MLB Player News

Munoz earned the save Wednesday against the Reds after tossing a scoreless ninth inning.

Munoz was called in for the ninth frame to protect a two-run lead, and he needed 19 pitches (of which 13 were strikes) to close things out. It was Munoz's seventh save of the season, which leads the American League and is second-most in the majors behind Robert Suarez (eight). Munoz has converted on all of his save opportunities this season and has not yielded a run with a 12:4 K:BB across nine innings.

Newcomb didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Rays after allowing four hits and two walks in 4.2 scoreless innings. He struck out four.

Despite falling one out shy of nabbing the potential win, Newcomb scattered four singles and didn't allow a single runner to reach third base during his time on the bump. Through 17.1 innings (four starts) this season, the journeyman southpaw holds a solid 3.63 ERA and 19:9 K:BB but a concerning 1.90 WHIP. Newcomb will be looking to work into the fifth inning for the first time this year in his next time out, currently slated for next week at home against the Mariners.

Hoffman gave up one run on one hit while striking out one in the ninth inning Wednesday to record his fourth save of the season in a 3-1 win over Atlanta.

The Toronto closer served up a solo shot to Drake Baldwin to ruin a combined shutout bid, but otherwise Hoffman was in control once again. The right-hander is 4-for-4 in save chances to begin his first season as the unquestioned top option in a big-league bullpen, posting a 1.74 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 14:1 K:BB through 10.1 innings.

Cousins (elbow) has begun throwing off a mound, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cousins has been nursing a right elbow flexor strain since February, but he recently received the green light to begin throwing bullpen sessions again. Assuming he doesn't experience any setbacks, the plan is for him to graduate to throwing live batting practice in a few weeks before beginning a rehab assignment in the minors. The 30-year-old righty will be eligible for activation from the 60-day IL in late May

The Rangers recalled Latz from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Latz has posted a 3.12 ERA and 14:8 K:BB over 8.2 frames at Round Rock this season. He will give manager Bruce Bochy another left-handed option in the bullpen.

The Rangers optioned Church to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Church drew some buzz during spring training and manager Bruce Bochy even floated his name as a potential closer candidate. However, Church struggled to throw strikes in the early going with a 5:6 K:BB over 4.2 frames, resulting in a move to the minors. Jacob Latz was called up from Triple-A to replace Church in the bullpen.

Loaisiga (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Max Goodman of NJ.com reports.

It appears to be the first time he's faced hitters since last April's internal brace procedure. The Yankees hope Loaisiga can rejoin their bullpen by late May or early June, but he still has some work to do in his rehab program before a timeline for his return becomes clearer.

The White Sox selected Wilson's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday.

Wilson was removed from the 40-man roster back in February, but he's found his way back to the majors after permitting just one run with a 10:1 K:BB over 5.1 frames at Charlotte this season. He will likely operate in middle relief initially, but Wilson could work his way up the hierarchy of a talent-deficient bullpen if he gets off to a nice start.

The Mariners recalled Klein from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

He's taking the roster spot vacated by Gregory Santos, who was sent down to Tacoma. Klein has struggled this season with Tacoma, yielding nine runs with a 13:7 K:BB over 6.1 relief innings.

The Mariners optioned Santos to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The Mariners had high hopes that a finally healthy Santos could be a weapon in their bullpen this season, but he has struggled mightily, posting a 5.14 ERA and ugly 0:8 K:BB over seven innings. Will Klein is absorbing his spot in the Seattle bullpen.