MLB Player News

Swanson struck out two in a clean ninth inning in a loss to the Athletics on Sunday.

Just recalled from the Mariners' alternate training site earlier in the day, Swanson was put right to work by manager Scott Servais, and the right-hander needed just nine pitches to get through the trio of Austin Allen, Tony Kemp and Marcus Semien. Swanson was deployed as both a starter and reliever during his rookie 2019 campaign, finishing with a 5.74 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 27 appearances (eight starts). The 26-year-old will aim to do a better job of keeping the ball in the park -- something he never had trouble with during his minor-league career -- after surrendering a bloated 2.6 HR/9 across his 58 innings last season.

Barlow (1-1) allowed two runs on two hits and no walks while striking out one over one inning as he was charged with the loss Sunday against the White Sox.

Barlow hadn't allowed a run over 4.2 innings during his first five relief appearances this season, but he was charged with his first loss of 2020 after allowing two runs Sunday. The right-hander may receive the occasional win this season, but he's unlikely to pitch in many high-leverage situations.

Junis allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two over 4.1 innings in Sunday's loss to the White Sox. He didn't factor into the decision.

Junis was relatively effective in his season debut after recovering from COVID-19, tossing 64 pitches while giving up just two runs. As the right-hander continues to pitch this season, his pitch count should keep building up. Junis posted a 5.24 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 175.1 innings across 31 starts with the Royals last season. His next start should come at home Friday against the Twins.

Hernandez (2-0) allowed one walk and struck out four over two scoreless innings to earn the win Sunday against the Giants.

Hernandez was the pitcher of record when the Rangers pushed four runs across the plate in the eighth inning. The right-hander has fanned eight batters in five innings. He'll be part of the late-inning crew with closer Jose Leclerc (shoulder) on the 45-day injured list. That closer-by-committee will grow by one this week when the Rangers activate lefty Joely Rodriguez (lat).

Sulser fired two scoreless innings Sunday as he earned the save against the Rays. He allowed no hits and no walks while failing to record a strikeout.

The Orioles' closer situation was slightly murky to begin the season, but Sulser picked up his third save in four attempts Sunday, signaling that he has the trust of manager Brandon Hyde for the time being. The right-hander has struck out just four batters over six innings this year, but his current status as Baltimore's closer makes him a fantasy asset.

Barnes (0-1) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one in one inning, taking the loss Sunday versus the Yankees.

Barnes had a one-run lead to protect when he entered in the eighth inning, but a DJ LeMahieu RBI single and a two-run homer from Aaron Judge left the veteran reliever with a loss. Barnes has produced mixed results in four appearances this year -- two have been scoreless, and he's yielded four combined runs in the other two. The 30-year-old still serves in a setup role in the Red Sox bullpen despite the unsteady play.

Rodriguez (lat) tossed a live batting practice session Sunday and could be activated for Tuesday's series opener against Oakland, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez is traveling with the Rangers on the current road trip and could join the team immediately. The left-hander could be added to the committee of relievers that will pick up save chances with closer Jose Leclerc (shoulder) on the 45-day injured list. Before dropping him into high-leverage spots, the Rangers would probably want to give him a few soft appearances.

Phillips (1-0) tossed one scoreless inning Sunday as he earned the win against the Rays. He allowed no hits and no walks while striking out one.

Phillips had allowed runs in each of his first two appearances this season, but he held the Rays scoreless Sunday and was rewarded with the first win of his career. However, the 25-year-old doesn't carry much fantasy upside as a middle reliever who usually struggles to limit run production.

Norris (0-1) yielded two runs on four hits and two walks in 1.2 innings Sunday, taking the loss in the second game of the doubleheader against the Reds.

Norris showed obvious signs of rust in his first appearance of the 2020 season. He needed 54 pitches to record just five outs and allowed six baserunners in the process. He'll look for better results in a road start against the Pirates on Friday.

Beeks (0-1) allowed one run on two hits and no walks while striking out one over 1.1 innings as he was charged with the loss Sunday against the Orioles.

After allowing four runs in long relief Monday, Beeks has now had solid outings in his past two appearances. However, he picked up the loss Sunday as he allowed the go-ahead run to begin the seventh inning. The southpaw now carries a 4.50 ERA and 15:2 K:BB over eight innings to begin the season.