MLB Player News

Barlow was charged with his first blown save of the season Saturday, giving up an unearned run on a hit and a walk in the 10th inning of an 8-7 extra-innings loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out one.

After Elvis Alvarado, Hogan Harris and Michael Kelly made a hash of things in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings to let the game get to extras, the A's grabbed a 7-6 lead in the top of the 10th and handed the ball to Barlow. He wasn't able to get to the job done, and he very nearly took the loss when Addison Barger's deep drive to right field fell a foot or two shy of being a walk-off homer rather than a game-tying sacrifice fly. The A's closer situation remains muddy, but Barlow at least has a 0.00 ERA through his first two appearances and 2.2 innings.

Sands walked one and struck out two over a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Orioles.

The Twins' closer competition was one to watch during spring training, and manager Derek Shelton called on Sands in the ninth inning for Minnesota's first save opportunity. The situation will likely remain fluid, but Sands appears to be the preferred choice out of the gates to begin the 2026 season.

Jax (0-1) blew the save and took the loss Saturday as the Rays were downed by the Cardinals 6-5 in 10 innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk in one-third of an inning.

After blowing the save in Tampa Bay's opener Thursday, Jax was called upon again to protect a one-run lead in the bottom of the 10th, but he instead served up a walk-off single to rookie JJ Wetherholt after a walk and a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Jax came into the season expected to lead the Rays' closing committee despite the fact that he didn't record a save in 2025, but those plans could be changing quickly. Left-hander Garrett Cleavinger should be the next man up with Edwin Uceta (shoulder) on the shelf, but Bryan Baker -- who struck out two in a perfect ninth Saturday to get the game to extra innings -- might also be in the mix if manager Kevin Cash wants a righty instead.

Hill struck out two batters in a perfect inning of relief to earn a hold against the Giants on Friday

Hill entered in the seventh inning with a runner on base and New York up 3-0. He kept it that way, fanning two of the three batters he faced and needing just 12 pitches to retire San Francisco in order. Hill's usage was a good indication that he'll be used in high leverage this season. The lefty registered 15 holds during the 2025 regular season, his highest mark since 2021.

Latz is starting for the Rangers against the Phillies on Saturday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Jacob deGrom was initially slated to take the mound Saturday, but the veteran right-hander was scratched due to neck stiffness. Latz was unsuccessful in earning a spot in the Rangers' rotation this spring, but the 29-year-old will open things up in deGrom's absence. Latz started in eight regular-season games for the Rangers in 2025 and posted a 2.72 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 39.2 innings.

The White Sox optioned Gilbert to Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.

The move corresponds with the addition of left-hander Bryan Hudson, whom the White Sox claimed off waivers from the Mets on Friday. Gilbert struggled against the Brewers on Opening Day on Thursday, when he allowed two runs on two hits and one walk across one inning of work. He'll get more reps in Triple-A and could return to the majors later this season when the White Sox require additional depth out of the bullpen.

Kahnle remained in Florida to build up for the regular season in a more controlled environment, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Kahnle was a late addition to Boston's training camp, signing just seven days before the regular-season opener, and failed to secure a roster spot before the Red Sox headed north. He will eventually go to Triple-A Worcester, but he is listed as on the "development list," meaning he's not yet on the WooSox's active roster. Kahnle is locked into his deal through at least May 1, when an upward-mobility clause kicks in that allows him to pursue other opportunities. If he pitches well at Triple-A, Kahnle is expected to be part of Boston's bullpen before then.

Romano struck out two in a perfect ninth inning during Friday's 6-2 win over the Astros.

While it wasn't a save situation, Romano was nearly back in the form he displayed as the Blue Jays' closer a few years ago, topping out at 95.7 mph with his fastball and fanning Joey Loperfido and Yordan Alvarez to secure the win. The right-hander has worked back-to-back days to begin the season, posting a 3:1 K:BB over two scoreless frames with one save, and he appears to be the clear top high-leverage option for manager Kurt Suzuki, at least until Kirby Yates (knee) is healthy. Romano likely won't be available Saturday if the Angels have another late lead to protect, however.

Ragans (0-1) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on six hits -- including three home runs -- and four walks over four innings as the Royals were downed 6-0 by Atlanta. He struck out five.

It was a rough beginning to 2026 for the southpaw, as Ragans got taken deep by Ozzie Albies, Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris before getting the hook after 90 pitches (52 strikes). Ragans' first priority this season is just to stay healthy after he managed only 13 starts last season, and on that front his workload was encouraging, even if his command and control aren't yet in peak form. Ragans will look to bounce back in his next start, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Twins.

Finnegan worked around a walk to toss a scoreless inning of relief and earn a hold in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres. He struck out two.

Finnegan followed starter Framber Valdez, who covered six innings, and reliever Enmanuel De Jesus, who worked the seventh. While Finnegan labored a bit, needing 20 pitches to get out of the eighth, he still managed his first hold of the season in front of new closer Kenley Jansen. Finnegan recorded 24 total regular-season saves pitching for the Nationals and Tigers last year, but it looks like he'll be in a traditional setup role this season now that the veteran Jansen is around.