MLB Player News

Perkins is expected to work in bulk relief Sunday in Houston behind left-hander Brady Basso, who is slated to start the game for the Athletics.

Perkins is primed for a second straight appearance out of the bullpen, after he and Basso worked in tandem the last time the fifth spot in the rotation came up during Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Royals. Basso covered the first 2.1 innings of that game before Perkins followed with 3.2 scoreless innings of relief. Perkins struck out four and yielded just one hit and one walk while tossing 53 pitches in what amounted to his lightest workload since the start of June.

Basso is listed as the Athletics' starting pitcher for Sunday's game in Houston, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Basso will make his third appearance of the season and his second in a row as a starter, but as on the other two occasions, he's likely to be deployed as more of an opener. He covered 2.1 innings and tossed 32 pitches in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Royals, and Basso should be in line for a similar workload Sunday. Jack Perkins is the expected bulk reliever once Basso exits the contest.

Dion struck out four and allowed one hit and two walks over three innings in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Marlins.

Brad Lord made his third consecutive appearance as a starter but was once again held under three innings, clearing the way for Dion to follow him in bulk relief. Dion has looked sharp in each of his three outings behind Lord, yielding no runs and giving up just two hits while posting a 12:3 K:BB in 10.1 innings during that stretch. The Nationals are likely to eventually get a potential starter in DJ Herz (elbow) back from the 60-day injured list in September, but until that happens, the Lord and Dion tandem could remain in place when the fifth spot in the rotation comes up.

Lord struck out a batter and allowed no hits and one walk over 2.2 innings in a start during Friday's 3-2 loss to the Marlins.

Though Lord has now started in three consecutive appearances, the Nationals don't seem to be looking to stretch him out. He's seen his pitch count drop in each successive start, as he threw just 31 pitches before getting pulled midway through the third inning Friday. Will Dion has worked in bulk relief in each of Lord's last three starts, and the two could continue to work in tandem when the fifth spot in the rotation comes up until the Nationals get one of DJ Herz (elbow) or Connelly Early (elbow) back from the injured list.

Miller struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Twins.

Miller retired the side on 10 pitches (eight strikes) to pick up his 32nd save of the season. This was his third perfect inning in his last three appearances, though he has pitched consecutive days and may be unavailable Sunday if a save chance arises. Miller has maintained a superb 0.83 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 99:19 K:BB through 54.1 innings this season as arguably the most reliable closer in the majors.

Tidwell allowed three hits, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out seven over 5.2 scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Red Sox on Saturday.

Tidwell allowed six runs in his last outing, which was by far his worst start of the year. He bounced back well in this road appearance, but the Giants' bullpen couldn't maintain the lead. Tidwell now has a 3.58 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 27:12 K:BB across 32.2 innings through 12 games (four starts) in the majors this season. He's lined up to make his next start at home versus the Diamondbacks.

Smith recorded his 33rd save of the season in Saturday's game against Colorado, allowing a run on one hit while striking out one.

It was not perfect for Smith, yet he was able to navigate around a Connor Norby solo home run to earn the save. Saturday's outing ended his streak of 12 straight outings without allowing an earned run. Through 58 innings this campaign, Smith owns a 2.33 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 81:20 K:BB.

Anderson (4-5) picked up the loss after allowing three runs on five hits and one walk against Kansas City on Saturday. He struck out four.

Anderson matched his season high with five innings of work Saturday. The 32-year-old was a victim of the long ball while allowing solo home runs to both Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez. After recording his sixth start, Anderson now owns a 4.09 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 91:30 K:BB over 81.1 innings. The right-hander is expected to toe the slab next Saturday against the Dodgers.

Wells allowed one hit and no walks in two scoreless relief innings to pick up a hold Saturday against Baltimore, striking out one.

Wells is occupying a similar multi-inning role out of the bullpen since being traded to the Rays as he did with the Orioles earlier this year. The right-hander has already recorded three holds with his new team, posting a 2.89 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 9:3 K:BB across 9.1 innings for Tampa Bay.

Alvarado struck out two in a clean ninth inning to earn the save Saturday against the Astros.

It's worth noting that Hogan Harris, who has been the Athletics' top option for saves of late, worked a scoreless eighth inning for a hold Saturday. The A's have had a hard time settling on a steady ninth-inning arm in their beleaguered bullpen, and it wouldn't be surprising if they continue to mix and match their high-leverage options. Alvarado has a 4.29 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 51:19 K:BB over 42 innings, tallying eight holds and three saves in four opportunities.