MLB Player News

Cleavinger picked up the save Friday against the Padres after tossing a clean ninth inning, striking out two.

With closer Pete Fairbanks having worked each of the past two days, Cleavinger was called upon to slam the door and protect a 1-0 lead. The left-hander earned his first save of the year after throwing seven of his 10 pitches for strikes, and he now sports a 2.53 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 16:2 K:BB over 10.2 innings. Cleavinger is one of Tampa Bay's top left-handed relievers, but his save opportunities are likely to remain scarce while Fairbanks is healthy.

Hoffman earned the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Yankees, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not issue a walk.

Hoffman got the call to come in for the ninth inning to preserve a 4-2 Toronto lead. He yielded a two-out double to Ben Rice, but Hoffman finished things off on a Paul Goldschmidt pop out. Hoffman is up to six saves on the season (tied for fifth in the American League) and has a 1.35 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 19:1 K:BB across 13.1 innings.

Williams (0-2) took the loss after blowing the save Friday against the Blue Jays, giving up three runs on two hits in the ninth inning. He did not record an out.

Williams was brought in for the ninth inning to protect a 2-1 lead. After giving up a single and hitting Andres Gimenez with a pitch, Williams surrendered that lead when Alejandro Kirk doubled to center field. Williams was tagged for a third run after being lifted. Friday marked Williams' first blown save opportunity but the second game in a row in which he gave up three earned runs. He has an 11.25 ERA and 2.38 WHIP over eight innings, and more outings like Friday's could lead to a change in who takes on closing duties out of the Yankees' bullpen.

Ort (oblique) will make a rehab appearance with Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Ort was placed on the 15-day injured list at the beginning of the season due to a left oblique strain. He started his rehab assignment April 7, and across six minor-league outings he's allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out four across 5.1 innings. Ort is nearing a return to the majors, and barring any setbacks, he could be activated off the IL during the Astros' weekend series against the Royals.

Dubin (shoulder) will be available to pitch for Double-A Corpus Christi on Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Dubin started the season on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation that he experienced for most of spring training. He returned to mound work Wednesday with a bullpen session after pausing his throwing program briefly due to an ankle issue, and he's now ready to embark on a rehab assignment. Dubin appeared in 31 regular-season games (two starts) for the Astros in 2024 and posted a 4.17 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 49:26 K:BB across 45.1 innings.

Burr (shoulder) is scheduled for a bullpen session Saturday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Burr opened the season on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. He was able to resume throwing off a mound April 12, and as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks, he'll likely be cleared to start facing live hitters before long. Burr appeared in 34 games (four starts) for the Blue Jays in 2024 and posted a 4.13 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 47:12 K:BB across 32.2 innings.

Swanson (forearm) pitched in an extended spring game Friday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Swanson tossed 16 pitches and recorded four outs in Friday's session, and the next steps in his throwing program will be determined Saturday. The 31-year-old right-hander continues to recover from carpal tunnel syndrome in his right forearm, which caused him to land on the 15-day injured list at the beginning of the season.

The Mariners placed Santos on the 15-day injured list Friday with right knee inflammation.

Santos was sent to Triple-A Tacoma on April 16 but is listed on the major-league injured list. He won't be eligible to return until May 10, and right now it's unclear if his knee will keep him out for more than the 15-day minimum.

Cousins (elbow) is targeting a return in early-to-mid June, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Cousins will throw another bullpen session Friday and is about two weeks away from facing hitters. He'll need a rehab assignment at some point after that. The reliever is recovering from a right elbow flexor strain.

The Royals optioned Sisk to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

The left-hander was called up from Omaha on April 13 and made his first two MLB appearances while up with the Royals, striking out five with two hits and two walks across 2.1 scoreless innings. Sisk had a 1.56 ERA in 59 outings for Omaha last season and is likely to receive another look with the Royals at some point this year.