MLB Player News

Hoffman (1-0) blew the save but came away with the win in Friday's game against the Athletics. He allowed one run on one hit while striking out four across one inning.

Hoffman was deployed in the ninth inning to preserve the Blue Jays' 2-1 lead. He struck out the first batter he faced before yielding a solo home run to Shea Langeliers. Hoffman struck out each of the next three batters faced (one reached base on a wild pitch), and he ended up coming away with the win after Andres Gimenez drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the frame. It wasn't the start to the season that Hoffman was hoping for, especially given that he blew the save opportunity in Game 7 of the World Series against the Dodgers in November. He's still considered the Blue Jays' closer, but guys like Yimi Garcia (elbow) and Louis Varland could get save opportunities if Hoffman can't get the job done this season.

Bednar came away with the save in Friday's 3-0 win against the Giants, issuing one walk in a hitless, scoreless ninth inning.

Bednar was brought in for the ninth inning to protect the Yankees' three-run lead. He yielded a two-out walk to Matt Chapman but was able to close things out after getting Rafael Devers to ground out. After a rocky start to the 2025 season for the Pirates which saw him spend a few weeks in the minors before returning in late April, Bednar enters 2026 as the top closer option for the Yankees. He finished the 2025 regular season with the Bronx Bombers and logged 10 saves (in 13 attempts) with a 2.19 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 24.2 innings.

Lambert signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The Astros released Lambert on Tuesday after informing him he hadn't made the Opening Day roster, but the 28-year-old right-hander will return to the organization after testing the free-agent market. He will begin the year as bullpen depth at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Strickland signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Strickland gave up one earned run over five innings this spring with the Angels, and after exploring his options in free agency, he'll now return to the organization. The 37-year-old righty has turned in a 3.30 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 95.1 innings since he originally joined the Halos in 2024, and he could be welcomed back into the big-league bullpen if he bounces back nicely in Triple-A from the season-ending shoulder injury he suffered last July.

De Los Santos (knee) will make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

De Los Santos opened up the season on the 15-day injured list because of a right knee strain he sustained at the start of spring training. The reliever made one appearance late in camp, and he'll continue his rehab at Triple-A.

Sousa's oblique injury has been diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain, and he isn't expected to miss more than the minimum 15 days, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Sousa was officially placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, and further testing showed he's not dealing with a severe injury. While he may not be ready for activation immediately after the minimum 15 days, he should be back shortly thereafter. Once healthy, Sousa will likely serve as one of the Astros' top relievers.

Hader (biceps) threw a bullpen session Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Hader's scheduled bullpen seemingly went as planned, which means the veteran lefty is still on schedule. Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Hader will begin facing hitters by mid-April, so he's still a ways away from returning.

Seattle recalled Wilcox from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

Wilcox, after initially falling short of the Opening Day roster, will join the big-league club after reliever Carlos Vargas (lat) was placed on the 15-day injured list. Wilcox has appeared in just one MLB game during his career.

The Mariners placed Vargas on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to March 24, due to a right lat strain.

Vargas threw 77 innings of relief for the Mariners in 2025 and figured to play an important role out of the bullpen once again in 2026. However, his season debut will be pushed back at least two weeks as he tends to a strained lat. Cole Wilcox was called up from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move.

The White Sox claimed Hudson off waivers from the Mets on Friday.

Hudson was designated for assignment Wednesday, and he'll return to the White Sox, with whom he spent the tail end of the 2025 campaign. The southpaw has no minor-league options remaining, so he'll claim a spot on the 26-man active roster. Hudson appeared in 16 MLB games last season between Chicago and Milwaukee, posting a 4.80 ERA and 19:13 K:BB across 15 innings.