MLB Player News

Ward went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and two additional runs scored during the Orioles' 12-1 win over the Dodgers on Sunday.

Ward connected on his second homer of the month and only his fourth extra-base hit since the beginning of June. The 32-year-old outfielder has been a fixture near the top of Baltimore's batting order all season, appearing in all but one of the club's first 79 games, but he's really struggling for power during his debut year with the Orioles. Through 358 plate appearances, Ward is slashing .255/.393/.355 with four big flies, 17 doubles, 21 RBI and 49 runs scored.

Kelly earned the save Sunday against the Nationals, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning of the 4-3 win.

With Bryan Baker having worked the ninth inning Saturday and tossing a scoreless eighth against the heart of Washington's order Sunday, Kelly got the call to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning of the series finale. The right-hander allowed a leadoff single to Daylen Lile, but Lile was caught stealing between strikeouts of the next two batters, helping Kelly secure his third save of the season. The veteran has been reliable lately, posting scoreless appearances in 23 of his last 25 outings. During that stretch, Kelly has recorded a sparkling 1.33 ERA while collecting 13 holds.

Martinez did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Nationals, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five over six innings.

Martinez threw 57 of his 88 pitches for strikes while recording his fifth quality start in his last seven appearances. The veteran right-hander was hurt by extra-base damage, as three of the four hits he allowed went for extra bases, including a solo homer by CJ Abrams in the sixth inning. Martinez exited in line for the loss before Tampa Bay rallied late to erase the deficit and ultimately secure the victory. The 35-year-old continues to provide steady production and will carry a 2.73 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 55:17 K:BB into his next scheduled start at home against Arizona.

Povich (elbow) struck out three and allowed one hit and no walks over 3.1 scoreless innings Sunday in a rehab start with Double-A Chesapeake.

Povich was about as sharp as the Orioles could have hoped in his first game action at any level since he landed on the 15-day injured list May 8 due to left elbow inflammation. He faced just one batter over the minimum through 3.1 innings, spotting 34 of his 43 pitches for strikes while inducing five whiffs. The southpaw will likely need at least two more rehab starts to get fully stretched out, but he won't be assured a spot in the Baltimore rotation once he's deemed ready to return from the IL.

Kremer (quadriceps) struck out five and allowed one earned run on two hits and and two walks in 3.2 innings during his rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Norfolk.

Though he was making his first game appearance since landing on the 60-day injured list April 18, Kremer handled a fairly hefty workload right off the bat. He tossed 66 pitches (38 strikes) in the outing, inducing 12 swings and misses along the way. The right-hander may need just one more rehab start to continue building up his pitch count before potentially rejoining the Baltimore rotation in the first week of July.

Montgomery (elbow) allowed one hit and struck out a batter over a scoreless inning in a rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Sunday.

Since Montgomery was pitching for the first time at any level since undergoing a hybrid UCL reconstruction last March, the Rangers had scheduled him for just one inning to kick off his rehab assignment. He was able to pass his first test without much drama, allowing a double but getting out of the inning in 13 pitches (10 strikes). Montgomery is expected to gradually increase his pitch counts over multiple rehab starts during the course of his 30-day rehab window, and his performance during his time in the minors will likely dictate whether he claims a spot in the Texas rotation or works in long relief upon his return from the 60-day injured list.

Martin did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Tigers, allowing a run on five hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out four.

It was a strong bounce-back showing from Martin, who gave up nine runs in just 3.1 innings his last time out against the Yankees. The 29-year-old right-hander has been inconsistent of late, though his ERA still sits at a strong 3.18 with a 1.20 WHIP and 87:23 K:BB across 15 starts (87.2 innings) this season. Martin is currently lined up to face the Royals at home in his next outing.

Gillen was promoted to Double-A Montgomery on Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Gillen will move up to Double-A after posting an impressive .342 average with 12 home runs, 44 RBI, 53 runs scored and 28 stolen bases over 219 at-bats in 57 contests with High-A Bowling Green this season. The 20-year-old is considered to be one of Tampa Bay's top overall prospects, and he'll have a shot to climb to the Triple-A level before the end of the year.

Montero didn't factor into the decision Sunday against the White Sox, allowing three runs on six hits over seven innings. He struck out three.

Montero was sharp in his return to the Tigers' rotation, as he held Chicago scoreless for five innings before giving up a two-run homer to Luisangel Acuna in the sixth inning and another run in the seventh. Montero's ERA now sits at 3.68 through 80.2 innings this season with a 1.00 WHIP and 53:17 K:BB. He figures to remain in the rotation going forward, with Justin Verlander (hamstring) expected to be sidelined for a while. Montero is tentatively lined up to face the Astros at home his next time out.

Bolte went 1-for-3 with a walk, one RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's 9-7 loss to the Angels.

Bolte has logged three steals on four attempts over his last six games. He's just 5-for-19 (.263) at the plate in that span, though he's added a respectable 5:8 BB:K. For the season, the outfielder is batting .315 with an .814 OPS, eight steals, two home runs, 10 RBI, 11 runs scored and five doubles over 36 contests.