MLB Player News

Payamps (back) struck out one over a perfect ninth inning in Saturday's 12-4 win over the Orioles.

Manager Charlie Montoyo said Friday that Payamps had been managing a back injury of late, but the reliever's availability for Saturday's contest implies the issue isn't a major concern. Since being called up from Triple-A Buffalo on April 15, Payamps has compiled a 3.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB in 26 innings over 20 appearances.

The Twins sent Smeltzer (elbow) to their rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate Monday to begin a rehab assignment.

Smeltzer has been on the injured list since May 12 with left elbow inflammation. Due to his long-term absence, Smeltzer will likely be in store for an extended rehab assignment across multiple minor-league affiliates before the Twins activated him from the IL.

Kranick is slated to remain part of the Pittsburgh rotation after general manager Ben Cherington revealed Sunday that the Pirates would proceed with a six-man starting staff through at least the All-Star break, Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic reports.

Only a mid-game rain delay could stop Kranick in his MLB debut in Sunday's 7-2 win over the Cardinals. The 23-year-old became the first pitcher since 1893 to toss at least five perfect innings in a debut outing, with the right-hander needing just 50 pitches (36 strikes) to record his 15 outs. He'll now get the chance to build on that excellent start, with his next turn most likely coming Saturday in Pittsburgh versus the Brewers.

Hentges (1-2) allowed six runs on six hits and four walks while striking out a batter over 3.1 innings as he took the loss against the Twins on Sunday.

Hentges had some difficulty locating the strike zone Sunday, as he threw just 38 of his 72 pitches for strikes. His four walks are tied for the most in an outing this season. The 24-year-old did not pitch a clean inning after giving up a run in the first, two in the second, one in the third and two more in the fourth. Hentges hadn't given up a home run since May 17 but surrendered a two-run blast off the bat of Andrelton Simmons in the second and a solo shot to Josh Donaldson in the third. He now owns a 7.32 ERA, 1.99 WHIP and 38:20 K:BB over 35.2 innings. His spot in the rotation should still be safe for now with Cleveland dealing with injuries to their top three arms but lines up for a daunting matchup against the red-hot Astros this week.

Long (1-1) was tagged with the loss Sunday against Oakland after allowing four runs on four hits and three walks across five innings. He fanned three.

Long was unable to repeat what he had accomplished in his previous start against the Phillies, when he logged his first quality start of the season. Long has made just four starts this season and owns a rather unimpressive 4.95 ERA, though his 8.6 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 are showing some promise considering he's made just two starts and four appearances at the big-league level. If he stays in the rotation, his next start should come this weekend on the road against Arizona.

Howard is scheduled to start Monday's game against the Reds.

Howard will pick up his first start since June 15, as the Phillies' schedule has allowed the team to get by with a shortened four-man rotation for nearly two weeks. Before temporarily shifting to a relief role, Howard hadn't cleared four innings in any of his four starts, so the Phillies likely won't ask him to work deep into Monday's game as he transitions back into the rotation. Rookie Bailey Falter could be deployed as a piggyback pitcher behind Howard.

Kranick (1-0) earned the win in his big-league debut Sunday against the Cardinals after tossing five perfect innings, striking out three.

Kranick was perfect in his MLB debut, tossing 36 of his 50 pitches for strikes with no hits or walks while looking absolutely in control of the mound en route to an excellent performance. It's only one start and it's still way too early to make assumptions, but there's no question this was an excellent outing for the 23-year-old right-hander. He might have done enough to earn at least another start at some point next week, though his immediate future remains unclear.

Alzolay (4-7) allowed six runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out three across three innings, taking the loss to the Dodgers on Sunday.

Alzolay surrendered a six-run second inning Sunday. He lost control of his command and beaned the first batter, then followed with two walks. With the bases loaded, he gave up a grand slam to Zach McKinstry. After Mookie Betts reached on an error, Alzolay surrendered another long ball to Cody Bellinger. This was one of his worst performances this season, and he was pulled after finishing the third frame. The 26-year-old has a 4.55 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP with 70 strikeouts in 65.1 innings.

Hendricks recorded the final two outs to earn a save over the White Sox in Sunday's Game 2 victory. He struck out one batter.

Hendricks was tagged with a loss in the first game but bounced back immediately to pick up a save in the second contest. He's now 20-for-23 in save chances with a 2.18 ERA through 32 innings this season. He's converted 16 of his last 17 chances and owns a 1.19 ERA since the start of May.

Hill (5-3) allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk across one inning to earn the win over Arizona on Sunday.

Hill entered the seventh inning with a 2-1 lead, but quickly surrendered the lead after the first four batters reached base safely. The Padres ended up retaking the lead later in the inning, giving Hill the win. The 31-year-old has a 2.56 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 31.2 innings. Prior to Sunday, he didn't allow a run in his last five straight appearances.