MLB Player News

Joyce struck out one and allowed one hit over 1.2 scoreless innings to earn the save in Friday's 3-2 win over Atlanta.

Joyce has collected two saves over his last five appearances, though he's also allowed three runs across five innings in that span. The flamethrower threw all five of his fastballs between 102-104 mph Friday and needed just 14 total pitches (10 strikes) to get his five outs. Joyce still needs to work on his control -- he has a 2.54 ERA, but his 1.27 WHIP and 24:14 K:BB through 28.1 innings shows he hasn't yet fully harnessed his velocity. Veterans Hunter Strickland and Matt Moore, who worked in the seventh and eighth innings ahead of Joyce, remain in the high-leverage mix and could see save chances if Joyce falters, but the Angels will give the 23-year-old every chance to establish himself as the team's bullpen ace.

Soriano allowed two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five over 3.1 innings in a no-decision versus Atlanta on Friday.

Soriano had quality starts in his first two outings of August after a tumultuous July, but he stumbled against Atlanta. He needed 76 pitches (45 strikes) to record 10 outs in an inefficient appearance that also saw him walk multiple batters for the fifth time in six outings. Soriano is now at a 3.42 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 97:45 K:BB through 113 innings over 22 outings (20 starts) this season. There was no injury reported, so Soriano is tentatively lined up to make his next start at Kansas City.

Williams (2-5) allowed five runs on six hits and two walks over four innings Friday, striking out five and taking a loss against Milwaukee.

Williams stumbled out of the gate and coughed up a three-run homer to Willy Adames in the first inning. The Brewers then scored runs in the third and fourth frames. Williams has given up at least five runs in three of his nine starts this season, resulting in a 5.02 ERA across 43 innings. He's allowed 12 runs over his last four starts but 11 of those have come in two outings. Williams is lined up for a tough road matchup against the Yankees next week.

The Rays will recall Alexander from Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Alexander had been scheduled to start for Durham on Friday, but he was scratched and is now headed back to the big leagues, where he'll presumably work as a long reliever. A corresponding move will be announced once the 30-year-old's promotion is official.

Duran allowed a hit and struck out two during a perfect inning to earn a save against the Rangers on Friday.

Duran worked around a two-out single to close out the 4-3 victory. He needed just 13 pitches to convert the save and is now 18-for-19 in save opportunities this season. Since his lone blown save chance in Oakland on June 21, Duran has a 3-2 record with seven saves and a 2.60 ERA through 19 appearances. For the year, he owns a 3.35 ERA and a 43:12 K:BB across 40.1 innings.

Holliday went 4-for-5 with a triple, three runs scored and an RBI in Friday's 12-10 loss to the Red Sox.

The Baltimore rookie collected his first career four-hit performance that included his first major-league triple, and he scored a career-high three runs. Since being recalled July 31, Holliday has batted .286 (16-for-35) with five homers, 13 runs scored and 14 RBI across 15 games. The 20-year-old should continue to play every day at second base for the Orioles as the team marches to the postseason and could move up in a potent batting order if he remains hot -- Holliday has yet to hit higher than sixth in the majors.

Heaney (4-13) yielded four runs on five hits and a walk over 4.1 innings Friday, striking out eight and taking a loss against Minnesota.

The big blow against Heaney came when Carlos Santana took him deep for a three-run shot in the fifth inning. The veteran southpaw is now 0-3 with a brutal 6.66 ERA over his last five starts, and he has just one win since the start of July. Heaney owns a 4.20 ERA with a 123:35 K:BB through 124.1 innings this season. His next start is lined up to come at home against the Pirates.

Woods Richardson (4-3) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings Friday, striking out one and earning a win over Texas.

The righty gave up one run through four innings before Marcus Semien tagged him for a solo shot in the fifth. Woods Richardson has thrown five or fewer frames in three of his last four outings, producing a 6.05 ERA during that span. Friday's win was his first since June 26, but his one punchout matched his season low. Woods Richardson is sporting a 3.77 ERA with a 92:33 K:BB through 21 starts this season. His next outing is projected to come in San Diego.

Jansen picked up the save in Friday's 12-10 victory over Baltimore, pitching a perfect inning with two strikeouts.

The veteran closer extended his scoreless appearances streak to five with this performance, retiring the side on a tidy 12 pitches. Jansen stands fourth all-time in career saves with 442, but he requires 37 more to pass Lee Smith for third place. After struggling in August with two blown saves and a 5.40 ERA over 10 innings, the Boston right-hander appears to have righted the ship and sports a 2.72 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 51:15 K:BB across 43 frames this season.

Rendon was removed from Friday's game against Atlanta due to a right elbow contusion.

Rendon was hit by a pitch during his plate appearance in the second inning. He remained in the game to cover third base for another two frames before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth. It's possible the Angels give him a day off Saturday, and while an extended absence doesn't seem likely, it can't be ruled out given Rendon's track record of fragility.