MLB Player News

Zerpa (0-1) allowed four runs on five hits and struck out one without walking a batter over three innings to take the loss Saturday versus the Phillies.

Zerpa gave up a three-run home run and an RBI double to Trea Turner, which was enough to flip the game around in Philadelphia's favor. This was Zerpa's second major-league appearance of the season -- he tossed two scoreless innings versus the Mets on Wednesday. For now, it appears he'll provide a multi-inning option out of the bullpen. It's unclear if he'll be able to stretch out enough in that role to pick up starts down the stretch.

Martinez improved to 5-4 on the season in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Dodgers, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter over two scoreless innings. After the game, Padres manager Bob Melvin said in an interview with 97.3 The Fan San Diego that Martinez could start again Tuesday versus Seattle, despite the fact that he would be pitching on two days' rest.

After making a three-inning spot start in Colorado on Wednesday, Martinez returned to the bullpen Saturday and came through with two effective frames, earning the victory when the Padres rallied for seven runs in the eighth inning. The right-hander had been limited to 38 pitches in his start versus Colorado, as he was filling in for an injured Joe Musgrove (shoulder) and wasn't built up to anywhere near a full workload. After throwing 22 pitches in relief Saturday, Martinez would presumably be working in a short-inning opener capacity again if he does start Tuesday against the Mariners. The veteran hasn't thrown more than 50 pitches in any appearance since a seven-inning, 97-pitch start way back on April 19 against Atlanta.

The Rays recalled Beeks from Triple-A Durham on Sunday.

Beeks will provide Tampa Bay with a much-needed fresh arm in relief while the Rays likely treat Sunday's series finale in Detroit as a bullpen day with right-hander Erasmo Ramirez making a spot start in place of the injured Tyler Glasnow (back). Over his 27 appearances with Tampa Bay this season, Beeks has posted a 6.27 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 37.1 innings.

Mushinski was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.

The left-hander was called up from Sugar Land on July 23 and made four appearances during this two-week stint in the majors, allowing one run on four hits with five strikeouts and a walk over 5.1 innings. Mushinski has pitched to a 2.79 ERA in eight outings overall for Houston this season, so he'll likely receive another chance in the big-league bullpen down the stretch.

Jacques was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Jacques has a 5.85 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB over 20 innings this season and will head back to Triple-A on Sunday. Nick Robertson, who joined the Red Sox in the Enrique Hernandez trade, was promoted from Worcester in a corresponding move.

Robertson was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 25-year-old was acquired from the Dodgers in the Enrique Hernandez trade in late July and was immediately optioned to Worcester. Robertson has given up seven earned runs with 13 strikeouts over 10.1 frames in his first taste of the big leagues this year, though he's pitched well at Triple-A with a 2.87 ERA, 1.12 HIP and 46:10 K:BB over 31.1 innings.

Kahnle walked one batter and struck out one batter in one inning against the Astros on Saturday to register a hold.

Kahnle worked the seventh frame, issuing a leadoff walk that was quickly wiped out by a double play. The veteran reliever needed 15 total pitches to get through the inning -- his third straight scoreless frame -- while preserving the Yankees' 2-1 lead. Kahnle has emerged as an important part of New York's bullpen since making his campaign debut after returning from injury at the start of June, registering 10 holds and one save while posting a 2.22 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 27:9 K:BB over 24.1 frames.

Lange recorded two outs but also walked three batters and was pulled from a save opportunity in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Rays.

Lange was called on for the top of the ninth inning but couldn't complete the frame, as he needed 20 pitches to retire two batters before he was replaced by Beau Brieske. When Lange struggles, it's often the free passes that catch up with him, and he now has a whopping 34 walks in 44 innings this season. He should still have some job security as Detroit's closer, but the team may decide to go in a different direction if Lange can't limit the walks moving forward.

Brieske retired the final batter in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Rays via strikeout to record the save.

Brieske came on for Alex Lange, who recorded the first two outs of the inning but also walked three batters and tossed 20 pitches. It's too early to say there's a change in the closer role for Detroit, as Lange leads the team with 17 saves and should have some job security. However, it seems that Brieske could be an option for the role if the Tigers decide to make a switch at some point.

The Reds optioned Duarte to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

Duarte was sent out to make room on the 26-man active roster for right-hander Lyon Richardson, who is scheduled to start Sunday's series finale against the Nationals in his MLB debut. After being recalled from Louisville on Wednesday, Duarte made three appearances out of the Cincinnati bullpen, covering three innings and striking out four while giving up an earned run on two hits and no walks.