MLB Player News

The Blue Jays recalled Thornton from Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday.

Thornton's fresh arm joins the team in Baltimore and will provide additional bullpen depth for the series finale. He takes the active roster spot of Anthony Castro, whom the Blue Jays optioned Sunday.

Pivetta (COVID-19) was activated from the virus-related injured list ahead of Sunday's start against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The vaccinated Pivetta is back with the team after testing positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. The righty has struggled in each of his last three starts and faces a tough White Sox lineup today, although perhaps his being well-rested will lead to a stronger performance.

Kelly earned a hold against San Diego on Saturday by striking out both batters he faced.

Situations don't get much higher in leverage than the one Kelly faced Saturday, as he was tasked with preserving a one-run eighth-inning lead with Fernando Tatis on third base and only one out. The fireballer shined in the spotlight, needing only seven pitches to strike out both Wil Myers and Tommy Pham. Kelly hasn't allowed a run in his past six outings, posting a 4:0 K:BB and picking up two holds and a save over that span.

The Rays activated Anderson (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The righty is ready to make his 2021 debut after missing over five months with an elbow ligament injury. Anderson figures to be eased into high-leverage work, although his track record of excellence in such a role suggests he'll be recording holds and possibly saves sooner rather than later. He fills the 40-man roster spot of Shawn Armstrong, whom the Rays DFA'd on Sunday.

The Rays designated Armstrong for assignment Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The righty gets demoted after allowing four earned runs total in his last two appearances. Armstrong's 4.50 ERA in 16 innings since joining the Rays is respectable, and the Rays' frequent bullpen shuffling suggests he could find himself back with the club in the near future. That is, unless he gets claimed off waivers. Nick Anderson (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list to fill Armstrong's 40-man roster spot.

Hendriks fired a scoreless ninth inning Saturday but appeared to be experiencing discomfort, Brian Sandalow of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa said pitching coach Ethan Katz thought he noticed something and asked the pitcher about it. Hendriks confirmed that he is fine.

Taylor recorded his first career save in Saturday's 9-8 extra-inning win over the White Sox, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless 10th inning.

Hansel Robles pitched the sixth inning and Garrett Whitlock the eighth and ninth Friday, while Adam Ottavino worked the night before, leaving closing duties to Taylor when the Red Sox pushed across a run in the top of the 10th. The southpaw hasn't been particularly sharp since coming off the COVID-19 list, giving up two runs in 2.2 innings across four appearances, but as the top left-hander in the bullpen he could potentially see another save chance or two down the stretch as part of Boston's high-leverage crew.

Crowe didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 10-7 win over the Nationals, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out six.

Facing the team that drafted him in the second round in 2017 before trading him this past offseason as part of the package for Josh Bell, Crowe didn't exactly take his revenge, tossing 46 of 78 pitches for strikes before getting chased from the game after a three-run fourth inning. The right-hander has lasted at least five innings only once in his last seven outings, posting a rough 7.36 ERA and 1.91 WHIP over that stretch, but his 29:15 K:BB over those 29.1 innings does offer a glimmer of upside, and Pittsburgh has nothing to lose by letting the 27-year-old take his lumps down the stretch.

Chapman fired a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit while striking out one to earn the save in the win over the Mets on Saturday.

Chapman entered the ninth inning with a one-run lead. He gave up a ground-rule double to J.D. Davis, but retired the other three batters to earn the save. It has been rough for the closer lately, as he's allowed runs in four of his last nine appearances. He has a 3.78 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with a stellar 15.3 K/9 in 47.2 innings this season.

Jansen saved Saturday's 5-4 win against the Padres, striking out one in a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Pitching on the second consecutive night, Jansen needed just eight pitches to secure the save and help Los Angeles keep pace with the division-leading Giants. This performance comes on the heels of seven pitches Friday as the 33-year-old has gotten six outs on 15 pitches while throwing only three balls over the last two days. The pair of efficient outings means Jansen might actually be available for the series finale Sunday despite throwing two innings in two days.