MLB Player News

Yankees closer David Robertson was entrusted with a 2-1 lead Sunday entering the ninth inning against the Twins, and he imploded. Robertson gave up a tying homer to Josh Willingham before walking two of the next four batters.

After Brian Dozier's run-scoring double and an intentional walk, Robertson was lifted with the bases loaded. All three runners scored as Robertson's ERA soared from 2.08 to 4.50.

It was Robertson's second blown save in 14 chances.

Blue Jays pitcher Liam Hendriks was sent back to the minors Sunday.

Hendriks was available out of the bullpen for Sunday's game, leading some to assume he lost his rotation spot. That appears to be the case, as the team will send him back to Triple-A. Hendriks had a 2.31 ERA over 11 2/3 innings in the majors.

Athletics pitcher Fernando Rodriguez has been sent down Sunday.

Rodriguez performed well in six games with the club, posting a 1.13 ERA. Catcher Stephen Vogt replaced Rodriguez on the active roster.

Blue Jays pitcher Liam Hendriks is available out of the bullpen Sunday, according to Sportsnet.

The move does not signal that Hendriks has officially been moved out of the rotation, though it is convenient. Hendriks was one of the likely candidates to move to the pen after Marcus Stroman's strong start Saturday, and the fact that he's available in relief seems to hint toward a new role for Hendriks.

It wasn't pretty, but Mariners closer Fernando Rodney picked up his 14th save of the season Saturday, in a 3-2 win over the Tigers.

Rodney allowed the first two batters of the ninth inning to reach base, on a walk and then a single. With the tying run in scoring position, he buckled down, striking out two straight batters before retiring the save on a fielder's choice groundout.

Rodney is now 14 for 16 on save opportunities, and has saved three in a row. He has a 2.61 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 20 2/3 innings of work, with 25 strikeouts and 10 walks. 

Red Sox pitcher Rubby De La Rosa made his first start of the season Saturday, and dominated the Rays in a 7-1 win.

De La Rosa tossed seven shutout innings in the start, his first in the majors since July, 2011. He struck out eight batters and walked none, while scattering just four hits throughout the outing.

De La Rosa's role moving forward is not yet known, but he should get at least one more turn through the rotation. His next is scheduled for Friday in Detroit. 

Indians reliever Bryan Shaw picked up the relief win Saturday afternoon against the Rockies.

Shaw faced four batters and struck out three of them in 1 1/3 perfect innings of relief. Mike Aviles singled in the game-winning run in the eighth inning, giving Cleveland a 7-6 victory. He owns a 1.37 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP in 26 1/3 innings of relief.

Yankees closer David Robertson was given the responsibility of nailing down the eighth win of the season for Masahiro Tanaka on Saturday - and he didn't disappoint.

Robertson entered with a 3-1 lead and struck out the side, though an error added a bit of tension. He fanned Josh Willingham, Trevor Plouffe and Chris Parmelee to register his 12th save and lower his ERA to 2.08.

The fine debut performance Saturday of Marcus Stroman for the Blue Jays puts the role of fellow starter Liam Hendriks in limbo.

Hendriks has performed well in two outings, giving up just three runs in 11 2/3 innings and winning his only decision. His next start is scheduled for sometime next week, but he has not been told when. The Jays currently have six starters and six relievers, which could result in Hendriks landing in the bullpen.

"We haven't had any discussions like that," Hendriks told MLB.com. "I'm just playing it by ear and telling them I can do whatever they want me to do."

Athletics pitcher Drew Pomeranz (5-2) got hit hard on Friday, but received enough run support to come away with the win against the Angels. He was charged with five runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five in 5 1/3 innings of a 9-5 victory.

Pomeranz owns a 2.37 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP through his first 38 innings of work. He will look to get back on track Thursday against the Yankees in New York. He owns a 2.41 ERA in 18 2/3 innings away from home this season.