MLB Player News

Cease did not factor into the decision Monday against the Astros, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings.

Cease surrendered an early RBI-single by Isaac Paredes in the first inning before settling into a groove, retiring 13 consecutive batters at one point while piling up seven strikeouts during the stretch. The right-hander ran into trouble in the sixth, issuing back-to-back walks and then allowing an RBI single to Jose Altuve that ultimately ended his night. Cease's swing-and-miss stuff remained electric, as he recorded his eighth consecutive outing with at least seven strikeouts. Since the beginning of May, the 30-year-old has posted a 2.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 61:14 K:BB across 41.2 innings. He is slated to face off against Texas at home next.

Brown did not factor into the decision Monday against the Blue Jays, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings.

The right-hander threw 54 of his 85 pitches for strikes but struggled to consistently find the zone, issuing two walks and plunking two batters. His lone run allowed came via Kazuma Okamoto, who led off the second inning with a solo homer. Despite lasting only three innings, Brown did not appear to be working under any workload limitations, as his pitch count suggests Houston is willing to let him work through trouble. Through two starts since returning, he has allowed just two runs across 8.2 innings while posting an 11:5 K:BB. Brown is scheduled to make his next start on the road against Detroit.

Lange secured the save Monday against the Rays, throwing a clean ninth inning. He struck out one.

Since taking over as Kansas City's primary closer, Lange been very effective on the mound. The 30-year-old right-hander has successfully converted each of his last six save opportunities, giving up just two earned runs across 10 innings during the month of June so far. With Lucas Erceg being unreliable and Carlos Estevez (shoulder) still on the shelf, Lange is solidifying his hold as the club's favorite for saves.

Wacha (5-5) notched the win Monday against Tampa Bay, allowing one run on six hits and one walk in seven innings. He struck out five.

Wacha continues to give the Royals plenty of length, tossing at least six frames in three consecutive starts and eight of his last 10. The 34-year-old right-hander has also pitched at least five innings in all of his 15 outings this year, racking up 11 quality starts already. Wacha will try to further improve on a steady 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 77:29 K:BB over a league-high 101 innings in his next scheduled outing on the road against the division-rival White Sox.

Rasmussen (6-4) took the loss Monday against Kansas City, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.

Rasmussen continues to deal during the month of June, posting a 1.00 ERA, 0.59 WHIP and 34:3 K:BB across his last 27 innings (four starts). Additionally, the 30-year-old right-hander has now logged nine quality starts among 15 appearances on the campaign and worked at least six frames in four consecutive outings. Rasmussen will take a stellar 2.62 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 89:15 K:BB across 86 innings into his next scheduled start at home against Arizona.

Sanchez took X-rays immediately following his early departure from Monday's game which came back negative, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

After being replaced by Austin Wells in the top of the seventh, Sanchez's X-rays on his right wrist came back negative. Manager Aaron Boone said the catcher will go for a CT scan and is hopeful that this is just a "day to day thing."

The Orioles designated Siani for assignment on Monday.

Siani's stint with the Orioles was very brief after serving just two days with the big-league club. The 26-year-old was called to pinch-hit during Sunday's game against the Dodgers, registering one at-bat with Baltimore. Siani was DFA'd in order to make room for Chadwick Tromp on the roster.

Vest logged 1.1 scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts to record the save in Monday's 5-3 win over the Yankees.

Vest retired the last four New York hitters of the game on only 12 pitches to secure his second save of the season. Regular closer Kenley Jansen didn't pitch Sunday but did see action on Friday and Saturday, so presumably the team wanted to give the veteran some extra rest after he recently came off the injured list. That opened the door for Vest, though he should slot in as Detroit's top setup option on days when Jansen pitches. Vest has been solid in June with a 2.00 ERA and seven strikeouts across 8.2 innings in eight appearances.

The Orioles selected Tromp's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday.

Tromp will meet the big-league club in Los Angeles for their three-game series against the Angels. The 31-year-old will join his second major league team this season after playing in 12 games for Atlanta, registering 27 plate appearances prior to signing with Baltimore on June 10. The Orioles designated Michael Siani to make room for Tromp on the roster.

The Astros removed Pena from the game after fouling off a pitch mid-at-bat, reports Julia Morales of Space City Home Network.

Brice Matthews replaced Pena at shortstop in the sixth inning after fouling off a pitch in the middle of his at-bat. The shortstop left the game with a trainer after going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and a run scored. Houston has yet to announce the specificity of the injury Pena suffered.