MLB Player News

The Rays recalled reliever Brad Boxberger from Triple-A Durham Tuesday. He has tossed six scoreless innings this season for Tampa Bay.

Royals pitcher Tim Collins was charged with the loss in his team's 6-5, 12-inning defeat at the hands of the Padres Monday.

Collins (0-2) entered the bottom of the 12th inning with a runner on first and no outs in an attempt to protect a one-run lead. After a sacrifice moved the runner to second, he gave up a double to put two runners in scoring position before the next batter drove home both runs with a game-winning single. Collins owns a 13:50 ERA and 1:4 K:BB ratio in 3 1/3 innings.

Mariners closer Fernando Rodney recorded two groundouts and a strikeout Monday for a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning in his team's 4-2 win over the A's to earn his eighth save.

Rodney threw eight of his nine pitches for strikes Monday, giving him three straight scoreless outings in May after giving up four earned runs in his last five appearances of April. He owns a 2.84 ERA and 19:6 K:BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings.

Indians closer John Axford surrendered the only run of Monday's 1-0 loss to the Twins in the 10th inning to take his third loss of the season.

Axford (0-3) surrendered a home run to Twins infielder Eduardo Escobar, which was just his fourth career home run in 345 at-bats. The Indians stopper also gave up an additional hit and a walk before being removed with two outs in the 10th inning. After doing a nice job in April, Axford has give up four earned runs in 1 1/3 innings over his last two outings, leaving him with a 4.85 ERA and 12:10 K:BB ratio in 13 innings.

Well, that was fun while it lasted.

When Collin McHugh came up April 22 for his latest stint in the big leagues, this one with his third team, he caught the opposition by surprise. Instead of being the sinkerballer, pitch-to-contact type they had previously scouted, he was a power pitcher, piling up strikeouts with a fastball and slider.

But when he faced the Mariners Sunday, he didn't catch them by surprise. They had seen him once already and, therefore, knew what to expect. And just like that, Collin McHugh went back to being Collin McHugh, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits in five innings.

Particularly in mixed leagues, you shouldn't have any reservations about cutting him loose.

The Rays will likely recall pitcher Brad Boxberger from Triple-A Durham prior to Tuesday's game against the Orioles, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Boxberger has pitched six scoreless innings posting a 7:5 K:BB ratio in four appearances for the Rays this season.

Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh took a step back on Sunday, suffering his first loss of the season in an 8-7 defeat at home to the Mariners.

McHugh (2-1), who nearly went the distance his last time out, lasted only four innings and was shelled for six runs -- five earned -- on eight hits and one walk while striking out four. He tossed 85 pitches, 58 for strikes, as his ERA now stands at 2.79 through three starts.

McHugh has a 23:4 K:BB ratio over 19 1/3 innings pitched to start the season. The 26-year-old will look to get back on track Friday at Baltimore.

With closer Fernando Rodney getting a day of rest, Mariners reliever Danny Farquhar pitched the final two innings of Sunday's 8-7 win over the Astros, collecting his first save of the season.

Farquhar worked past a run-scoring single to Jason Castro to cut the lead in half. He was charged with one run on three hits and no walks while striking out two in two innings of work. He owns a 1.59 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP over 17 innings.

Mariners starting pitcher Brandon Maurer was not at his best on Sunday against the Astros, but received more than enough run support in order to pick up his first win of the season. The right-hander permitted four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings of an 8-7 win in Houston.

Maurer (1-0) tossed 88 pitches, 53 for strikes, as his ERA now stands at 6.92 through three starts. He has a 10:5 K:BB ratio over 13 innings. His next start will come Friday at home against Kansas City.

Indians closer John Axford blew his second save of the season and wasted a 13-strikeout performance from starting pitcher Corey Kluber during a 4-3 loss Sunday against the White Sox.

Axford (0-2) had a bad start to the top of the ninth inning as he was looking for his 10th save. He issued a leadoff walk to Gordon Beckham before striking out Jose Abreu. Axford then walked Adam Dunn before Dayan Viciedo unloaded a three-run homer to right field to put Chicago ahead for good. 

Axford struck out Alexei Ramirez before being replaced by Marc Rzepczynski. It was the first time in seven outings Axford allowed a run. The last time he allowed a run was April 13 against the White Sox, which was his first blown save and loss.