MLB Player News

Jax threw a scoreless eighth inning in Wednesday's win at Milwaukee while Steven Okert pitched a scoreless ninth inning. Okert would have be in line for a save had the Twins not scored in the top of the ninth inning. "At that point in the game, Okert with the experience was probably the answer," manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Jax, who has Minnesota's only save with Jhoan Duran on the injured list, was used in the eighth inning against the heart of the Brewers' lineup. Jax is still likely to be the first option and get the most save chances with Duran out, but Wednesday's game shows that Baldelli may play matchups with his bullpen regardless of the save statistic.

Okert threw a scoreless ninth inning in Wednesday's win at Milwaukee with a walk and three strikeouts. He would have be in line for a save had the Twins not scored in the top of the ninth inning. "At that point in the game, Okert with the experience was probably the answer," manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Griffin Jax, who has Minnesota's only save with Jhoan Duran (oblique) on the injured list, was used in the eighth inning against the heart of the Brewers' lineup. While Okert isn't likely to get many save chances, he appears to be in the high-leverage mix and could see some ninth-inning opportunities when Baldelli is playing matchups.

Smith (0-2) was charged with his first blown save of the season Wednesday and took the loss against Baltimore, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. he struck out one.

Entering the game in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Royals ahead 3-2, the veteran lefty loaded the bases on two walks and a single before James McCann walked it off with a line drive to left field. Smith has had a rough start to the season, coughing up six runs in his first 2.2 innings with a 2:4 K:BB, but James McArthur is also struggling and has allowed at least one run in all three of his appearances, including a two-spot Wednesday. Should someone else in the bullpen step up, Smith's hold on the closer role for Kansas City seems tenuous at best.

Ragans came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles, allowing one hit and two walks over 6.1 scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

He retired the first 10 batters he faced, and the only Baltimore hitter to get into scoring position against Ragans was Adley Rutschman, who got stranded on second base twice. The southpaw produced 30 called or swinging strikes among his 91 pitches and exited the game with the Royals ahead 3-0, but James McArthur and Will Smith combined to blow the lead. Ragans sports 16:5 K:BB through his first 12.1 innings this season with two quality starts in two trips to the mound. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up for a home start early next week against the Astros.

The Yankees outrighted Tully to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday after he cleared waivers.

Tully is no longer on the 40-man roster but will remain in the Yankees organization. The left-hander spent the 2023 campaign at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, posting a 5.64 ERA in 19 starts.

Leclerc allowed a run on two hits over one inning during Wednesday's 4-1 win over Tampa Bay.

Leclerc has allowed runs in all three of his appearances thus far. None have come in save situations, but that doesn't necessarily soothe the concerns of fantasy managers relying on him for saves. Leclerc has allowed six runs on three hits and five walks while striking out one over 2.2 innings. Continued struggles will likely open the door for David Robertson to see save chances.

Oakland outrighted Martinez to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Martinez lost his spot on the Athletics' 40-man roster after surrendering four earned runs over 1.1 innings across two appearances during spring training, and he will officially remain in Oakland's farm system after clearing waivers. The 27-year-old right-hander owns a 5.51 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 112.2 career innings in the majors, and he has a poor history in Triple-A as well.

Jansen picked up the save Wednesday against the Athletics. He issued two walks while striking out one over a scoreless inning.

Jansen managed to escape with his second save in as many chances despite allowing back-to-back walks with one out in the ninth. The veteran right-hander needed 21 pitches to get through the inning, with only 10 of those going for strikes, and he's now issued three free passes over his first three appearances to begin the season. On a positive note, the save was Jansen's 422nd of his career, tying him with Bill Wagner for sixth all time.

Pivetta (1-1) earned the win Wednesday, allowing five hits and one walk over five scoreless innings against the Athletics. He struck out three.

Pivetta had it going again Wednesday, retiring 10 of the first 12 batters he faced while allowing only one extra-base hit in the contest. The veteran right-hander has now given up just one run over his first two starts, posting a 13:1 K:BB over that brief span. He'll look to continue his phenomenal start to the 2024 campaign next week when the Red Sox host the Orioles.

Tarnok is slated for an MRI on his hip after feeling discomfort during a recent bullpen session, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Tarnok is already on the injured list and slated to start his 2024 season at Triple-A Las Vegas whenever he's ready for game action. However, that benchmark now appears to be even further away, given this latest development. The results of Tarnok's MRI should be available in the coming days, potentially offering further insight into a recovery timetable.