MLB Player News

The Orioles initially went with Matt Bowman in the ninth after expanding their lead from three runs to five in the bottom of the eighth, but Bowman gave up a homer, a double and a walk before being lifted. Bautista took over with the two runners on and got a strikeout, a groundout and a flyout to end it. Because of the Orioles’ late of late and close leads, it was just Bautista’s sixth appearance and second save chance. He’s pitched scoreless innings in five of the outings. The Orioles might now stay away from him Sunday, potentially resulting in a save chance for Yennier Cano or Seranthony Domínguez.

It sounds like a precautionary decision since Marte was in Arizona’s original lineup for Monday’s series opener against the Padres. The 31-year-old All-Star second baseman is day-to-day for now. It’ll be Blaze Alexander taking over at the keystone on Monday night in his absence. It doesn’t sound like a massive concern, but fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status over the remainder of the week.

Keith capped off an impressive three-hit performance with a solo shot to right field — his seventh round-tripper of the season — against Rays reliever Paul Gercase in the seventh inning. He’s been on a tear leading up to next week’s All-Star break, hitting .321 (17-for-53) with three homers and seven RBI over his last 15 games.

Montero limited Tampa Bay’s strong lineup to just four hits with a run-scoring single from Jonathan Aranda in the third inning representing the lone tally against him. He struck out four and only handed out one free pass. It’s unclear whether he’ll get another turn in Detroit’s rotation later this week, but he would be in line to face the Mariners on Sunday to close out the first half.

Baz gave up seven hits, including a two-run homer to Javier Báez, which accounted for most of the damage against him in this one. He finished with seven strikeouts and only handed out two free passes. The 26-year-old righty has allowed three earned runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts since June 4. He’ll close out the first half on Saturday with a road matchup against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Morillo joins Arizona’s bullpen on Monday with closer Shelby Miller hitting the injured list with a forearm strain.

Not good. Miller has taken over as Arizona’s primary closer since early May following injuries to A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez. The scary part here is that forearm issues are often a precursor to more alarming elbow concerns. It’s unclear where Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo will turn with Miller on the shelf, but Kevin Ginkel and Jalen Beeks have some closing experience. The wild cards here would be John Curtiss and Kyle Backhus.

No word yet on the reason for the move. It’ll be Blaze Alexander taking over at the keystone on Monday night. There should be an update on the All-Star second baseman’s status shortly.

Miller expressed optimism that he’ll make it back to San Francisco’s bullpen in roughly five weeks, but that would be the best-case scenario. The broader concern here is that the 27-year-old lefty could wind up requiring surgery if his elbow doesn’t respond well to the rest and rehabilitation route.

Castillo will remain with Baltimore as emergency starting pitching depth after going unclaimed on waivers. The 30-year-old righty was jettisoned from the Orioles’ 40-man roster over the weekend. He made two starts earlier this year for the Mariners before being shipped to the Orioles in early May.

Mederos gets the call to join Los Angeles’ relief corps prior to Monday’s series opener against the Rangers with veteran Hunter Strickland hitting the shelf with shoulder inflammation. The 24-year-old righty has made one relief appearance this season in the big leagues.