MLB Player News

Uceta pitched two shutout innings of relief in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Reds, allowing one hit and zero walks while striking out four. He did not factor into the decision.

Shawn Armstrong opened the game for the Rays, pitching two innings before giving way to Uceta. The 26-year-old Uceta fanned four batters in just two innings of work, headlining a strong performance from the Rays bullpen in which the group struck out nine batters over seven scoreless frames. On his fourth team in four seasons, Uceta has finally found his groove with the Rays, logging a microscopic 0.51 ERA, 0.57 WHIP and 19:3 K:BB in 17.2 innings this season.

Fairbanks notched his 20th save of the season Sunday against the Reds, allowing one hit while striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Fairbanks has converted his last 10 save opportunities and is now 20-for-22 on the season. Since his last blown save June 20, the 30-year-old has pitched to a 2.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB in 12 innings. With fellow reliever Jason Adam being traded to the Padres, Fairbanks should see the vast majority of save chances for the Rays moving forward.

Angels manager Ron Washington said Sunday that Joyce will work as the club's top setup man after the trade of Carlos Estevez, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Luis Garcia will step in as Anaheim's new closer, but he's also a candidate to be traded ahead Tuesday's deadline. If Garcia is dealt, Joyce will then be next in line for saves. The flame-throwing righty is averaging 101.8 mph on his fastball this season and has a 2.33 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 16:20 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Angels manager Ron Washington said Sunday that Garcia will take over as the club's primary closer, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

The departure of Carlos Estevez leaves the Halos with a hole in the ninth inning, and Garcia will receive the first look as the team's new closer. Garcia has three saves and 12 holds with a 3.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 40:14 K:BB across 44 appearances this year. The veteran right-hander is also a candidate to be traded ahead of Tuesday's deadline given his expiring contact, in which case Ben Joyce would likely see most of those opportunities.

The Giants placed Hjelle (personal) on the bereavement list Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Hjelle pitched a scoreless frame Saturday against the Rockies and will now step away from the team for a few days to be with his family. Randy Rodriguez was called up from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move.

Bido is scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Angels in Anaheim.

Bido appeared to be in line for just a spot start when he was called upon Tuesday to take the hill against the Astros. However, after striking out six while allowing just one run over five innings en route to picking up a win, Bido will get at least one more opportunity to stake a claim to a more permanent spot in the Oakland rotation. The Athletics cleared up their logjam in the rotation by optioning Hogan Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday and by shifting Joey Estes to the bullpen earlier this weekend.

The Brewers optioned Jay to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday.

The left-hander was called up by Milwaukee on Saturday and delivered a scoreless frame in his Brewers debut. Jay will head back to the minors a day later to free up a roster spot for trade-acquisition Nick Mears.

The Padres designated Otto (undisclosed) for assignment Sunday.

The right-hander is on the injured list at Triple-A El Paso and has now been removed from the Padres' 40-man roster. The specifics of the injury are unclear, and that -- combined with a 4.63 ERA for El Paso this season -- is an indicator he's likely to pass through waivers unclaimed.

Small (oblique) shifted his rehab assignment to Single-A San Jose on Saturday and struck out two while allowing one hit and no walks over one inning.

Small was cleared to join the Giants' California League affiliate after he struck out four over three innings of a one-run ball across his three rehab appearances in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. The southpaw will eventually move his rehab assignment up to Triple-A Sacramento, and he could remain with the Giants' top affiliate once he's activated from the 60-day injured list after his 30-day rehab window comes to a close. Small has been on the shelf all season with a right oblique strain.

Atlanta will start Holmes against the Brewers on Monday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The right-hander has worked out of the bullpen since being called up by Atlanta in mid-June, though he's primarily worked in long relief and has covered at least three frames in five of his 10 outings. Holmes threw a season-high 52 pitches in his previous appearance Wednesday, so he should be able to provide some length even if it's not quite a full starter's workload.