MLB Player News

Despite struggling during the appearance, Mariners pitcher Carson Smith was able to shut the door on the Rockies during Monday's 8-7 win.

Smith allowed three hits, which led to one run, but he recorded the final three outs to receive his 10th save of the season. He also struck out two.

Smith has converted 10 of his 12 save opportunities this season.

Rays closer Brad Boxberger pitched a scoreless ninth inning to convert his 12th save opportunity in a row, Monday against the White Sox. 

Boxberger allowed two hits, but he was able to protect a one-run lead and earn his 27th save of the year. 

White Sox closer David Robertson gave up a run in the ninth inning to break a tie and take the loss, Monday against Tampa Bay. 

Pitching in his first non-save situation in six appearances, Robertson allowed two hits and a walk. It was the first time he's given up multiple hits since June 30, and he took his first loss since June 19, dropping to 4-3. 

The Rays officially demoted starting pitcher Matt Moore to Triple-A Durham on Monday. To take his spot on the roster, corner-infield prospect Richie Shaffer was promoted from Durham.

Moore, who missed the start of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, went 1-3 with an 8.78 ERA in six starts.

Shaffer, who was a 2012 first-round pick (25th), posted a .263/.361/.539/.900 slash line between Double-A and Triple-A this season. He also had 21 doubles, 23 home runs and 59 RBI in 94 games.

Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte was expected to be recalled to the Athletics after completing a rehab assignment for a shoulder injury in Triple-A Nashville, but instead Oakland optioned the reliever back to the minors for more work, per the San Francisco Chronicle. 

Venditte appeared in four games with the Athletics this season, but has pitched well in relief at Triple-A, compiling a 1.63 ERA. 

Rays closer Brad Boxberger pitched a perfect ninth, striking out the side and preserving a one-run lead over Boston on Sunday. 

Boxberger recorded his 26th save of the year and 10th straight converted save opportunity. 

Boxberger has eight scoreless outings in his last nine appearances.  

Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh was dominant during his start against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

McHugh allowed only one run on eight hits over seven strong innings of work. He struck out six batters and gave up just one walk while picking up his 13th win of the season.

With the win, McHugh improved to 13-5 on the year with a 4.27 ERA.

Athletics pitcher Pat Venditte is returning to Oakland from his Triple-A rehab assignment, per the San Francisco Chronicle.

Venditte is on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury. He's expected to be activated on Monday. 

Athletics relief pitcher Pat Venditte played in a rehab game for Triple-A Nashville on Saturday.

Venditte tossed 2/3 of an inning and allowed one hit. He is currently on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury.

Mariners reliever Carson Smith recorded his fifth blown save of the season in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Twins. With the Mariners leading by one, Smith gave up a double to leadoff the ninth inning. 

He was able to retire the next batter on a strikeout, but then uncorked a wild pitch moving the runner to third. After getting the second out, he issued an intentional walk before throwing yet another wild pitch, allowing the tying run to score. Finally, Kurt Suzuki singled in the winning run, giving Smith the blown save and the loss.

Smith (1-5) has picked up a loss in three straight appearances, allowing five earned runs in those games. Nevertheless, manager Lloyd McClendon appears committed to Smith as his closer, claiming the rookie right-hander would get the ball in a possible save chance on Sunday, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.