MLB Player News

Montero earned the save, allowing a solo home run and a walk in the ninth inning while striking out a batter in a 3-2 win Thursday over Texas.

Montero gave up a one-out homer to Corey Seager to make it a one-run game and then pitched around a walk to close it out. With Ryan Pressly (knee) on the injured list, the Astros are going with a closer committee that includes Montero. With Ryne Stanek and Hector Neris also receiving late-game opportunities, it's unclear who will receive the bulk of the save opportunities. Despite giving up a homer Thursday, Montero has a strong case with a 0.96 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 9.1 innings.

Iglesias earned the save against the Guardians on Thursday, pitching a scoreless inning during which he allowed one hit and struck out one batter.

Iglesias allowed a Jose Ramirez single to start the ninth inning but proceeded to strike out Owen Miller before inducing a double play to close out the contest. The closer needed just 12 total pitches to wrap up his fifth save of the campaign. Iglesias has allowed only one earned run and has yet to issue a walk across 8.2 frames this season.

Jax earned the save, tossing three scoreless innings and striking out two while allowing two hits, a walk and a hit batsman in a 7-1 win over Detroit.

Jax got the unconventional save by tossing three innings in a lopsided affair. After making 14 starts last year, the righty has pitched exclusively in relief for the Twins early in 2022. Thursday's three-inning save was his longest appearance of the season and first save at any level in professional baseball. He's allowed two runs and has 11:3 K:BB in nine innings of work on the campaign.

Yarbrough (groin) allowed two runs (zero earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out four across 2.2 innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

Yarbrough threw 59 pitches and looked sharper in his second rehab appearance with Durham. After walking four of the six batters he faced in his first outing, Yarbrough still struggled with his control but was able to work much deeper into the game. It's unclear if this performance will be enough for Yarbrough to be activated from the injured list, or if he'll require an additional rehab appearance.

Howard will serve as the primary pitcher behind opener Garrett Richards during Friday's game against Atlanta, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Howard worked behind an opener while returning from a finger injury Sunday against the Athletics, and he allowed two runs on two hits and no walks while striking out four across two innings to take the loss. He'll presumably attempt to increase his pitch count after tossing 39 pitches during his last outing.

Marinaccio was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

Marinaccio tossed 2.1 scoreless innings during his first two appearances of the season, but he allowed five runs in 1.2 innings over his last two outings. The right-hander posted a 2.03 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 66.1 minor-league relief innings last year and will attempt to turn things around at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Giles (finger) has been cleared to resume throwing Thursday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Giles sustained a tendon injury in his right middle finger in early April and has been on the injured list all season. Although it's encouraging that he's throwing again, the right-hander will need time to rebuild his arm strength following the lengthy shutdown. A better idea of his return timetable should come into focus once he's able to ramp up his throwing program.

Snead recorded his fourth hold in a win over the Giants on Wednesday, firing a scoreless one-third of an inning.

The southpaw was brought on to face Brandon Belt in a same-handed matchup with Austin Slater on second base and two out. Snead induced an inning-ending flyout from Belt in a five-pitch at-bat, making it a short but effective night for the 27-year-old. After allowing two earned runs to the Phillies in his first appearance of the season, Snead has now generated six consecutive scoreless efforts.

Sborz (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Sborz has been on the 10-day IL with right elbow soreness since April 16, but he'll now start the final portion of his rehab process. Since the right-hander pitches out of the bullpen, he's unlikely to require a lengthy stint in the minors prior to rejoining the Rangers.

Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Ramirez made the Mariners' Opening Day roster this year and posted a 7.56 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 8.1 innings over seven relief appearances. The right-hander will attempt to sort things out in the minors, while Wyatt Mills and Penn Murfee were called up to provide additional bullpen depth.