MLB Player News

Uceta's (shoulder) minor-league rehab assignment is expected to transfer to Triple-A Durham next week, per MLB.com.

The Rays are planning for Uceta to make more than just a couple of rehab appearances in order to simulate spring training. The right-hander, who's working his way back from a right shoulder impingement that cropped up in February, had his first outing with Double-A Montgomery on Tuesday and is set for two more appearances there before moving up to the Triple-A level. The hope initially was that Uceta would have a chance to join Tampa Bay in mid-April and battle for save opportunities, but now it sounds like his season debut is likelier to come later in the month.

Garcia walked two and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his first career save in a 5-3 win over the White Sox.

With Ryan Helsley having pitched Monday and Tuesday, the Orioles closer was given a breather while other members of the bullpen stepped up. After Grant Wolfram handled the seventh and Anthony Nunez the eighth, Garcia got the call in the ninth and managed to get the job done despite throwing only 10 of his 22 pitches for strikes. Garcia is establishing himself as a high-leverage option for manager Craig Albernaz, producing a win, two holds and a save in his first six appearances with a 0.53 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB in 5.2 scoreless and hitless innings.

Hoffman earned the save in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Dodgers, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

The Dodgers got the tying and go-ahead runs on base against Hoffman with one out in the ninth. However, the right-hander bounced back to strike out Freddie Freeman before coaxing a game-ending flyout off the bat of Max Muncy to log his second save in three chances this year. Hoffman has appeared in seven games overall this season, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out 15 over 6.2 innings.

Festa walked one and struck out one in 1.1 scoreless innings of relief Wednesday to record his first save of the season in a 10-2 win over the Royals.

The right-hander got the final out of the eighth inning with the Guardians ahead 5-2, then watched his offense erupt for five more runs in the bottom of the frame, eliminating the need for closer Cade Smith to work the ninth. Festa has had a bumpy beginning to the season, getting tagged for runs in two of his five appearances, but Wednesday's usage was encouraging, even before he backed into the save. Through six innings, he sports a 6.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 5:1 K:BB.

Ragans said after being removed from Wednesday's start against the Guardians with a left thumb contusion that he "should be good" to make his next start, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans' thumb was struck by a comebacker in the first inning. He initially remained in the game but was unable to continue after the thumb stiffened up on him and affected his command. Ragans will need to show during his between-starts bullpen session that his thumb is no longer an issue, but for now he's tentatively on track to take the ball next week in Detroit.

The Royals announced that Ragans was removed from his start in Wednesday's game against the Guardians in the first inning due to a left thumb contusion. He recorded two outs via strikeout and was charged with three earned runs on two hits and one walk.

Ragans sustained the injury when he was struck on the hand by a Jose Ramirez comebacker. The southpaw initially stayed in the game, but after struggling with his control against the next two hitters he faced, the Royals opted to pull the plug on his start. Though preliminary X-rays have ruled out any structural damage to Ragans' pitching hand, he'll still need to show that the thumb contusion presents no issues with his ability to grip and command the baseball before the Royals clear him to make his next turn through the rotation. Ragans tentatively lines up to make his fourth start of the season during next week's series in Detroit.

The Angels announced that Stephenson underwent ligament and flexor repair surgery on his right elbow Wednesday and is likely to miss the remainder of the season, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Stephenson was placed on the 60-day injured list prior to Opening Day due to right elbow inflammation, an issue that cropped up during spring training. He had initially been eased into workouts during camp after he had experienced symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome over the winter. While Stephenson was able to avoid another UCL reconstruction surgery after previously requiring the procedure in May 2024, the 33-year-old right-hander is nonetheless on track to miss his second full season since signing a three-year, $33 million deal with the Angels following the 2023 campaign. The contract includes a $2.5 million club option for 2027, so the Angels could still look to bring him back next season if they're satisfied with where he stands in the rehab process.

Ragans was removed from his start Wednesday against the Guardians in the first inning due to an apparent left hand injury, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports. He recorded two outs and was charged with three earned runs on two hits and a walk prior to departing.

After striking out the first two batters he faced, Ragans was struck in his pitching hand by a 96-mile-per-hour comebacker off the bat of Jose Ramirez, who reached on an infield single. Ragans was evaluated by the Royals' training staff and cleared to remain in the game, but after issuing a four-pitch walk and then yielding a two-run double to Chase DeLauter, he was pulled from the contest. The Royals will likely send him in for X-rays to determine whether or not he suffered a fracture, but even if tests come back negative, Ragans could still be at risk of missing his next turn through the rotation.

Yates (knee) threw 26 pitches to hitters Tuesday and could next begin a minor-league rehab stint, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Yates said his body "felt good" during the session but acknowledged that his legs aren't quite up to speed yet. "The hard part is, I didn't get a chance to do anything with my legs for 12-to-13 days. So we're trying to play catch-up with that. The legs aren't as fresh as I'd probably like them to be. But, overall, I think it was good," Yates said after throwing. Manager Kurt Suzuki echoed that sentiment, saying, "I thought he looked fine. Obviously, first time in a while throwing to hitters, so it's going to take time. Build his stamina, his legs back up, get his legs under him again... But hopefully we'll see him sooner than later." Yates said he's hoping his next step will be a rehab assignment with a minor-league squad but stated that he's going to talk that over with coaches and trainers Wednesday.

Cruz (1-0) earned the win over the Athletics on Tuesday, walking two batters and striking out one over 1.1 hitless and scoreless innings.

Cruz threw only 10 of 20 pitches for strikes and walked two batters in the eighth inning, but he fanned Max Muncy to get out of that frame unscathed. The righty reliever moved in line for the victory when New York struck for four runs in the bottom of the eighth. Cruz has been working in a setup role in front of closer David Bednar and has recorded three holds through six appearances. He's pitched 4.2 frames, allowing one run while posting a 7:4 K:BB.