season, but whether that will be as a starter or reliever could hinge on his final few starts this season. Manager Rick Renteria told Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune that the organization is using September as "a huge part of our evaluation." Fulmer has now allowed just one run over six innings in two straight starts and has 14 strikeouts over those 12 innings. After a disastrous start August 21 when he allowed six runs and failed to complete the second inning, Fulmer is starting to settle in.