MLB Player News

Barlow earned a save against the Twins on Wednesday, pitching a scoreless inning during which he allowed one hit and did not walk or strike out any batters.

Barlow was tasked with protecting a two-run ninth-inning lead and preserving the Royals' combined shutout. He allowed a one-out single but got Gary Sanchez to ground into a double play to pick up his first save. Josh Staumont looked like Kansas City's primary closer coming into the contest, as he had notched a pair of saves in the previous four days, but he instead pitched the eighth inning Wednesday. Both Barlow and Staumont appear likely to get save opportunities moving forward.

Pressly (knee) was throwing in the bullpen prior to Houston's game Wednesday against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pressly was placed on the injured list April 16, though the move was retroactive to April 14. He has since had fluid drained from his right knee, but he is apparently feeling well enough to resume throwing. Though no firm timetable has been set, Houston has kept open the possibility that Pressly could be activated after being sidelined the minimum 10 days.

Yarbrough (groin) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham over the weekend, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Yarbrough threw a successful bullpen session Tuesday, but he will need some additional work prior to being activated. His outing with Triple-A Durham has not been set for an exact date, though Yarbrough would have the chance to enter the big-league rotation as early as April 27 if the team keeps him on regular rest.

Lambert was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte following Wednesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old started Game 2 of the twin bill and took the loss after giving up two runs on five hits with five strikeouts and two walks over 3.2 innings. Lambert made two spot starts for Chicago during the past week, but he'll now return to the minors with Lucas Giolito (abdomen) poised to rejoin the rotation this weekend.

Lopez did not allow a baserunner while striking out three across 1.2 innings to earn the save Wednesday against the Athletics.

Lopez entered the game with runners on first and third in the eighth inning, but he struck out the first batter he faced before inducing a groundout to end the frame. He added another pair of strikeouts in the ninth inning to earn his second save of the season. Lopez has operated as Baltimore's closer early on in the campaign, and he has allowed two earned runs across seven innings while posting a 9:4 K:BB.

Lambert (0-2) allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five across 3.2 innings to take the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Lambert made his second start while filling the rotation spot vacated by Lucas Giolito (abdomen). He kept the ball in the yard but still surrendered three extra-base hits, two of which accounted for the runs on his ledger. Giolito is expected to return to the mound Sunday, meaning Lambert will lose his spot in the rotation, and potentially, the big-league roster.

Clase did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to record the save in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

Clase was on the mound for the fourth time this season, but he finally got the chance to earn his first save. Though he didn't record a strikeout, the outcome was never in doubt as he needed only eight pitches to retire the White Sox in order. Clase clearly holds the closer role in Cleveland, and he should see plenty of opportunities as the season progresses.

Sewald (undisclosed) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Sewald delivered a scoreless inning Tuesday against the Rangers but will now be unavailable until further notice. It's unclear if the 31-year-old tested positive for the virus, but he'll be away from the team until he clears the COVID-19 protocols. Drew Steckenrider and Diego Castillo should continue to split save chances for the Mariners in the meantime.

Anderson (elbow) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The side session marked Anderson's first time throwing off a mound since he underwent right elbow surgery in late October. Anderson is without a definitive timeline for his rehab and recovery from the procedure, but he was placed on the 60-day injured list coming out of spring training and likely won't be ready to rejoin the Rays until after the All-Star break.

Murfee's contract was selected by the Mariners on Wednesday.

Murfee has struck out 10 in eight scoreless innings during five relief appearances at Triple-A Tacoma this year, and he'll join the major-league bullpen after Paul Sewald (undisclosed) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday. The 27-year-old Murfee hasn't yet made his big-league debut but will likely be used mainly in low-leverage situations during his time with the Mariners.