MLB Player News

The Rays optioned Criswell to Triple-A Durham on Sunday.

Criswell served as the 27th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Angels, allowing three runs over two innings out of the bullpen in the second game of the twin bill. He holds a 5.40 ERA across 30 frames during his time with the big club this season.

The Astros optioned Mushinski to Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday.

Mushinski had pitched the last two days for the Astros, allowing three runs on five hits over just 1.1 innings. A corresponding move will be announced prior to Houston's series opener Monday versus the Red Sox.

Pivetta allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out eight over five innings in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Yankees.

Pivetta was the bulk pitcher Sunday, entering after Josh Winckowski threw a scoreless inning to open for Boston. Pivetta, a one-time starter, has shined since moving to the bullpen, while pitching in a variety of roles that included being used as a spot starter. He's often worked more innings than a traditional long reliever, as the Red Sox navigated a stretch with fewer than five healthy starters. With Tanner Houck (face) due back Tuesday, Pivetta can return to a more traditional relief role, as Boston sets its sight on a wild card playoff spot.

Jansen allowed one hit, hit a batter and struck out two to record the save in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Yankees.

Jansen allowed a leadoff double then hit a batter to make it interesting. The seasoned right-hander, however, didn't panic. He struck out Aaron Judge on three pitches, Gleyber Torres on four, then induced a flyout to lock down Boston's sweep of New York in Yankee Stadium. Jansen has converted 20 consecutive save opportunities.

Smith allowed three runs on four hits and struck out one over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's 6-2 loss to Milwaukee.

The Rangers expended several relievers in Friday's loss, when Andrew Heaney lasted 3.2 innings, then needed the bullpen again Sunday with Max Scherzer chased after 3.2 innings. In between, Dane Dunning went just five innings Saturday. All that bullpen usage added up to manager Bruce Bochy using his closer, Smith, in the eighth inning of 3-1 game. Unfortunately for the Rangers, who were swept by the Brew Crew, he could not survive a couple of infield hits and a throwing error. Smith has been reliable for the Rangers, but he's had a rough stretch of late. The 34-year-old reliever has given up runs in five of the last nine outings, posting a 9.39 ERA during that stretch. It hasn't hurt the Rangers much, as Smith converted five saves in six chances.

Hudson (5-0) got the win Sunday over the Mets after allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over 5.1 innings.

Hudson surrendered a run in the third and then was punished by a Pete Alonso long ball in the fourth to put the Mets up 2-1. He wound up departing the game in line for the win after the Cardinals went up 3-2 in the fifth. Hudson tied a season-high with seven strikeouts and it was his fourth consecutive start allowing three or fewer earned runs. The one knock on Hudson is he's allowed at least one home run in each of his last four starts but has otherwise been the Cardinals' most consistent pitcher. He now owns a 3.95 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 32:14 K:BB in 43.1 innings (five starts) and will look to pick up his fifth consecutive win in a weekend road matchup with the Phillies.

Weathers is listed as the Marlins' probable starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Weathers was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville in early August after making his Marlins debut as a reliever, giving up six runs on six hits and four walks while striking out five in 3.2 innings against the Rangers. However, he looks likely to rejoin the major-league club Monday to serve as the starting pitcher against his former team. Whether he makes any starts beyond Monday will likely depend on how he fares against the Friars.

Beck allowed two hits and struck out three without walking a batter over three scoreless innings in a no-decision versus Atlanta on Sunday.

Beck ultimately functioned as the bulk reliever following shorter appearances from Jakob Junis and Alex Wood over the first three innings. Over six outings in August, Beck has allowed eight runs, 16 hits and three walks while striking out 13 over 14.1 innings. He'll continue to be in the mix for multi-inning assignments out of the bullpen, but it seems unlikely he'll start often down the stretch. Beck has a 3.39 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 54:16 K:BB through 66.1 innings over 27 outings this year.

Junis allowed two unearned runs on two hits and struck out one without walking a batter over 1.2 innings Sunday versus Atlanta. He did not factor in the decision.

Junis was responsible for Orlando Arcia's second-inning two-run home run, but Wilmer Flores quickly got Junis off the hook in the third. This was a 43-pitch outing for the right-hander, which came after he threw 62 pitches Tuesday. While he's been in the mix to serve as an opener or bulk reliever, Junis is unlikely to work deep enough into games to get wins when he's starting. He's at a 4.00 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 82:18 K:BB through 69.2 innings over 33 appearances (three starts) this year.

Doval (5-3) walked one and struck out three over 1.2 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the win after taking a blown save Sunday versus Atlanta.

Doval was in the game when Ronald Acuna stole a base and scored on an error, but the run went on Taylor Rogers' line. The Giants then pulled ahead in the ninth inning, and Doval was able to protect the one-run lead. He's earned more wins (three) than saves (two) over his last eight appearances, with each of those wins coming after he was charged with a blown save. Doval has converted 33 of 38 save chances while pitching to a 2.29 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 75:21 K:BB through 55 innings this season as one of the top closers in the league.