MLB Player News

Zych was credited with his first save of the season in Monday's 6-5 win over the Athletics, firing a scoreless two-thirds of an inning while issuing a walk and recording a strikeout.

The young right-hander was rather unexpectedly called on to put out the fire started by closer Edwin Diaz, who unraveled by issuing four walks while getting just one out to open the ninth. Zych couldn't have walked into a more high-leverage scenario, as he faced Khris Davis with the bases loaded to open his appearance. He induced an RBI groundout from the slugger and then closed out the win by striking out Adam Rosales looking following an intentional walk of Yonder Alonso. Zych has bounced back nicely from offseason biceps tendon transfer surgery, compiling a 2.45 ERA, a pair of victories, a hold and Monday's save. The one blemish has been some spotty control, as he's issued six free passes over 11 innings.

Diaz allowed two runs on no hits while walking four to earn a hold in one-third of an inning in Monday's 6-5 win over the A's.

A day after giving up a walk-off homer to Kevin Pillar in the bottom of the ninth in a tie ballgame, Diaz was much sloppier in this one. The hard-throwing righty walked four of the five batters he faced to force in a run and was removed in favor of Tony Zych, who induced a run-scoring groundout from Khris Davis before striking out Adam Rosales looking to end it. Diaz's inexperience is showing through with his 5.28 ERA, although he's striking out a cool 11.7 per nine innings. While there's no indication yet that Diaz's job may be in jeopardy, the M's have more options now that Steve Cishek (hip) returned from the disabled list Monday.

Manaea (1-3) allowed four runs on only two hits (one home run) while walking five and striking out seven over five innings in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Mariners.

The young left-hander walked four in the first inning after a leadoff single by Jean Segura, ultimately requiring 38 pitches to complete the opening frame. The good news is that Manaea finished strong, retiring the final 10 batters he faced in his first start since April 26. The 25-year-old's ceiling remains high because of his strikeout stuff (10.4 K/9), but his lack of control (5.2 BB/9) makes him a risky mixed-league option for the time being.

Chavez (3-5) allowed three runs and five hits (one home run) while walking one and striking out five over seven innings to beat the White Sox 5-3 on Monday.

His fourth quality start of the season lowered his ERA to 4.22 on the season, but his lackluster 7.35 K/9 in 49 innings limits Chavez's value to AL-only and deep mixed leagues based on matchups. The long ball has been an issue, too, as he's surrendered eight in his eight starts.

Axford (shoulder) will make his next rehab appearance with Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The veteran reliever enjoyed a successful first appearance Saturday, and if all goes well with Tuesday's outing, he could rejoin the A's on Thursday. Axford was a workhorse in his first Oakland season in 2016, firing 65.2 innings over 68 appearances while notching six victories, 15 holds and three saves. His presence could certainly be a welcome addition to a bullpen that's struggled of late, blowing saves in three consecutive games for the first time since 2004.

Pomeranz had an MRI on his injured triceps come back clean Monday and has been cleared to resume baseball activities, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reports.

Tightness in Pomeranz's triceps forced him out of Sunday's start after just three innings, but it looks like he'll be fine. Expect Pomeranz to make a start against Oakland on Saturday. Pomeranz has made just two quality starts in seven appearances this season, with the last coming back on April 28 against the Cubs.

Jimenez (back) is expected to miss a month of action, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

No timetable for his return was initially given, but further examination by team doctors helped produce a clearer picture of what Jimenez's road to recovery will look like. He'll spend much of the next month rehabbing with the Tigers' affiliate in Lakeland.

Curtis was optioned to Double-A Arkansas on Monday.

The Mariners needed a spot in the bullpen for recently activated reliever Steve Cishek, so even though Curtis didn't allow a run in two relief appearances, he'll head back to the level at which he started the year. He'll continue to develop as a bullpen arm, and his strong first impression with Seattle could bode well for his chances of getting a late-season call-up.

Infante had his contract purchased from Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Calling up Infante is the corresponding roster move after Cody Asche was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday. The 29-year-old right-hander hasn't appeared in the majors since 2010, also with the White Sox, but his stellar 2.08 ERA and 11.1 K/9 in 13 Triple-A innings this season could help him succeed in a low-leverage relief role.

Manaea (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Monday.

As anticipated, the young left-hander will return from injury in order to start Monday's contest with the division-rival Mariners. Manaea has been sidelined since April 26, but prior to getting hurt, he held a 5.18 ERA and 10.0 K/9 in 24.1 innings pitched. To make room for him on the major-league roster, catcher Bruce Maxwell was sent back to Triple-A Nashville.