MLB Player News

Manager Chris Woodward remains confident in Leclerc after the young closer had two rough outings in Arizona, Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Leclerc retired just two of nine batters faced over his last two appearances thanks to inconsistent fastball control. Woodward expressed confidence that Leclerc will regain command of the fastball, but the manager didn't exactly state he'll be used the next time a save opportunity arises. "Once he gets back in line with his fastball, he'll be fine,'' Woodward said. "He's the kind of kid who wants to get back out there." It sounds like Woodward will use Leclerc in the next save situation, but his comments are vague enough to make it an issue worth monitoring.

Barnes earned his second hold of the season Friday night, coming on to get the final out of the seventh inning.

Barnes had the rare one-out, two-strikeout appearance, as the first batter he struck out reached on a wild pitch. More importantly, he came into the game in the seventh and Ryan Brasier got the save, thanks to Tyler Thornburg giving up two runs in the ninth. Barnes still could get save chances in more conventional situations, but it's clear that when the Red Sox want to use the "ace reliever" concept in earlier innings, they'll turn to Barnes.

Treinen gave up a hit and struck out three in 1.1 scoreless innings to record his fifth save of the season in Friday's 8-6 win over the Rangers.

The right-hander continues to deal. Treinen now has a 0.87 ERA and 13:6 K:BB through 10.1 innings, and as long as he gets the walks back under control, the 30-year-old should remain one of the top closers in baseball.

Brasier recorded the final two outs Friday night against the Orioles to get his third save of the season.

Brasier had to warm up in a hurry to get the last two outs after Tyler Thornburg turned a 6-2 lead into a 6-4 lead by allowing a two-run homer. But this wasn't all a fluke that Brasier was around to get the save -- the Red Sox used Matt Barnes to finish the seventh inning.

Thornton (0-1) took the loss after surrendering five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three over three innings Friday against the Rays.

Thornton gave up a solo homer in the first inning, following by four more runs in the third on a pair of long balls and a triple. The 25-year-old turned in his shortest start of the young campaign, as he was pulled after three frames with 70 pitches. Thornton will head into his next start with a 4.61 ERA and 18 punchouts across 13.2 innings.

Yarbrough (2-1) picked up the win after tossing two scoreless innings and striking out one Friday against the Blue Jays.

Yarbrough was efficient on the mound, needing just 16 total pitches (12 strikes) to get through six batters. The 27-year-old left-hander was coming off a disastrous outing Saturday against the Giants (four runs allowed in three innings) but managed to get back on track in an 11-7 victory.

Stanek opened Friday's game against the Blue Jays and struck out three over two perfect innings.

Stanek looked strong in yet another appearance as an opener and needed only 22 pitches to retire the first six batters. The 27-year-old is off to a strong start in 2019 and owns a 1.13 ERA with 10 punchouts in eight innings of work. Given his success in the early going, expect the Rays to continue to use Stanek as an opener on occasion.

Betances will receive a cortisone shot Saturday to help with inflammation in his right shoulder. He'll be shut down from throwing for three weeks and won't have a chance to return until the end of May, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

He's also apparently dealing with a bone spur in his shoulder, which may be the root cause of the inflammation. Betances suffered a setback during Thursday's simulated game, and an MRI confirmed that he'll remain on the injured list for nearly two more months. This is devastating news for the Yankees, who continue to be plagued by injuries early in the 2019 campaign.

Honeywell (elbow) will pitch one inning or 25 pitches in an extended spring game Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Honeywell will take the hill in a live game for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in February of 2018. He's expected to remain on the injured list for at least another month before the Rays even consider calling him up to the major leagues.

De Leon (elbow) will throw one inning or 25 pitches in an extended spring game Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This is a big step for De Leon, as this will be the first time he's appeared in a live game since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March of 2018. The Rays hope to have him back some time in June.