MLB Player News

Lange gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Tigers.

The 30-year-old right-hander has had a rough July, getting tagged for eight earned runs in 5.2 innings across six appearances to leave him with a bloated 6.00 ERA on the season. However, Lange continues to hold down the fort as the Royals' closer. Carlos Estevez (shoulder) remains without a clear timeline for his return, but with Kansas City likely to be sellers at the trade deadline, the biggest threat to Lange's save total might be the chance he gets dealt to a contender and lands in a lower-leverage role.

Minnesota reinstated Raya (shoulder) from the injured list Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A St. Paul, Aaron Gleeman of AaronGleeman.com reports.

After missing a little over two weeks with a right shoulder impingement, Raya is healthy again and will make his way to the Triple-A squad. Raya made just three appearances with the big-league club before being sidelined. With St. Paul, the 23-year-old has posted a 6.26 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 44:16 K:BB in 41.2 innings.

Basso is listed as the Athletics' starting pitcher against the Twins on Saturday.

Per Jason Burke of Roundtable.io, Mason Barnett was originally scheduled to start for the Athletics on Saturday. Instead, the club will turn to an opener in the form of Basso, who has started in two games for Triple-A Las Vegas this season. He has a 6.48 ERA and 1.92 WHIP across 8.1 innings in the majors this season.

Barnett is not listed as the Athletics' starter for Saturday's game against the Twins.

Jason Burke of Roundtable.io originally reported that Barnett would start Saturday. Instead, it'll be left-hander Brady Basso who will serve as the opener in what is shaping up to be a bullpen game for the Athletics. Barnett could still pitch in bulk relief Saturday. He has a 4.64 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 21.1 innings this season.

The Astros recalled King from Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Julia Morales of Space City Home Network reports.

King was sent down to Triple-A last week after giving up eight earned runs over his last four outings (spanning five innings). Prior to that four-game stretch, he boasted a 2.02 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 12 holds, six saves (on nine chances) and a 31:14 K:BB across 40 innings. Despite his recent struggles, King is back with the big club after the Astros placed Spencer Arrighetti (foot) on the 15-day injured list.

Strzelecki signed a minor-league contract with the Cardinals on Saturday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Strzelecki has turned in a 3.94 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 32 innings at Triple-A this season. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2024, though that could change soon if he continues to find success at Triple-A Memphis.

The Guardians recalled Dion from Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.

After being sent down to Triple-A on Friday, Dion will now turn around and rejoin the big-league bullpen to make up for the loss of Shawn Armstrong (calf). Dion owns a 5.17 ERA and 1.66 WHIP through 15.2 frames with Cleveland this year and will likely be limited to low-leverage work as long as he's in the majors.

The Guardians placed Armstrong on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a left calf strain.

Armstrong gave up three runs in just two-thirds of an inning during his outing Friday, and the Guardians will now be without his services until at least Aug. 9. Will Dion will return to the majors to fill the vacancy in Cleveland's bullpen.

The Phillies optioned Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Lazar will lose his place in the Phillies' bullpen after giving up three runs in four innings across three appearances since receiving a promotion to the majors July 7. Kyle Backhus was recalled from Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

The Phillies recalled Backhus from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Backhus has posted a 5.87 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across 15.1 innings in the majors this season, but he'll return to Philadelphia to provide the big club with a fresh bullpen arm. Max Lazar was sent down to Triple-A in a corresponding move.