MLB Player News

The Royals activated pitcher Scott Downs (neck) from the disabled list Thursday, and optioned pitched Liam Hendriks to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, the team announced.

Hendricks is expected back to the team when rosters expand Sept. 1. He posted a 4.43 ERA in four starts with the Royals, including a quality start over seven innings Wednesday.  

Athletics pitcher Drew Pomeranz was sent down to Class A Beloit Thursday, following his successful spot start Wednesday.

Pomeranz should be back in the majors after rosters expand, but there might not be an opening in the rotation for him. He could be used as a spot starter or reliever if he does get brought back to the majors in September.  

If you picked up Drew Pomeranz for his spot start Wednesday, he did exactly what you hoped he would. OK, so he fell short of a quality start, but for the 5 1/3 innings he pitched, he looked like the resurgent prospect who made eight starts for the Athletics in May and June -- the one who never should have lost his rotation spot in the first place -- allowing one unearned run on five hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.

Now if only he'd get the chance to do it again.

I'd put it at slim to none. The Athletics only gave him this start so they could line up their rotation exactly the way they want it for their upcoming series against the Angels. They don't have an opening for Pomeranz beyond that. Jason Hammel has bounced back after a rocky start with the Athletics, and they'd be crazy to go six-man after working all July to stockpile their rotation with established (not to mention front-line) innings eaters. In redraft leagues, he's probably a waste of time.

But in keeper leagues and particularly dynasty leagues, as I mention in my latest post to the Fantasy Baseball Today blog, you may not want to cut him loose just yet. Surely, he has the inside track on a starting job next year with Hammel and Jon Lester destined for free agency. Granted, Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin are due back from Tommy John surgery at some point, but he'll have established himself by then.

And if, either by sticking around or returning when the minor-league season ends in September, Pomeranz makes just one relief appearance before the end of the year, he'll be eligible at relief pitcher to begin 2015.

Angels pitcher Hector Santiago earned a win Wednesday, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings while striking out six in his team's 6-1 victory over the Marlins.

Santiago (4-7) fell behind 1-0 after surrendering a home run in the third inning, but he was able to buckle down and hold the Marlins at bay over the rest of the start. He owns a 3.28 ERA and 94:41 K:BB ratio in 107 innings. Santiago is set to face the Astros Tuesday.

White Sox reliever Zach Putnam picked up a one out save Wednesday against the Indians.

Javy Guerra was in line for a two inning save, but ran into some trouble in his final inning. Guerra put one man on with a single, and hit another batter. Putnam was called in with two men on in order to close the door. With the winning run at first, Putnam was able to pick up a flyout to get out of the inning. It was Putnam's fourth save. 

Athletics pitcher Drew Pomeranz turned in a strong start Wednesday against the Astros.

Pomeranz gave up one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven and walked one during the outing. Pomeranz was fantastic early, holding the Astros scoreless over the first five innings. His only run came due to an error. With one out in the sixth inning, Eric Sogard allowed Jose Altuve to reach first on a fielding error. Pomeranz gave up a single to the next hitter, and was pulled from the game. Altuve came around to score on a wild pitch later in the inning. The run was charged to Pomeranz.

The Astros managed a comeback, giving Pomeranz a no-decision. He’ll take on the Mariners in his next start.

Royals pitcher Liam Hendriks turned in a strong start Wednesday against the Twins.

Hendriks allowed one run on four hits over seven innings. He struck out five and did not issue any walks during the outing. Hendriks was fantastic early, tossing four perfect innings before the Twins could pick up a hit. With two outs in the fifth, Trevor Plouffe managed to knock a double. Hendriks would escape the inning without giving up any runs. He wasn’t so fortunate in the seventh. After getting one out, Hendriks gave up a single and a run-scoring double to the next two hitters.

The Royals mounted a comeback, taking Hendriks off the hook. He didn’t factor into the decision. Hendriks will take on the Rangers in his next start. 

Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly turned in a strong start Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Kelly allowed one run on three hits over six innings. He struck out four and walked two during the outing. Toronto was able to get to Kelly in the first inning. With two outs in the bottom of the first inning, Jose Bautista belted his 26th home run of the year. Kelly was able to settle in at that point. While he put two men on in the second inning, Kelly was able to work around it, keeping the Blue Jays off the board. He wasn’t really threatened by Toronto over the rest of his start.

The Red Sox mounted a comeback in the sixth inning, putting Kelly in line for the win. He improved to 3-3. He’ll take on the Yankees in his next start. 

The Athletics have recalled left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Sacramento and dispatched first baseman Nate Freiman to Class-A Beloit.

Pomeranz is set to start Wednesday night in Houston.

Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez took a loss Tuesday, surrendering five earned runs on six hits and four walks in five innings in his team's 5-0 defeat against the Mariners.

Martinez (3-10) gave up a solo home run in the first inning and didn't record a strikeout. He's managed just one quality starts in seven tries during the second half. Martinez owns a 5.31 ERA and 57:47 K:BB ratio in 105 innings. He's scheduled to face the Astros Sunday.