MLB Player News

Alexander came away with a no-decision Friday in a 5-3 loss to the Yankees, scattering two hits and a walk over 5.1 scoreless innings while striking out four.

The left-hander didn't allow a Yankee to get past second base and left the game with a 1-0 lead, but the Rays' struggling bullpen made a mess once again. Alexander tossed 52 of 79 pitches for strikes, and after two straight strong performances, he appears to be locking down a regular turn in the Tampa Bay rotation either as a traditional starter or a bulk reliever -- he's made two appearances this season in each role so far. Alexander will take a 4.79 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB through 20.2 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home next week against the Tigers.

The Rays optioned Lopez to Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Lopez threw a scoreless inning during his first MLB appearance of the season Friday, but he'll now return to the minors just two days after being recalled from Triple-A. Erasmo Ramirez was selected from Durham to take Lopez's spot in the Rays' bullpen.

Hader gave up a run on two hits and a walk in the ninth inning Friday, recording his second save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Nationals. He struck out two.

It was another bumpy outing for the left-hander, but after CJ Abrams came around to score following a leadoff triple, Hader was able to strike out Joey Meneses and Nick Senzel with runners on first and second to end the threat. Hader's been tagged for runs in five of his 11 appearances to begin the season, and his control and command both seem to be lacking so far. He carries an 8.38 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB through 9.2 innings, but the strikeouts at least are a sign that he should turn things around.

Chafin (2-0) tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Friday against the Twins.

Chafin continued his strong play to start the season, lowering his ERA to 2.08, and he now has two early wins as well. The lefty struggled to a 4.73 ERA last year with Arizona and Milwaukee, but he was strong for the Tigers back in 2022, posting a 2.83 ERA and 67 strikeouts across 57.1 innings. It looks like he may be back to that form in his second stint in Detroit.

White walked one and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings in Friday's 8-3 loss to Atlanta.

White was called up Friday to a staff in need of arms and was needed immediately. The minor-league starter will throw out of the bullpen for now.

Pressly allowed one hit and struck out one across a scoreless inning to earn a hold Friday against the Nationals.

Pressly had significant struggles to begin the season, allowing six earned runs across his first 2.2 innings. While his ratios are still bloated, he's since allowed only one earned run across his last five frames while maintaining a 7:3 K:BB in that span. Josh Hader converted the save in Friday's win, though he has allowed at least one earned in five of his 11 appearances to this point.

Foley issued a walk and struck out one batter in a scoreless inning Friday. He earned a save in the win over Minnesota.

Foley worked around a two-out walk to finish off the 5-4 win. He's now converted all six of his save chances and is riding a 10-inning scoreless streak to open the 2024 campaign. The 28-year-old has produced a 10:6 K:BB during that span. However, four of those walks have come over his last 2.2 frames.

Duran (oblique) threw a 21-pitch live batting practice session Friday and felt no discomfort, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Duran was supposed to throw 20 pitches Friday, but manager Rocco Baldelli noted that the right-hander "wanted an extra [pitch], so that tells you he's feeling good." It's another positive step for Duran, and he appears close to starting a rehab assignment. He began the season on the 15-day IL due to a right oblique strain he sustained in spring training.

The Twins reinstated Staumont (calf) from the 15-day injured list Friday and optioned him to Triple-A St. Paul, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

A left calf strain has kept Staumont on the sideline since Opening Day. He made three rehab appearances at St. Paul and will remain with the Saints after allowing three runs across 3.2 innings, though he could return to the majors if the Twins find themselves in need of a fresh bullpen arm later in the season.

White was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

The 24-year-old will take the roster spot of Jack Leiter, who was sent down after making his MLB debut Thursday. White hasn't pitched well in three starts for Round Rock this season with a 7.30 ERA across 12.1 innings, but he should fill a bullpen while up with the Rangers.