MLB Player News

Clase (1-1) took the loss Wednesday versus the Yankees, allowing an unearned run on two hits and no walks while striking out one over one inning.

Clase entered with the game tied at 3-3, so this wasn't a save situation. The right-hander gave up a single to Giancarlo Stanton, and an error by shortstop Amed Rosario got Stanton to second base. Oswaldo Cabrera then singled in pinch runner Gleyber Torres for the go-ahead run. Clase has been a little shaky this season, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out seven over seven innings.

Fairbanks allowed one hit across a scoreless inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Fairbanks entered the game with a two-run lead. He allowed a leadoff single but went on to retire the next three batters he faced to record his second save of the new season. While the Rays have provided limited save opportunities early in the new campaign, Fairbanks appears to be the team's primary closer for the time being.

Quijada struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his second save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Nationals.

The southpaw needed only seven pitches (six strikes) to breeze through the heart of Washington's order. Quijada is the surprising saves leader for the Angels in the early going, but he's also tied for the lead in holds with three. While he might be the most reliable arm in the team's bullpen, Quijada's more likely to be deployed in a situational high-leverage role than be the full-time closer.

Duran gave up two hits including a home run Wednedsay against the White Sox, but held on to record his third save of the season.

Duran entered the game with a 3-0 lead in the ninth, but gave the White Sox a glimmer of hope after allowing a solo homer to Lenyn Sosa. The 25-year-old closer now improves to 3-for-4 in save chances this season, but he has also allowed two home runs in as many days.

Holmes collected his fourth save of the season Wednesday against the Guardians, allowing zero hits and two walks over one scoreless inning with a strikeout.

After getting hit around in his first appearance of the season against the Giants on April 1, Holmes has now responded by throwing five consecutive shutout innings while earning a save in each of his last four appearances. It's a promising return to form for the 30-year-old closer, who boasts a 2.34 ERA since joining the Yankees in 2021.

Kelly left Wednesday's game against Tampa Bay with an apparent arm injury, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Kelly immediately collapsed to the ground after hitting Yandy Diaz with a pitch. He appeared to be in quite a bit of pain and was grabbing at his arm/elbow. He should be considered day-to-day for now, but early signs don't look promising for the 28-year-old reliever.

The Athletics have named Oller their starting pitcher for Thursday's game in Baltimore, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Oakland will move to a six-man rotation this week, adding Oller to the mix in order for rookie Shintaro Fujinami to continue making Saturday starts as he transitions from Nippon Professional Baseball to the majors. As a rookie last season, Oller made 19 appearances (14 starts) and struggled to a 6.30 ERA and 1.63 WHIP over 74.1 innings. Since Oller covered five innings and 80 pitches in his most recent relief appearance April 7, he should provide Oakland with a decent amount of length in his first start, but he'll still be tough to trust as a streaming option while he's supported by one of MLB's worst lineups.

Ponce de Leon signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Ponce de Leon went unsigned all winter after struggling to a 6.52 ERA in 116 innings (26 starts) last season between the Triple-A affiliates of the Mariners, Nationals and Tigers. The 31-year-old right-hander hasn't appeared in a major-league game since 2021 with the Cardinals. He'll head to Triple-A Charlotte.

The Athletics recalled Smith from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Smith will be the replacement in the bullpen for Domingo Acevedo, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left lower-back strain. He'll likely operate in the middle innings while he's up with Oakland.

Davidson was bypassed for the start in Wednesday's game against the Nationals, with the Angels instead activating Griffin Canning (groin) from the 15-day injured list to have him take the hill, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Davidson opened the season in the bullpen but had been expected to enter the rotation when the Angels first required a sixth starter this week. However, with Canning progressing quicker than expected from the groin issue that forced him to the IL and then building up to five innings in his lone minor-league rehab start last Thursday, the Angels are opting to keep Davidson in the bullpen for the time being as a multi-inning option. The decision to go with Canning over Davidson for the sixth spot in the rotation became an easier one Monday, when Davidson was needed to cover three frames in relief after Jose Suarez lasted just four innings.