MLB Player News

Francis (5-3) picked up the win Monday against the Angels, allowing one run on one hit and no walks across seven innings. He struck out eight.

Francis only allowed one runner to reach safely Monday, with Mickey Moniak lifting a solo homer in the third inning and spoiling what would have otherwise been a perfect outing. Still, it was another strong start for the 28-year-old, who's bounced between the rotation and the bullpen this season. In his last three starts, Francis has allowed five runs on 10 hits and two walks with 17 strikeouts across 17.2 innings. He's expected to remain in the rotation for the final stretch of the regular season, with a start against the Cubs in Chicago tentatively scheduled for Sunday.

Murfee (elbow) tossed 25 pitches in live batting practice at the Astros' spring training facility in Florida on Monday, MLB.com reports.

Throwing live BP represents another milestone in the recovery process for Murfee, who underwent surgery last July to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow. The Astros could have him throw a couple more live BP sessions before he heads out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Murfee could be an option for the Houston bullpen in late August or early September.

Holmes won't be available to pitch Monday against the White Sox for rest purposes, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Holmes was forced to battle to secure a four-out save during Sunday's 8-7 victory over the Rangers, firing 24 of 45 pitches for strikes. Skipper Aaron Boone failed to disclose who he would deploy in a save situation Monday, only that Holmes would be shut down for the day following a heavy workload.

Manager Matt Quatraro said Monday that he expects Schreiber (knee) to begin his rehab assignment Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Schreiber landed on the 15-day IL on July 29 due to a right knee patella tendon injury. He threw his second bullpen session Sunday, and the 30-year-old right-hander is ready to embark on a rehab assignment to prepare himself for a return to the big club. Across 43 major-league outings this season, Schreiber has registered one save and 20 holds with a 4.14 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 37 innings.

The Red Sox recalled Horn from Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Horn holds a 6.39 ERA over nine relief appearances during his time with Boston this season. He'll give manager Alex Cora a fresh bullpen arm.

The Red Sox optioned Keller to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Keller made one extended relief appearance during his most recent stint in the majors, allowing three runs over four frames and taking a loss against the Astros on Saturday. He will likely re-enter Worcester's rotation.

Holmes earned a save against the Rangers on Sunday, allowing one run on one hit and two walks while striking out two batters over 1.1 innings.

New York carried an 8-3 lead into the eighth frame before reliever Mark Leiter surrendered three runs on three hits and allowed the tying run to come to the plate in the form of Corey Seager. Holmes entered at that point and got Seager to ground out to squelch the threat, and the closer then began the ninth with two straight punchouts. However, he almost let things get away from him, as Holmes proceeded to issue two straight walks followed by an Adolis Garcia RBI single. Texas' rally ended up falling just short when the next batter, Leody Taveras, grounded out. Holmes thus established a new career high with 25 saves, though he's also blown a career-worst nine saves on the season.

Taylor fired a scoreless ninth inning in a win over the Mets on Sunday, allowing a walk and recording two strikeouts.

The precocious rookie was impressive in his big-league debut, which came after a promotion straight from Double-A Arkansas. Taylor wrapped up his first frame in the majors in signature fashion, recording swinging strikeouts of Luis Torrens and Tyrone Taylor to close out Seattle's 11-run victory. Taylor's above-average ability to miss bats earned him plenty of high-leverage work at Arkansas thus far this minor-league season, but his initial assignments in the majors will likely continue to be of the low-leverage variety.

The Twins reinstated Okert (personal) from the bereavement list Monday.

Right-hander Randy Dobnak was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul to open up a spot on the 26-man active roster for Okert, who was away from the team for the past week while tending to the personal matter. Okert has mostly operated as a middle-relief arm for the Twins this season, logging a 4.45 ERA and 1.48 WHIP to go with three wins, one save and six holds over 30.1 innings.

The Twins optioned Dobnak to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday.

Dobnak wasn't going to be available for at least a day or two after throwing three scoreless relief innings in Sunday's loss to the Guardians. He'll cede his spot on the 26-man active roster to left-hander Steven Okert (personal), who was reinstated from the bereavement list.