MLB Player News

Poche picked up a save against the Rockies on Saturday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Poche came on in the ninth inning with the Rays up by two runs and retired the side in order on 10 pitches. This was a nice bounce-back performance for the southpaw after he allowed three runs in one inning in the first game of the series in Coors Field on Friday. Interestingly, regular closer Pete Fairbanks didn't get the save opportunity Saturday despite throwing fewer pitches than Poche on Friday following two days of rest. However, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Fairbanks was unavailable Saturday, so it shouldn't be assumed that Poche is going to get consistent save chances moving forward.

Alexander completed 4.1 innings against Colorado on Saturday, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four batters in a no-decision.

Alexander worked in bulk relief in his first game of the campaign last Sunday versus Toronto, but he was tabbed to start in Coors Field on Saturday. The left-hander pitched poorly enough to take the loss, allowing 10 baserunners while getting just 13 outs, but he was rescued from that fate when Tampa Bay's offense mounted a comeback in the late innings. It remains to be seen how he'll be used moving forward, but Alexander isn't an appealing fantasy target given that he has allowed nine runs and has served up four homers over 9.1 frames on the campaign while posting an 8:4 K:BB.

Munoz struck out one and retired the side in order during the ninth inning of Saturday's win over the Brewers to earn his second save of the season.

Munoz struggled during the series opener Friday as he walked four batters and took the loss, but he returned to the mound Saturday and was back in strong form. The right-hander has now thrown 39 pitches across the first two games of the series, so it's possible manager Scott Servais looks elsewhere should a save chance arise Sunday.

Sborz was pulled from Saturday's outing against the Astros due to right shoulder soreness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that Sborz "probably could have kept going," but the reliever will have imaging done on the shoulder just to be safe. Sborz was credited with a hold Saturday and has made three scoreless appearances this season. It would be a big blow to the Rangers' bullpen if he needs to miss time.

Stratton registered the save Saturday versus the White Sox, striking out one in a perfect inning.

One night after James McArthur rescued Will Smith to net a save, Royals manager Matt Quatraro turned to Stratton in the ninth up three with the top of the lineup due for the White Sox. He disposed of the side on just 12 pitches to record his first save of the season and 13th of his career. Nick Anderson got the hold in this one with a scoreless eighth inning, although he had to pitch around a double and a walk. The Kansas City bullpen situation could continue to be a headache for fantasy managers to figure out. Stratton has thrown his hat in the ring, but he's one of maybe five options Quatraro could potentially look to when the next save opportunity arises.

Clase gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his fourth save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Twins.

The 26-year-old right-hander led the majors in saves each of the last two seasons, and he's already jumped out in front in 2024 by converting all four of his chances. Clase also has an encouraging 4:0 K:BB in four innings to go along with his 0.00 ERA, after his strikeout rate dipped to a career-low 7.9 K/9 in 2023. He remains arguably the most stable closer in the game, offering solid ratios and a team environment that sees him get the lion's share of the save opportunities for a team that isn't built to blow out the opposition.

Sborz was removed from Saturday's appearance versus the Astros with an undisclosed injury, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Sborz retired the first two batters of the eighth inning and got two strikes on Jose Abreu before being visited by the trainer and eventually walking off the field. It's not clear exactly what might have happened, but the Rangers should offer clarity soon enough.

Barriera exited Saturday's start for Low-A Dunedin with an apparent left arm injury, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Barriera threw a pitch, got the ball back, walked behind the mound and fired the ball into the ground in frustration before walking off the field with the trainer. It's not clear exactly what he's dealing with, but it's worth noting the left-hander dealt with an elbow issue for a big chunk of last season.

The Astros transferred Sousa (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Houston needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Jacob Amaya. Sousa underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery earlier this week and will miss the rest of the season.

Swanson (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A Dunedin on Sunday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Swanson has been sidelined due to forearm tightness since mid-March. He will enter Sunday's game for Dunedin to relieve Alek Manoah (shoulder), who will also be making his first rehab appearance Sunday. It's unclear how many games the Jays want Swanson to pitch in the minor leagues, but he will be eligible to return starting Tuesday.