MLB Player News

Robert Murray of FanSided was first to report the agreement. Keller busted out as a top-flight reliever for the Cubs last season, posting a 2.07 ERA in 69 2/3 innings, so it’s not surprising to see him get this kind of money. The Phillies will have him help set up for Jhoan Duran.

Williamson put Tampa Bay ahead for good with a 103.4 mph double into the left-center field gap with two outs in the fourth inning. The 25-year-old has put together a strong Rays debut, hitting .263/.344/.328 with 18 RBI and five steals through 48 games. He doesn’t offer enough upside to matter in most fantasy leagues, but he’s been a nice addition as a role player in Tampa Bay.

Duran put Boston ahead early with a run-scoring single to center field with two outs in the third inning. It was his lone hit in four at-bats out of the leadoff spot. The 29-year-old outfielder is hitting just .138 (4-for-29) with one RBI and one steal in seven games since the start of June. Not great. The cold spell comes on the heels of a hot stretch where he went deep six times in 11 games.

Simpson looked a bit rusty following a three-game layoff due to a lingering thumb issue. The 25-year-old speedster managed to avoid a potential trip to the injured list and shouldn’t require any additional time off.

Baker got the call to protect a lead for the second consecutive game in the series and needed just 13 pitches (seven strikes) to eliminate any hope of a Boston rally. The unheralded 31-year-old has converted 18 of 21 save opportunities this season and has reeled off nine consecutive scoreless appearances dating back to May 17. He’s been one of the most impactful early-season waiver wire pickups in fantasy.

Martinez wasn’t overpowering, but was once again extremely efficient, working into the eighth inning before being pulled at just 73 pitches (49 strikes). The year-old veteran surrendered a run-scoring single to Jarren Duran in the third inning, but held Boston scoreless until a two-run double from Marcelo Mayer in the eighth that chased him from the contest. It was a nice bounce-back effort after being tagged for a season-high six runs over four innings by the Tigers in his previous start. He boasts a sparkling 2.43 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 44/13 K/BB ratio across 77 2/3 innings this season. He’ll face a tough test with a road tilt against the Dodgers on Monday.

Tolle clearly didn’t have his best stuff in this one, but still managed to grind out six frames anyway, needing 94 pitches (71 strikes) in the process. All of the damage came against him in the fourth inning when Cedric Mullins, Ben Williamson and Nick Fortes delivered run-scoring hits. He finished with three strikeouts and only issued one walk. The 23-year-old top prospect has been excellent overall this season, delivering a strong 2.70 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 54/14 K/BB ratio across 53 1/3 innings over nine starts. He’ll square off against the Blue Jays at Fenway Park his next time out on Tuesday.

Acuña came up limping after attempting to beat out a fourth-inning ground ball down the third-base line. He was immediately replaced by Eli White in right field. He finished 0-for-2 with a strikeout out of the leadoff spot. He’ll undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of the issue. There should be an update on his status shortly.

Raleigh started at catcher and played five innings behind the dish. That was all he needed to crush a pair of homers, including a grand slam, during his second rehab contest. The 29-year-old backstop figures to need a couple additional tune-up contests since he’s been out since mid-May recovering from an oblique strain. It wouldn’t be surprising if he were ready to rejoin Seattle’s lineup later this week.

Fulmer augments Seattle’s middle relief depth on the doorstep of the majors after posting a lackluster 6.35 ERA across 34 innings at the Triple-A level this season. The 32-year-old journeyman hasn’t pitched in the majors since making 13 appearances for the Angels last year. He’s merely organizational depth at this stage of his career.

Woodford is back with Milwaukee after spending a few hours on the open market. The well-traveled 29-year-old posted a serviceable 6.94 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 20/7 K/BB ratio across 23 1/3 innings with the Brewers before being designated for assignment last Friday.