MLB Player News

Thornton (0-1) took the loss against the Diamondbacks on Sunday, allowing an earned run on a hit and a walk over one inning.

Thornton was entrusted with preserving a 2-2 tie when he entered in the eighth inning, but he set himself up for some trouble by issuing a leadoff walk to Kevin Newman and subsequently surrendered a double to Ketel Marte that plated him with the go-ahead run. The Mariners would prove unable to overcome the one-run deficit, saddling Thornton with the loss. The stumble snapped what had been a near month-long stretch of impressive pitching for Thornton, who hadn't allowed a run in 10 consecutive appearances and had lowered his ERA from 13.50 to 0.84 in the process.

McFarland (1-0) got the win against the Orioles on Sunday, firing a perfect eighth inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

McFarland's dominant eighth frame saw him locate eight of 10 pitches for strikes, a particularly impressive display of efficiency. The veteran southpaw has had a couple of stumbles overall, but McFarland has mostly been a reliable bullpen workhorse for manager Mark Kotsay. Factoring in Sunday's appearance, he's already logged 11.1 innings across 16 appearances, posting a 3.97 ERA and recording four holds in addition to his one victory.

The Royals optioned Klein to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Klein struck out two in a scoreless inning Sunday versus the Tigers in what was his major-league debut. He eventually has a chance to play an important role in the Royals bullpen this season, but for now Klein, will head back to Omaha to make room for Monday's starter, Jonathan Bowlan, who was called up from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Mayza retired the only batter he faced to record his third hold of the season in Sunday's win over the Dodgers.

Brought in to face Max Muncy with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning, Mayza battled the veteran slugger for eight pitches, eventually giving up a deep fly ball to left-center field that Daulton Varsho caught with his back against the fence. Mayza has had a shaky start to the season, but he may be turning things around -- he's been scored upon only once in his last seven appearances. On the season, the 32-year-old carries a 6.30 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 8:7 K:BB through 10 innings, but he remains the top lefty in the Toronto bullpen.

Jansen (1-0) got the win over the Cubs on Sunday, pitching a perfect inning while striking out a batter in the process.

Jansen entered in the ninth with the score tied 4-4 and did his job by retiring the side in order in 10 pitches. He would wind up with his first win of the campaign after the Red Sox walked it off in the bottom of the inning. Jansen has now pitched three consecutive scoreless outings after blowing a save chance April 16. For the year, he owns a 1.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 14:8 K:BB in 9.2 innings to go along with five saves.

Duran (oblique) averaged 101.8 mph with his fastball while striking out two in a scoreless inning in his second rehab appearance with Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday.

In his first rehab appearance April 23, Duran allowed two runs on four hits and didn't have his typical velocity, but he looked more like his normal, dominant self Saturday. He averaged 101.8 miles per hour with his fastball Saturday and induced three swings and misses on the four splitters he threw. The Twins haven't announced when Duran will be activated from the 15-day injured list, but it could be any day now, and perhaps as soon as Monday, when the team begins a three-game series with the White Sox. Duran has been out all season with a right oblique strain.

Romano earned the save Sunday against the Dodgers, striking out two over a perfect ninth inning.

Romano converted on his fourth straight save attempt to start the campaign, pitching his second perfect inning in six appearances. After missing the first few weeks of the season with an elbow injury, Romano has shown no rust, owning a 3.18 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP through 5.2 frames.

Clase (1-1) took the loss Sunday against Atlanta, allowing one unearned run on one hit in one-third of an inning.

After striking out Ozzie Albies to open up the bottom half of the 10th frame, Clase surrendered a walk-off base hit to Austin Riley to bring home the designated runner. The outing snapped a streak of six consecutive scoreless appearances (covering six frames) and three straight perfect innings. Still, Clase is tied for the sixth-most saves in baseball with eight.

Erceg tossed one perfect inning, striking out two to earn the save during Sunday's 7-6 win over the Orioles.

Erceg was called upon to close the door for his first career save after the A's commandeered the lead in the top of the ninth. Oakland's regular closer, Mason Miller, has been a revelation in end-game situations but was rested for a second game in a row, affording the rare save opportunity for Erceg.

Leasure earned a save after he pitched two-thirds of an inning, retiring both batters he faced in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Rays.

Leasure entered the game with one out in the top of the ninth and a runner on second base, setting down both Austin Shenton and Curtis Mead on six total pitches to finish the contest. The save was his first of his major-league career, and he has now produced a 1.59 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with seven strikeouts over 11.1 innings in 12 appearances this season. With Michael Kopech operating as Chicago's primary closer, Leasure can be considered an ascending option as a set-up man.