MLB Player News

White Sox closer David Robertson snapped a streak of four straight save opportunities converted. Robertson gave up two runs in the ninth inning, blowing his fourth save of the year and dropping to 4-2 with the loss to Texas. 

Robertson entered with a one-run lead. He gave up two hits, walked two and allowed two runs to score. He struck out two batters. 

"It's frustrating. I feel awful because with how well Sale pitched tonight and I went out there and blew it," he said. "I'm supposed to pick the guys up right here, that's what I'm here for, and I couldn't nail it down."

Rays reliever Brad Boxberger earned his second save in as many days, in Friday's win over Cleveland. 

Boxberger had blown his first two saves of June before Thursday. 

Boxberger defended a three-run lead with a scoreless ninth. He allowed two walks but struck out a batter and didn't allow a hit. 

Rays pitchers Jake Odorizzi (oblique) and Andrew Bellatti (shoulder) are scheduled to throw off the mound Saturday and throw full bullpen sessions Monday, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The duo have played catch multiple times this week.

Indians relief pitcher Bryan Shaw picked up his first save of the season on Thursday against the Cubs.

Shaw was put in a save opportunity because regular closer Cody Allen enetered the game after starter Danny Salazar was pulled after just 4 2/3 innings. Shaw needed just 13 pitches to close out the ninth inning.

Shaw has a 2.28 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings of work this season.

Rays closer Brad Boxberger had little trouble recording his 16th save Thursday, shutting down the Nationals in the ninth. 

Boxberger allowed a harmless single and struck out two batters before inducing a weak ground ball to first to end the frame. It's Boxberger's first save since May 31 - in the interim, he's blown two saves, picked up two wins and registered a hold. 

Boxberger lowered his ERA to 2.92 with the solid inning of work. 

Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh picked up his seventh win of the season in Thursday's game against the Rockies.

McHugh threw six innings, allowed four hits and three earned runs. His command was spotty as he walked five batters but managed to strike out eight others.

McHugh (7-3) has a 5.04 ERA this season.

Athletics pitcher Kendall Graveman allowed two earned runs in Thursday afternoon's 3-1 loss to the Padres. 

Graveman went seven innings, allowed five hits, walked one batter and struck out six. Graveman threw 96 pitches, the fewest in his past five starts. 

Graveman now has a 4.02 ERA this season. 

His next start is projected for June 24 against the Rangers. 

The Indians recalled pitchers Kyle Crockett and Jeff Manship from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday. They also optioned infielder Zach Walters to Triple-A.

Mariners reliever Carson Smith will remain manager Lloyd McClendon's top choice to close out games. However, it appears Fernando Rodney might be closer to regaining the ninth-inning role after throwing three straight scoreless outings.

“Obviously, Carson has done a nice job,” McClendon said Wednesday, per The News Tribune. “I’ve said all along the biggest question with Carson is the ability to go back-to-back and, sometimes, back-to-back-to-back (or) three out of five.

“I will say this: Probably on days when Smith can not go, you might see Rodney or a combination of Rodney and somebody else.”

McClendon is really pleased to see Rodney getting on track.

“A lot of ground balls,” McClendon said. “A lot of strikes. Adding and subtracting from the fastball. Slowing down and letting the arm catch up. He’s close.

“Listen, we need Fernando Rodney if we’re going to be successful this year. I think he’s well on his way back to being that pitcher that we all want him to be. When he’s hitting his spots, he can get easy outs.”

Athletics pitcher Jesse Chavez allowed only one earned run in Wednesday's 16-2 blowout win over the Padres. 

Chavez went seven innings and only surrendered three hits. It was a stellar performance for Chavez, who now has held teams to one earned run or less in five games. Chavez struck out 11 Padres batters and walked one. 

Chavez now has a 2.52 ERA for the season. 

His next start is projected for June 23 against the Rangers.