MLB Player News

Blubaugh recorded his first major-league save Sunday against the Rangers, striking out one over 1.1 scoreless innings.

With five relievers, including Josh Hader, having pitched the previous night, Blubaugh was called upon with two outs and two runners aboard in the eighth inning. He escaped the jam by striking out Jake Burger before retiring the Rangers in order on just nine pitches in the ninth to secure the first save of his MLB career. The right-hander has now recorded consecutive scoreless appearances for the first time since July 1, though he has continued to miss bats throughout that stretch, compiling a 21:3 K:BB across 16 innings.

Kay (8-5) notched the win Sunday against the Rays, allowing no runs on seven hits and one walk in 6.1 innings. He struck out three.

It was an impressive performance by the left-hander, who delivered his first scoreless start since June 22 versus the Guardians. Kay submitted his longest outing of the campaign as well, scattering seven singles Sunday in what was also encouragingly his first appearance without a hit batsman since July 3 in Cleveland. Kay should carry a bit of streaming appeal in his next scheduled start against a scuffling Guardians lineup, carrying a 4.01 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 90:42 K:BB over 110 innings.

Lambert did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Rangers, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings.

Lambert was perfect through his first four innings, piling up seven strikeouts before Texas finally broke through. In the fifth, the right-hander allowed four consecutive baserunners to begin the inning, resulting in the only two runs charged to him. Lambert has now held opponents to two runs or fewer in 11 of his last 12 starts while posting a 2.63 ERA during that stretch. He's scheduled to make his next start Saturday against the Padres.

Rocker did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Astros, allowing three runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings.

Rocker threw 59 of his 88 pitches for strikes and generated 15 whiffs despite allowing a season-high 10 hits. The biggest blow came in the fourth inning, when Jeremy Pena launched a two-run homer. The right-hander has now issued multiple walks in four straight starts, posting a 4.56 ERA during that stretch. For the season, Rocker owns a 4.08 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 98:40 K:BB across 108 innings. His next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Orioles.

The Rangers outrighted Gonzales to Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.

Gonzales cleared waivers and will stick around in the Texas organization after he was designated for assignment Friday. The veteran southpaw was up with the Rangers for about a week and a half, making two relief appearances and allowing one earned run on seven hits and four walks across six innings.

Torres went 1-for-2 with four walks, two RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 11-0 win over the Athletics.

Torres was on base regularly Sunday as he set a new season high in walks. The veteran second baseman put together the strong performance on the heels of hitting his sixth home run of the season Saturday. Torres is a steady offensive contributor with a good eye at the plate, and his current .389 on-base percentage would represent a new career best. His ability to get on base at a good clip should allow him to score plenty of runs moving forward and elevate his overall fantasy value.

The Blue Jays acquired Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene from the Cubs on Sunday in exchange for right-hander Kevin Gausman, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old Bateman has had an impressive season at Triple-A Iowa, slashing .312/.430/.421 with three home runs and 20 steals over 82 games. He'll report to the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo and could have a shot at making his MLB debut later this season, though Toronto would need to add him to its 40-man roster.

Williams (11-6) earned the win Sunday against the Diamondbacks, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out 10 over 5.2 scoreless innings.

Williams was perfect through five innings, piling up nine strikeouts, including five against consecutive batters. Tim Tawa finally broke up the no-hit bid with a leadoff single in the sixth, and a rain delay ended Williams' afternoon with two outs in the inning after he had thrown 89 pitches. The right-hander has now recorded double-digit strikeouts in five consecutive starts, compiling an incredible 55:3 K:BB across 32.2 innings with a 2.48 ERA during that span. Through 23 starts this season, Williams owns a 3.56 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, and his 178 strikeouts trail only Jacob Misiorowski for the MLB lead.

The Blue Jays acquired Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman from the Cubs on Sunday in exchange for right-hander Kevin Gausman, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Regarded as the superior of the two prospects heading back to the Blue Jays, Southisene has enjoyed a strong season at High-A South Bend, slashing .326/.451/.372 with 20 steals in 44 games since he was promoted from Single-A Myrtle Beach on May 2. Though the 21-year-old middle infielder is touted for his speed and plate discipline, his profile is completely lacking in power; he's yet to hit a home run in 157 career minor-league games.

Keaschall went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 7-6 loss to Seattle.

Facing Seattle closer Andres Munoz, Keaschall connected on an opposite-field solo homer to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning. The 23-year-old has homered in back-to-back games after going deep in Saturday's contest, bringing his season total to six. After a disappointing first few months of the campaign, Keaschall has begun to turn things around, slashing .302/.417/.477 with four homers, nine RBI, 15 runs and two stolen bases over his past 30 games.