MLB Player News

The Guardians announced Monday that Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 as part of MLB's sports-betting investigation, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Clase becomes the second Guardians pitcher to be placed on the restricted list in connection with the investigation, as right-hander Luis L. Ortiz previously went on leave earlier in this month. The 27-year-old righty has taken a step back statistically this season but has still performed as one of baseball's top closers, notching saves in 24 of 29 chances while logging a 3.23 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 47.1 innings. The 52-53 Guardians are 3.5 games behind for the final wild-card spot in the American League and may have considered moving Clase ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, but his placement on non-disciplinary leave likely takes any potential deal off the table. While Clase is out for at least the next month, right-hander Cade Smith (3.02 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 65:17 K:BB in 44.2 innings) looks like the next man up for save chances in the Cleveland bullpen, though manager Stephen Vogt could opt for a committee approach at closer.

The Twins selected Tonkin's contract from Triple-A St. Paul on Monday.

Tonkin has spent all of this season in the minors, posting a 4.82 ERA but a much more promising 34:7 K:BB over 28 innings with St. Paul. He will give manager Rocco Baldelli a fresh bullpen arm.

Marsh received an injection for his sore right shoulder last week, MLB.com reports.

Marsh has yet to pitch at any level this season after he first experienced shoulder tightness early on during spring training before suffering multiple setbacks in the subsequent months. He's in the midst of a rest period while he waits for the injection to alleviate the discomfort in his shoulder, but if the shot provides the desired effect, he could soon restart a throwing program. Even if he's able to steer clear of any further setbacks, Marsh will likely require an extended ramp-up program and probably won't be a realistic candidate to return from the 60-day injured list until late August at the soonest.

Gage started Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Mets, tossing a perfect inning while striking out one.

Gage made his first major-league start in Sunday's bullpen game, throwing seven of his 10 pitches for strikes. The left-hander had his contract selected from Triple-A Sacramento on July 18 and has now appeared in four games with San Francisco, surrendering a hit and a walk while striking out five across five innings. The 32-year-old has yet to give up a run through 10 outings between the Tigers and Giants this season, allowing eight hits with an 8:3 K:BB across 10.2 innings.

The Giants optioned Hjelle to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday.

Hjelle made two relief appearances during his most recent stint with the big club, getting charged with three runs over two frames. His removal from the 26-man active roster clears a spot for lefty Carson Whisenhunt, who will be called up from Sacramento to make his major-league debut Monday against the Pirates.

The Guardians optioned Kent to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Kent served as the 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Royals but did not make an appearance. He will rejoin the bullpen at Columbus.

The Twins optioned Adams to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday.

The transaction comes one day after Adams was roughed up for five earned runs over 3.1 innings during an extended relief outing Sunday against the Nationals. The Twins will announce a corresponding roster move prior to Monday's game against the Red Sox.

Atlanta optioned Stratton to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

He's clearing out to make room on the roster for Erick Fedde, who has officially reported to the team after being acquired via trade with the Cardinals on Sunday. Stratton made one appearance during his brief time with Atlanta, tossing two-thirds of a scoreless inning despite yielding one hit, one walk and one hit batsman.

Estevez picked up the save Sunday against Cleveland, allowing one hit with one strikeout over a scoreless ninth inning.

Estevez is back on track after a rough three-appearance stretch in which he yielded five runs and blew three saves over 2.1 innings, as he hasn't allowed a run in three appearances since. The 33-year-old has a 2.62 ERA in 44.2 innings, and his 27 saves are tied for the second most in baseball.

Cantillo (2-1) took the loss Sunday against Kansas City, allowing three runs on three hits and four walks with four strikeouts over four innings.

The Guardians have deployed Cantillo as a starter in July, and he took his first loss of the campaign Sunday in his fifth start, throwing 76 pitches. Control has been an issue for Cantillo as a starter, having walked at least three batters in all but one start thus far. He has a 4.57 ERA and a 27:11 K:BB across 21.2 innings since the role swap. His next appearance is expected to come next weekend against Minnesota.