MLB Player News

Spence (4-3) took the loss Tuesday against the Mariners, allowing four runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out three over six innings.

Spence was able to toss two shutout frames before the Mariners doubled four times in the third, leading to three runs. Spence would allow an additional run in the fourth but was able to go six up and six down over the next two innings to end his outing. Spence was able to reach six innings for the first time this year, though he battled around plenty of hard contact and only punched out three batters against a Mariners team that has the highest strikeout rate in baseball against righties. The 26-year-old owns a 3.86 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 37:13 K:BB in 44.1 innings and lines up for another start over the weekend against the Blue Jays.

The Rays optioned Sterner to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday.

During his first stint in the big leagues, Sterner made a pair of two-inning relief appearances for Tampa Bay and struck out four while giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk. The 27-year-old will cede his spot on the 26-man active roster to right-hander Zach Eflin (back), who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list ahead of his start Wednesday in Miami.

Saucedo earned the save in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Athletics after coming in to get the final out of the game. He did walk a batter before ending things.

Saucedo was called upon to get the final out of the game after Andres Munoz was forced to depart with a lower-back injury that flared up after a collision at home plate. He was tasked with stranding a runner at second and walked JJ Bleday before handling a Brent Rooker ground ball to end the game. It was Saucedo's second save of the year, though he also has two blown saves to his name as well. The 31-year-old owns a 3.00 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB in 15 innings.

Estevez picked up the save in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Padres while pitching a perfect ninth inning.

Estevez needed just nine pitches to retire the side for his second save in as many days. He has not allowed a baserunner in any of his last three appearances and becomes the 16th pitcher to reach double-digit saves this year. The 31-year-old now owns a 4.26 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB in 19 innings this year.

Clase walked one and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 19th save of the season in an 8-5 win over the Royals.

It didn't look like Clase would even get a save chance when the Guardians fell behind 5-0 early, but the right-hander had little trouble securing the comeback victory. Clase is tied for the league lead in saves with the Cardinals' Ryan Helsley, and the Cleveland closer hasn't given up an earned run since April 14 en route to a sparkling 0.30 ERA and 0.63 WHIP through 30.1 innings with a 31:3 K:BB.

The Red Sox recalled Kelly from Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

He'll join the 26-man active roster and the bullpen as a replacement for right-hander Chris Martin, who was placed on the 15-day injured list due to anxiety. Kelly has previously made 11 appearances for the big club this season, accruing a 2.16 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 16.2 innings.

The Red Sox placed Martin on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with anxiety.

Martin will be eligible for activation June 17, but it's uncertain as to whether he will be ready to return at that time. The setup man has collected a 4.22 ERA and 24:2 K:BB over 21.1 innings this season. Zack Kelly was called up from Triple-A Worcester to take Martin's spot in the Red Sox's bullpen.

The White Sox sent Wilson (back) to Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment.

Charlotte's game Tuesday was rained out, preventing Wilson from making his first rehab appearance. The reliever has missed just two weeks with a back strain, so he shouldn't require more than one or two rehab outings before rejoining the White Sox' bullpen.

Leasure (0-1) allowed two earned runs on two hits and one walk while striking out two to take the loss Tuesday against the Cubs.

Leasure entered the game in the eighth inning and was tasked with protecting a one-run lead. He retired the first batter he faced before allowing three consecutive baserunners, a stretch concluded by a two-run double. Leasure still has a solid 3.12 ERA for the season, but he's struggled considerably across his last five outings, allowing four earned runs with a 7:7 K:BB.

Munoz has been dealing with a lower-back injury over the past few weeks and aggravated the injury during his collision with Oakland's Max Schuemann in Tuesday's 4-3 win, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. He recorded two outs and was charged with one earned run on two hits en route to collecting his fourth hold of the season.

The initial concern following Munoz's removal from Tuesday's game was with his right ankle/leg, which seemed to get pinned underneath Schuemann, but the issue now appears to be linked to the closer's ongoing back problem. Manager Scott Servais said Munoz will head in for an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of his latest flareup, at which point the Mariners will likely make a decision on whether or not the 25-year-old righty will require a trip to the injured list. Should Munoz have to miss time, Ryne Stanek would likely be the next man up for saves.