MLB Player News

Crochet (shoulder) re-started a rehab assignment with Double-A Birmingham on Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

The left-hander has been sidelined since late June with shoulder inflammation and had to be pulled off his initial rehab assignment following a setback. Crochet struck out a pair in a perfect frame for the Barons on Wednesday in what was his first appearance in exactly two months. He's hoping to rejoin the White Sox' bullpen before the end of the season.

Pivetta (9-8) took the loss Wednesday, giving up three runs on seven hits and two walks over 4.2 innings as the Red Sox fell 3-1 to the Rays. He struck out five.

Making his first start since Aug. 15, Pivetta wasn't particularly efficient and got the hook after 85 pitches (58 strikes), but he also got little support from his offense. The right-hander's impressive run as a bulk reliever after the All-Star break is now well in the rearview mirror, and since the beginning of August, Pivetta has a 5.97 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 40:13 K:BB through 28.2 innings. He should return to long relief after this spot start.

May recorded his 18th save in the Athletics' win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday, allowing one hit during a scoreless ninth inning.

May made relatively quick work of the pinch-hitting Spencer Horwitz and Daulton Varsho after allowing a leadoff single to Santiago Espinal, throwing 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes along the way. The veteran right-hander has a win and six saves in his last seven appearances, and he's lowered his ERA from 4.78 to 3.89 since an Aug. 13 stumble against the Nationals, when he allowed five runs (three earned) over just two-thirds of an inning.

Clase picked up the save in Wednesday's 2-1 victory over the Twins, striking out one over a perfect inning.

Clase ran right through the middle of the Twins' lineup after entering the contest with a one-run lead in the ninth, needing only 10 pitches to wrap things up and secure his league-leading 38th save of the season. The right-handed reliever has not allowed any hits or walks in four straight appearances and has now converted each of his last seven save opportunities.

Holmes earned a save against the Tigers on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Holmes had a narrow one-run lead to work with when he entered in the ninth frame, but he got the job done with little stress, needing just nine pitches to set the side down in order. Following a rough stretch from mid-to-late August during which he allowed nine earned runs over 5.1 innings across six outings, Holmes has rebounded with five straight scoreless appearances, picking up two saves and recording a 5:0 K:BB across five frames during that span. Holmes needs two more saves to reach 20 for the second straight campaign.

Shaw walked one and struck out two in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Royals.

Shaw has kept runs off the board in seven of his last eight outings, and five of those efforts have seen him get more than three outs. The right-hander got the ninth inning after Gregory Santos earned a hold after relieving Aaron Bummer in the eighth inning. Shaw has a 5.46 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB through 31.1 innings this season while adding two saves and two holds. He's not the top late-inning option, but Shaw is getting some looks late in the White Sox's disappointing season.

Brieske (1-3) allowed three runs on four hits across 1.2 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Yankees. He walked three and had no strikeouts.

Brieske was forced into action in the second inning after starter Matt Manning left early with what was later determined to be a fractured right foot. The former struggled, but it can be somewhat forgiven considering the tough circumstances. Brieske made 15 starts for the Tigers last season and could slot into the rotation with Manning out, though he's only made one start this season as he's shifted into more of a relief role. Joey Wentz, who's made 17 starts this year, will likely get the first opportunity. Wentz has a rough 6.65 ERA, however, so Brieske may at least be needed to cover some more innings out of the bullpen.

Patton was designated for assignment Wednesday.

The Athletics needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Mason Miller's return from the 60-day injured list. Patton has put up a 5.11 ERA over 12 relief appearances for the A's this season and seems likely to clear waivers.

Neal was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Neal gave up three runs while retiring just one batter in Tuesday's loss to Toronto. He's one of a few moves the Athletics made Wednesday as they reshape their pitching staff.

Long was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Long was knocked around for four runs (three earned) over 1.2 relief innings in Tuesday's loss to the Blue Jays. He'll be replaced by a fresh bullpen arm.