MLB Player News

Hatch (1-1) picked up his first big-league win in Friday's extra-inning victory over the Rays, allowing one hit and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

He entered the game with the score tied 4-4, then become the pitcher of record when the Jays surged ahead in the 10th. Hatch continues to impress, posting a 2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB through his first 12.2 major-league innings with a win and two holds in seven appearances. The 25-year-old should eventually transition back to the rotation at some point down the road, but for now is part of a dynamic young long-relief crew that includes Anthony Kay and Ryan Borucki.

Yarbrough allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six over 6.1 innings in Friday's loss to the Blue Jays. He didn't factor into the decision.

Yarbrough's last start was cut short due to rain, but he matched his longest start of the season Friday by going 6.1 innings. Unfortunately, the four runs he gave up in the second inning forced him to settle for his third straight no-decision. The southpaw was fairly effective outside of the second inning, but he now carries a 4.45 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 30.1 innings across six starts this year. He'll attempt to pick up his first win at home Wednesday against the Orioles.

Romano allowed one unearned run on two hits and no walks while striking out one over one inning as he picked up the save Friday against the Rays.

Romano has been a dominant bullpen arm for the Blue Jays to begin the season, and the team's extra-inning win Friday allowed him to pick up his first major-league save. Anthony Bass has been effective as the team's closer, but he was brought in for the eighth inning in this one, suggesting Romano could earn more save opportunities while Ken Giles (forearm) remains sidelined. The 27-year-old carries a 0.69 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB over 13 innings this season.

Fulmer allowed five runs on five hits and one walk while striking out four across three innings. He did not factor into the decision.

Most of Fulmer's struggles came in the second frame, when he quickly allowed the first two hitters on base via a hit batsman and a walk. Those two would come around to score along with a third before Fulmer was finally able to escape. His struggles carried over into the next inning, when he served up a two-run homer to Franmil Reyes to extend the Indians' lead to 5-0. Fulmer has yet to last more than three innings in any of his four outings and his spot in the rotation may not last much longer once the Tigers are able to return some guys from the injured list within the next few weeks.

Alcala gave up one hit and one walk over three scoreless innings in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Royals. He struck out a career-high six.

Brought on with nobody out and runners on first and second after Jake Odorizzi (abdomen) was struck by an Alex Gordon line drive and had to leave the game, Alcala did allow an inherited runner to score on a bases-loaded walk before striking out Nicky Lopez and Hunter Dozier to snuff out the threat, and the rookie right-hander dominated after that, topping out at 99.4 mph with his fastball as he threw an efficient 41 pitches (26 strikes). Alcala has been a vital part of the Twins' bullpen since being added to the roster at the beginning of the month, posting a 1.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 15:4 K:BB in 12 innings over six appearances.

Hendriks locked down the save against the Angels on Friday after allowing one hit and striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

With a two-run lead in the ninth, Hendriks worked around a leadoff single to Anthony Rendon to finish off the win for the A's. The 31-year-old now leads the majors with nine saves on the season to go with a sparkling 1.26 ERA and 0.77 WHIP across 14 appearances.

Littell was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation after Friday's loss to the Royals, Audra Martin of Fox Sports reports.

Littell felt something in his arm after throwing a pitch in the sixth inning and was forced out of the game afterward. It's unclear how much time the right-hander will miss as a result of the elbow issue, but manager Rocco Baldelli said after the game that he doesn't believe the injury is very serious, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Barnes fired one scoreless inning as he earned the save Friday against the Orioles. He allowed one hit and no walks while striking out zero.

Barnes was used in the ninth inning after Brandon Workman was traded to the Phillies earlier Friday. While Barnes should be the favorite for the Red Sox's save opportunities, manager Ron Roenicke said after the game that he wouldn't be used as a traditional closer, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. It appears as though the Red Sox will use him in high-leverage situations late in games, even if those situations aren't in the ninth inning. Although Roenicke wouldn't commit to using Barnes as a traditional closer, he said that he'd likely get the majority of the team's save opportunities.

Littell left Friday's game against the Royals in the sixth inning with an apparent arm injury.

Littell left after feeling something in his arm after throwing a pitch. He gave up two runs and a home run in one-third of an inning. After giving up just four home runs in 37 innings last season, he's giving up five home runs in 6.1 innings this season.

Barnes could serve as the Red Sox's primary closer after Brandon Workman was traded to the Phillies on Friday.

Barnes was considered the favorite to close out games heading into the 2019 season, but he only converted on four of his 12 save chances. He still put together a fairly solid stat line with a 3.78 ERA and 110:38 K:BB over 64.1 innings as he made 70 relief appearances last season. He's been slightly less effective with a 5.59 ERA in 9.2 innings across his first nine appearances this season, but he could be thrust into the closer's role with Workman out of the picture for Boston. Barnes' value is slightly limited by his lackluster results combined with the Red Sox's struggles to string together wins this season, but the right-hander now has much more fantasy relevance as Boston's likely closer.