MLB Player News

Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore put an end to a three-game losing streak in his last start Thursday against the Yankees. Moore said the key to ending his skid was staying aggressive in the strike zone and attacking hitters early in the count.

Moore, who will be back on the hill Tuesday against the Blue Jays, said he learned a lot while he struggled at the outset of June, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

"Instead of trying to figure a way out and hustle to get out of that, I understood that in as long a season as this one, there's going to be ups and downs," he said. "I was more so trying to pay attention to certain things that (stunk) … and try to really just embrace that. That way I'm not nervous about something to go wrong again."

Blue Jays starter Esmil Rogers was no match for Jeremy Hellickson and the Rays Monday night as Toronto's winning streak was halted at 11 games.

Rogers took the loss to fall to .500 at 3-3 on the year with a 3.46 ERA. He surrendered four earned runs on seven hits and three walks over six innings in defeat. He struck out two and surrendered three solo homers.

Rogers, who threw 95 pitches, had won his previous two outings and has pitched quite well for Toronto. He'll look to have a bounce-back performance when he next takes the mound Saturday at Boston.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney recorded his 16th save Monday night at home against Toronto. Rodney put the finishing touches on ending Toronto's long winning streak.

The closer allowed a hit in the inning, but struck out two. He needed 20 pitches and his ERA is now at 4.83 on the year.

Rodney has made four consecutive scoreless appearances with three saves since giving up four runs in back-to-back appearances against Boston and Kansas City.

Athletics reliever Jesse Chavez has been outstanding since his second recall May 10. Chavez has posted a 1.74 ERA and .151 opponents' batting average in his last 10 appearances, striking out 18 batters in 20 2/3 innings.

"I'm starting to really get comfortable here," the 29-year-old right-hander said, per The Oakland Tribune. "It's easier to go out on the mound and pitch when you also feel comfortable in the clubhouse. It's good to be loose and relaxed. They see my personality in the clubhouse now."

Depending on how the roster looks after July 31, the Astros will consider Jose Cisnero for the closer's role, if there is an opening, according to the Houston Chronicle. Astros pitching coach Doug Brocail said the front office allows club to experiment, which makes it easier to try out different situations during the season.

While striking out the side in the ninth inning and locking down his 15th save during Sunday's 3-1 win against the Yankees, Rays closer Fernando Rodney hit 99 mph on the radar gun, according to the Tampa Bay Times. It left a strong impression on manager Joe Maddon.

"That was as good as we've seen him in a while regarding fastball command," Maddon said.

Rodney has converted his last six save chances, posting a 3.86 ERA and striking out 12 in 9 1/3 innings.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney earned his 15th save with a perfect ninth inning Sunday in New York. Rodney struck out the side on 14 pitches. 

Rodney lowered his ERA to 4.99 and has three consecutive scoreless outings since he last allowed a run. He has five blown saves.

Astros manager Bo Porter said Sunday reliever Jose Cisnero has earned the opportunity to pitch in high-pressure situations after he tossed two scoreless innings and picked up the relief win Saturday against the Cubs.

"He's proven us right many times already," Porter said, per MLB.com. "There's nothing that's going to stop us from putting him into any situation because he's responded quite well. You look at his demeanor on the mound, and it doesn't change. He continues to make quality pitch after quality pitch, and we have all the trust in the world and belief that he can get the job done."

Cisnero has a 2.20 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 32 2/3 innings in his rookie season. However, he has been much improved lately, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and three holds in his last 12 2/3 innings.

"Gradually, we've put him into some more intensified situations, and he's answered the bell every time," Porter said. "I think moving forward, he's gaining more confidence, we're gaining more confidence in him, and we believe that he'll be a vital part of the success of this organization for many years moving forward."

Rays starter Alex Colome, who was called up to take over the rotation spot of David Price for the time being, made his second career start Saturday in New York.

Colome struggled with command as he walked five batters. That caused him to get his pitch count up to 85 and he had to leave after just 4 1/3 innings. Colome gave up just three unearned runs, and settled for a no-decision after the Rays took a lead in the sixth inning.

Colome gave up five hits and struck out three on the performance. He has now allowed just four unearned runs -- none earned -- on 10 hits and seven walks over his first 10 innings in the majors with 10 Ks. Expected to remain in the rotation until Price returns, Colome is likely to make his next start next Friday against Detroit.

The Rays recalled Alex Colome from Triple-A Durham Saturday to make a spot start against the Yankees. Colome could remain in the starting rotation until David Price returns. 

Colome made his major league debut last month and recorded seven Ks with just one unearned run allowed over 5 2/3 innings in that outing.