MLB Player News

Robertson struck out three batters in two perfect innings against the Reds on Wednesday.

Robertson got his first call-up to the majors Tuesday after posting a 2.13 ERA and 37:7 K:BB over 25.1 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The right-hander needed just 22 pitches to get through two frames in his first major-league appearance, tossing 15 strikes and punching out three batters. Robertson has closer-like stuff, including a fastball that tops out in the upper-90s, and he saved seven games for OKC before his promotion. He'll likely work in middle relief for now but could ascend up the pecking order in Los Angeles quickly given the team's bullpen struggles this season.

Atlanta activated Tonkin (neck) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Tonkin is back to fill a multi-inning bullpen role for the current NL East leaders after needing a couple weeks off due to a neck injury. Roddery Munoz was sent out in a corresponding roster move.

Scott was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The 31-year-old was just sent down Tuesday, but he's quickly back with the big club to replace the injured Noah Syndergaard (blister). Scott should operate in middle relief.

Lawrence (2-3) allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four across two innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Giants.

Lawrence appeared to take over the closer job in Colorado after tallying consecutive saves in the team's series against Kansas City. However, he entered Wednesday's matchup in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and no outs. He got out of that jam impressively without allowing an earned run, but he then struggled in the eighth frame. Lawrence has been excellent all season, so one bad performance isn't likely to shake the team's confidence in him, but he may be headed for a high-leverage role with only a partial share of save chances.

Jansen grabbed his knee during Tuesday's outing, but manager Alex Cora downplayed the issue, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Jansen pitched through the issue to record his 13th save. "Age, man. Age," Cora joked about the 35-year-old. "He's OK. He was getting treatment." Boston's closer was available for Wednesday's game.

Clase picked up the save in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over the Red Sox. He didn't allow a hit while striking out two and walking one during a scoreless inning.

Clase is the first closer to 20 saves this season and sports a 3.00 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 26:7 K:BB across 31 appearances (30 innings). The right-hander has blown five save opportunities already, which is one more than he had across 77 appearances last year, but he's converted his past five chances and remains one of the elite ninth-inning options in MLB.

Murphy allowed two hits and one walk while striking out five over 3.1 scoreless relief innings during Wednesday's 5-2 loss to Cleveland.

Murphy, who was a starter in the minors, was called up this week and made his MLB debut. Spot starts could become available if he remains up with the team, but it looks like long relief may be his role for now. It's role that had been handled by Kutter Crawford, who started Wednesday in place of Chris Sale (shoulder).

Kittredge (elbow) has been throwing off a mound for a few weeks and is expected to face hitters soon, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kittredge's rehab from Tommy John surgery appears to have gone swimmingly to this point. The reliever's goal is to return in late July/early August, and he could provide a real boost to the Rays' bullpen after the All-Star break.

Romano picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Astros, allowing one hit over a scoreless inning. He recorded one strikeout and didn't issue a walk.

Romano entered with a 3-2 lead and allowed the tying run to reach base before retiring three straight batters, including a strikeout of Kyle Tucker to end the game. The right-hander has converted his last six save opportunities, posting seven strikeouts during that stretch, and is 16-for-19 on the season with a 2.88 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.

Blanco did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks over six innings against Toronto. He struck out five.

Blanco allowed two solo home runs but completed a season-high six innings en route to his first career quality start. After operating as a reliever over his first 16 appearances at the big-league level, the right-hander has made back-to-back starts since being recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land last Thursday. He's been solid in his new role, giving up four runs over 11.1 innings while striking out 10, but he's walked seven batters and surrendered three home runs. So far, the walks and long balls haven't been detrimental to his overall line, but those issues could certainly become worrisome in the future. It's unclear if Blanco will get another start, as the Astros may opt to move back to a five-man rotation with an off day Monday which ends a stretch of 17 games in 17 days.