MLB Player News

Clippard struck out a pair of batters and needed just 15 pitches (nine strikes) to retire the side in order. The veteran righty has been out since late July due to a groin strain and figures to return to the Nationals’ bullpen this week.

It’s a bit unclear when Eovaldi will start next, but there’s optimism he isn’t facing an extended absence, and could potentially avoid a trip to the injured list. It’s an extremely encouraging development after the 36-year-old veteran was scratched from Monday’s scheduled start against the Diamondbacks with left side tightness. There should be a more definitive update from the club on his status in the coming days once he resumes throwing.

Aranda has been one of the more impactful middle-of-the-order run producers this season with a whopping 32 RBI through 40 contests. The 27-year-old first baseman delievered a sacrifice fly and a run-scoring single before taking Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman deep in the fifth inning for his eighth round-tripper of the year. He’s been on fire recently, hitting .346 (18-for-52) with two homers and 11 RBI over his last 15 games.

Giménez took Rays starter Drew Rasmussen deep for a three-run homer in the second inning before repeating the feat against reliever Ian Seymour in the seventh to record the first multi-homer performance of his career. The 27-year-old infielder was one of the few bright spots in this one as he was responsible for all five of Toronto’s runs in a losing effort. He’s up to five round-trippers already through 38 games after mustering only seven across 101 contests last year in his Blue Jays debut.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters Simpson was lifted for a defensive replacement in the eighth inning due to some left leg cramping after going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a pair of stolen bases out of the leadoff spot. It doesn’t sound like a significant concern. The 25-year-old’s speed caused some serious chaos on the basepaths for Toronto all night, but he put on a masterclass in the fourth inning when he reached on an infield single and advanced on a balk before scoring on an errant throw after swiping third base. He’s up to 14 steals through 40 games.

Baker got the call to protect a three-run lead in the final frame and needed just 11 pitches (nine strikes) to slam the door. He struck out Myles Straw, got Ernie Clement to line out to center field and fanned Andrés Giménez to end it. The unheralded 31-year-old journeyman has converted 11 of 13 save opportunities this season and finds himself just one behind Padres relief ace Mason Miller for the league lead. Simply put, he’s been an unexpected revelation for fantasy managers.

Rasmussen surrendered a three-run shot to Andrés Giménez in the third inning, but managed to keep Toronto’s lineup scoreless otherwise. He struck out six and only handed out one free pass. The 30-year-old righty has been a model of consistency, allowing three earned runs or fewer while also completing five innings in seven of his eight starts to open the season. He’ll wrap up a two-start week with a tasty home matchup against the Marlins on Sunday.

Gausman recorded his 2,000th career strikeout during an otherwise forgettable outing against the division-rival Rays where he surrendered 10 hits, including a solo homer to Jonathan Aranda. He managed to somewhat mitigate the damage by striking out five batters without issuing a walk. Still, it was a tough performance against a Rays lineup that isn’t one of the more potent groups in the game. He’ll attempt to rebound with a road matchup against the Tigers on Sunday.

Bazzana capped Cleveland’s five-run explosion in the third inning by slicing a two-run double into the left-center field gap. He also drew a pair of walks in this one, reaching base safely in three of his four plate appearances out of the eighth spot in the order. The 23-year-old top prospect has hit a bit of a rough path, which isn’t completely unexpected, while acclimating to everyday life in the majors, hitting .211/.423/.316 with one homer and seven steals in 12 games since being called up back on April 28.

It’s challenging to draw any conclusions from this outing since Manoah entered the contest with Los Angeles trailing by a touchdown in the fourth inning. He notched only two strikeouts and walked a staggering five batters. Amazingly, he managed to put five goose eggs on the scoreboard in the one-sided affair. His fastball velocity is starting to trend in the right direction, but he’s not close to being a fantasy-relevant option yet. He’s in line to take the ball on Sunday against the Dodgers. He’s not a recommended fantasy option in that spot.

Cantillo was able to cruise to a relatively easy win, scattering five hits and one walk over six frames, after Cleveland’s offense staked him to a one-touchdown lead by the fourth inning. He finished with four strikeouts and consistently pounded the zone, throwing 63 of 93 pitches for strikes. The 26-year-old lefty has allowed just one run combined over his previous two outings and holds a solid 2.98 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 41/20 K/BB ratio across 45 1/3 innings over nine starts. He’ll wrap up a two-start week with a favorable home matchup against the Reds on Sunday.