MLB Player News

Abreu struck out a career-high 11 batters over 5.2 innings Wednesday for Low-A Charleston, and occasionally touched triple digits on the radar gun, MiLB.com's Alex Kraft reports. He gave up two hits while issuing zero walks against Low-A Augusta.

This was the 21-year-old's best start as a pro, as the zero walks were just as impressive as his 11 strikeouts, considering the control issues he has had in the past. Abreu now has a 17:1 K:BB in 9.2 innings in the Sally League, and will likely be seeing a promotion to High-A in the coming weeks, as he is simply not being challenged by hitters right now. The Yankees may have once again worked their velocity-adding magic, as Abreu had been a guy who could touch 98 before getting traded to New York, and now it seems he can pump 100 mph gas when he needs to.

Pomeranz said he wasn't feeling any significantly negative after-effects Wednesday following a victory in his Tuesday season debut, Evan Drellich of CSN New England reports.

The southpaw spun six innings of one-run ball against a tough Orioles squad. Pomeranz did admit he was a bit sore after the outing but said it's nothing to be concerned about regarding his previous forearm issues. It'll be more comforting if his fantasy owners are reading such positive things in the middle of the season, but either way, the southpaw is off to a promising start.

Chavez (1-1) gave up five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three over 4.1 innings in Wednesday's 8-3 loss to the Rangers.

Mike Napoli and Elvis Andrus touched Chavez up for solo homers in the second inning, and then the wheels completely came off in the fifth as the righty saw the first four batters of the inning reach base. The 33-year-old now sports a 5.40 ERA through two starts but his 9:3 K:BB in 10 innings is a little more reassuring. Chavez won't have an easier assignment in his next trip to the mound, though, as he takes on the Astros in Houston on Tuesday.

Leclerc gave up one hit and struck out two over 1.2 innings to notch his first career major-league save in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Angels.

The back of the Rangers' bullpen may be in turmoil right now, but Leclerc's save doesn't necessarily suggest he'll be in the closer mix going forward. He came on in the eighth inning to face Mike Trout and Albert Pujols and protect a three-run lead, then saw the Rangers tack on two insurance runs in the top of the ninth to remove the need for a closer in the ninth. That said, the fact that manager Jeff Banister entrusted the 23-year-old with that assignment at all is a sign that he's moving into more of a high-leverage role. Leclerc's numbers through four appearances certainly warrant a promotion, as he has a 0.00 ERA and 7:0 K:BB in 5.1 innings.

Robertson pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Cleveland.

He delivered a stress-free night in his first save chance of the year. After going unused for four straight games to open the year, Robertson has now appeared three times in four nights, as has top setup man Nate Jones, so manager Rick Renteria may need to get creative if a save chance comes up Thursday.

Martinez was called up Wednesday, MLB.com's TR Sullivan reports.

Martinez arrives to bolster the bullpen and potentially start Saturday against the Mariners. In five starts last season, he posted a 7.61 ERA and gave up seven home runs in 23.2 innings, with just eight strikeouts. Drew Robinson was sent down in a corresponding move.

Puk was dominant over four innings in his debut for High-A Stockton in Monday night's win over Modesto, Meghan Camino of MiLB.com reports.

The 2016 first-round pick notched six strikeouts and allowed just two hits and one walk over his four frames, throwing 43 of his 59 pitches for strikes. Five of those whiffs came in succession, and the 22-year-old did not allow a hit after surrendering back-to-back singles in the first. Puk was impressive during his brief time with the A's this spring as well, striking out the side on nine pitches in his Feb. 28 debut versus the Indians before giving up a solo home run over one inning against the Mariners on March 5. The promising prospect was reassigned to minor-league camp later that day, but he could be headed for a relatively quick ascension through the organizational ranks if the admittedly early returns are any indication.

Fulmer allowed three runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven batters over six innings during Wednesday's 5-3 win over Minnesota.

After turning heads as a rookie last year, Fulmer has picked up where he left off with two strong outings to start 2017. He sports a 2.25 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with 11 punchouts through 13 innings, and the sophomore lines up for two starts next week with road dates against the Rays and Twins. Fulmer's fantasy stock could climb another tier sooner than later, and he also has the added benefit of a strong offense providing him run support.

Junis was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old pitched well in his season debut at Omaha, allowing just two runs across 6.1 innings while fanning seven batters, so he'll get the chance to make his inaugural major-league appearance. Junis will add some length to the Royals bullpen, but likely will be limited to relatively low-leverage situations.

Alexander was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

After optioning Matt Strahm back to Omaha, the Royals needed bullpen depth, which is just what Alexander can provide. The 27-year-old hasn't allowed a run in two minor league appearances thus far, so he'll look to carry that success into a middle-relief role in Kansas City.