MLB Player News

Fulmer did not factor into the decision in an extra-inning loss to the Rockies on Thursday, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk over six innings while striking out eight.

Fulmer stumbled a bit in the second inning when he surrendered a two-run shot to Michael Toglia to put the Angels in an early 2-0 hole. However, the right-hander recovered nicely, holding the Rockies scoreless over the next five innings while generating 19 swings and misses in the contest. Fulmer's eight strikeouts on the night marked a season high, as did his six innings on the mound. The veteran has now allowed three or fewer runs in each of his four starts, posting a 21:7 K:BB over that stretch.

Helsley (4-4) blew the save and was charged with the loss against the Cubs on Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits over two-thirds of an inning.

Helsley entered the contest with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and retired the first batter on a groundout before surrendering a solo homer to Cody Bellinger. He would then allow three of the next four batters to reach as the Cubs took the game in dramatic fashion. It marked Helsley's third blown save on the season while the loss was his fourth. He had not allowed an earned run in 10 straight appearances coming into Thursday's loss, though he's now failed to convert two of his last four save opportunities.

Iglesias notched a save against the Marlins on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Prior to Thursday, Iglesias' most recent save came on July 14. He had pitched five scoreless innings since then but hadn't gotten a save opportunity. The veteran closer didn't falter with a save in his sights Thursday, needing just 10 pitches to retire the side in order in the ninth frame. Iglesias has now converted each of his past 15 save chances and is tied for fourth in the majors with 23 saves overall on the season.

Urena will start Friday against the Red Sox, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Urena has stretched out to complete three and 4.1 innings in his last two appearances, respectively. Both of those outings came in long relief, but he'll draw his seventh start of the season Friday. Urena has a 2.84 ERA with a 21:8 K:BB in 31.2 frames as a starter this season.

The Yankees reinstated Burdi (hip) from the 60-day injured list Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Hip inflammation has kept Burdi on the injured list since late May, and he has been on a rehab assignment with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since last Thursday. He's allowed two earned runs in 2.2 innings during his time in Triple-A, and he will remain with the RailRiders now that he's fully recovered. Cody Poteet (triceps) was transferred from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL in order to free up a spot on the 40-man roster.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Alzolay will undergo surgery on his right forearm, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The date of Alzolay's surgery and the type of procedure he will receive are yet to be determined, though more details will come once he receives a second opinion. The 29-year-old righty has been sidelined since May due to a flexor strain, and a return timeline likely won't be available until after the surgery.

The Blue Jays optioned Espino to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

Espino gave up four runs in four innings and took the loss during his spot start in Baltimore on Wednesday, and he'll now head back to the minors following the poor outing. The 37-year-old veteran has given up eight runs in 8.2 innings with the Blue Jays this season, and he owns a 5.09 ERA through 53 frames at Triple-A.

The Cardinals optioned Loutos to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

It was a one-day stint in the big leagues for Loutos, who turned in a scoreless inning during Wednesday's win over the Rangers. He's clearing out to make room on the roster and in the bullpen for Shawn Armstrong, who has officially been activated after being acquired via trade from the Rays on Tuesday.

The Orioles optioned Akin to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday.

Akin will be sent back to Triple-A in order to make room for lefty Trevor Rogers, who was officially activated Thursday after coming over from Miami in a trade Tuesday. Akin owns a 3.34 ERA and 0.97 WHIP through 56.2 innings with the Orioles this season, and he'll be on the short list to return to Baltimore if the team needs to add another bullpen arm down the road.

Faucher struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday during a 6-2 win over the Rays.

It wasn't a save situation, but Faucher was still the pitcher manager Skip Schumaker called upon to protect Miami's first ninth-inning lead since Tanner Scott was traded to the Padres. Andrew Nardi, who was viewed as the most likely candidate to take over closing duties, pitched the sixth inning with a two-run lead, while Anthony Bender worked the eighth after the lead was extended to four runs. Faucher has pitched well enough to be in the high-leverage mix -- over his last 15 appearances, the right-hander has posted a 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB in 14 innings.