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John Brebbia RP | COL
Giants' John Brebbia: Solid as opener
Brebbia allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning in Sunday's 13-4 loss to the White Sox. He did not factor in the decision.
Brebbia was the opener in what was ultimately a bullpen game. This is the second time he's served in that role this season, while he's added 35 relief appearances. The right-hander has allowed three runs (two earned), 11 hits and four walks with 13 strikeouts in 12.2 innings since the start of June. He could continue to see time as an opener while the Giants' rotation is short-staffed, but he's most likely to return to a middle-relief role.
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Craig Kimbrel RP | KC
Dodgers' Craig Kimbrel: Scans negative
Kimbrel (back) underwent scans that came back negative after exiting Sunday's game against the Padres, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
While Kimbrel doesn't appear to be dealing with a significant injury after being hit by a comebacker Sunday, manager Dave Roberts said that the right-hander will be unavailable for a few days. Kimbrel has displayed some inconsistency recently, but Roberts said that he's "not even considering" removing the 34-year-old from the closer's role.
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Casey Lawrence RP | SEA
Blue Jays' Casey Lawrence: Sent back to Triple-A
The Blue Jays optioned Lawrence to Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday.
Lawrence was up with Toronto for just one day after he was designated as the 27th man for Saturday's doubleheader with the Rays. With Kevin Gausman exiting after two innings in his start in Game 1 with an ankle injury, Lawrence was called upon in long relief and was the pitcher of record in Toronto's 6-2 loss. He was charged with six runs -- all earned -- on seven hits and one walk while striking out six over 5.2 innings out of the bullpen.
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Andrew Wantz RP | CHC
Angels' Andrew Wantz: Serves up two homers in return
Wantz was reinstated from his three-game suspension Saturday and made a relief appearance in the Angels' 9-1 loss to the Astros, giving up two runs on two hits over an inning while striking out two of the five batters he faced.
Wantz was handed the three-game suspension for throwing pitches at Seattle's Julio Rodriguez and Jesse Winker in a June 26 spot start, with his actions inciting a benches-clearing brawl. The 26-year-old returned to his familiar bullpen role Saturday, but he provided little relief behind starter Patrick Sandoval, as Wantz served up solo home runs to Martin Maldonado and Jose Altuve.
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Gerardo Reyes RP | ATH
Angels' Gerardo Reyes: Carving out relief role at Triple-A
Reyes (elbow) has posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.51 WHIP while striking out 33 and gathering four saves across 25.1 innings in 25 relief appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake this season.
Though Reyes underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-March 2021, he made a remarkably quick recovery from the procedure, as he was included on Salt Lake's Opening Day roster. Considering the offense-friendly environment he's been pitching in in the Pacific Coast League, Reyes has acquitted himself well, but a promotion to the Angels doesn't appear to be imminent for the 29-year-old.
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Taylor Rogers RP | MIN
Padres' Taylor Rogers: Allows run but earns save
Rogers allowed a run on two hits and struck out one to earn the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Dodgers.
For much of the game, it appeared Rogers' services wouldn't be needed. The Padres then erupted for four runs in the top of the ninth, and the southpaw was able to protect a lead despite giving up a sacrifice fly to Freddie Freeman. It's been a shaky run of late for Rogers, who has surrendered three runs in his last 6.2 innings, though he's still 4-for-5 in save chances across those six outings. Overall, the Padres' closer is 23-for-27 in saves with a 3.03 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 38:7 K:BB through 32.2 innings, and it doesn't seem like he's in any danger of losing his role despite his recent inconsistency.
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Keegan Thompson RP | COL
Cubs' Keegan Thompson: Lasts four innings in no-decision
Thompson registered a no-decision during Sunday's 4-2 loss to Boston, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts in four innings.
Thompson held Boston scoreless through three innings despite five baserunners with the help of two double plays but allowed five more hitters to reach base in the fourth, resulting in two runs. The 27-year-old lasted fewer than five innings for the third time in six starts, and Thompson's ERA has spiked from 1.99 to 3.41 during the rough stretch. He's in for a tough test with a start against the Dodgers scheduled for next weekend.
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Craig Kimbrel RP | KC
Dodgers' Craig Kimbrel: Exits Sunday's game
Kimbrel exited Sunday's game against the Padres in the top of the ninth inning due to an apparent back injury, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Kimbrel was hit by a comebacker with one out in the top of the ninth inning and initially remained in the game, but he was ultimately removed by a trainer after he gave up a double and a single to the next two batters. The extent of his injury isn't yet clear, and whether he's forced to miss time remains to be seen.
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Austin Pruitt RP | TEX
Athletics' Austin Pruitt: Steps up in long relief
Pruitt allowed a run on two hits and struck out six over 4.1 innings during Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Mariners.
Pruitt took over in the second inning after Frankie Montas (shoulder) exited the game early. This was Pruitt's longest outing of the season, and his third of three or more innings in 12 appearances overall. The right-hander has a 4.42 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 13:1 K:BB through 18.1 innings. It seems unlikely for the 32-year-old to be an option as a spot starter if Montas has to miss time -- Pruitt saw some starts in the minors in 2021 but hasn't regularly worked in that role since 2016.
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Daniel Norris RP | CLE
Cubs' Daniel Norris: Ready to face hitters
Norris (finger) is scheduled to face rehabbing teammates Nick Madrigal (groin) and Frank Schwindel (back) in a live batting practice session Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
If all goes well during the throwing session, Norris could be cleared to head to the minors for what would presumably be a brief rehab assignment. Norris has been on the 15-day injured list since June 23 with a left middle finger strain.