MLB Player News

Fulmer (neck) worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless inning in Tuesday's extra-innings win over the Twins. He struck out one.

Fulmer was activated from the injured list before the game after missing a month due to a neck strain. The righty wasn't given a save opportunity in Tuesday's contest, as the Tigers rallied to take the lead in the 11th inning, but he should work his way back into Detroit's closer mix. Lefty Gregory Soto is also on hand, and the two figure to split the ninth-inning role depending on matchups. Jose Cisnero may also factor into the end-game equation.

Hendriks struck out one and did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless inning to earn the save Tuesday against the Royals.

Hendriks was handed a two-run lead, and he needed only 14 pitches to tally his 25th save of the season. After allowing five earned runs across an eight-inning span in seven appearances from June 26 to July 11, Hendriks has now turned in four consecutive scoreless outings. Overall, he has a 2.44 ERA with 71 strikeouts across 44.1 frames.

Alzolay (4-11) allowed four runs across five innings to take the loss Tuesday against the Reds. He gave up seven hits and no walks while striking out four.

For the second straight start, Alzolay was done in by home runs. He allowed three runs on two long balls his last time out and followed that up by allowing three solo bombs Tuesday. Alzolay has now given up 23 home runs in 93.1 innings this season after allowing just a single homer in 2020, albeit in only 21.1 innings. The 26-year-old has pitched decently for the Cubs at times, but he's going to struggle to find consistent success if he can't keep the ball in the yard. Alzolay will look to get back on track in his next scheduled start Sunday against the Nationals.

Manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday that he'll avoid using Mayers in high-leverage spots for the immediate future, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander ranks second on the team with 13 holds, but he's given up three runs over three frames in his past five outings. Mayers posted a 2.10 ERA and 0.90 WHIP for the Angels in 2020, but he's been unable to replicate those numbers this season.

Nittoli was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Tuesday.

Nittoli made his big-league debut in late June and gave up two runs in one inning before returning to Triple-A Tacoma. The 30-year-old could remain at Tacoma if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

McCaughan was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

McCaughan was tagged for seven runs over four innings during his first big-league start Monday, and he'll now head back to Triple-A. Hector Santiago returned from his suspension Tuesday and should claim McCaughan's spot in the rotation.

Littell was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Littell has been a passable bullpen option this season, posting a 3.44 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 25:16 K:BB over 34 innings. The right-hander could rejoin the Giants later in the year if the team needs extra bullpen depth.

Long (back) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Long has been on the shelf about three weeks with a back strain and will rejoin the active roster after covering one inning during a rehab appearance in the minors. The 26-year-old was working as a starter prior to the injury, but he'll be available out of the bullpen with San Francisco's rotation currently in good health.

Manager Dave Roberts said Kelly (hamstring) is unavailable for Tuesday's game at San Francisco, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The veteran right-hander tweaked his hamstring during Sunday's win over the Rockies and will be sidelined for at least one game. It's not believed to be a serious issue, so Kelly could be available for Wednesday's contest.

Medina (undisclosed) was activated from the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It never became clear what forced Medina to the IL, but he'll now return to the active roster after missing just under four weeks. The right-hander will resume his Triple-A campaign with a 5.73 ERA.