MLB Player News

Kelly recorded his first save of the season in Monday's 3-2 win over the Brewers, pitching one-third of a hitless and scoreless inning.

After left-hander Ian Seymour recorded the first two outs of the ninth inning and allowing one walk, manager Kevin Cash called on Kelly to record the 27th out of the game. It was notable that Griffin Jax was used in the seventh inning of a 2-2 game, and he pitched a scoreless and hitless frame while recording one strikeout. Jax struggled in the Rays' opening series against the Cardinals, blowing a pair of saves, so Cash could be moving to more of a committee approach at the end of games.

Martinez allowed two runs on six hits and didn't walk a batter in Monday's 3-2 win over the Brewers. He struck out three.

It was Martinez's first start of the season after he dealt with a hamstring issue late in spring training. Signed to a one-year, $13 million deal in February, the 35-year-old is expected to man a spot in the rotation for Tampa Bay this season. However, Martinez has never been a big strikeout pitcher, capping his fantasy upside. Martinez's next start should come Sunday in Minnesota.

Jax threw a clean seventh inning Monday against the Brewers. He struck out one.

Although Jax didn't get the call to work the ninth inning Monday -- it was Kevin Kelly who recorded the final out for the save -- he still worked a high-leverage situation in the seventh frame of a tie game. After the right-hander blew a pair of saves in his first two appearances of the year, it's possible the Rays wanted to deploy Jax in a different setting so that he could try and regain his footing. The expectation entering the season was that Tampa Bay would have a committee approach at closer, and the team still appears to trust Jax to pitch in key spots.

Lopez (0-1) took the loss Monday against Atlanta, allowing three runs on five hits and five walks without recording a strikeout across four innings.

Lopez generated just four whiffs on 91 pitches, and his fastball velocity was down 1.4 mph from his 2025 average of 90.8 mph. The 28-year-old started 17 games for the Athletics last season and turned in a respectable 4.08 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 113:37 K:BB across 92.2 innings. His stuff will need to improve moving forward if he's going to build on that in 2026. Lopez's next start is scheduled for Sunday at home against the Astros.

Schreiber picked up the save Monday against the Twins by allowing one hit in a scoreless inning.

Lucas Erceg pitched in back-to-back days Saturday and Sunday, so it was Schreiber who got the call in a save situation in Monday's series opener. The right-hander retired the first two batters he faced before giving up a single to Ryan Jeffers. Schreiber was then able to slam the door by getting Matt Wallner to ground out. It's not clear how many save opportunities Schreiber will get this year, as Erceg and Matt Strahm were likely unavailable due to recent workload and Carlos Estevez (ankle) is dealing with an injury, but it was promising to see Schreiber come through when called upon.

Ponce (knee) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ponce told manager John Schneider that he felt his knee hyperextend while attempting to field a dribbler during the third inning of Monday's start against the Rockies. The team won't know the extent of the injury until his imaging is reviewed.

Woods Richardson (0-1) took the loss Monday against the Royals after allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out two across five innings.

Woods Richardson surrendered both of his runs on one swing of the bat, as he gave up a two-run homer to Kyle Isbel in the bottom of the second inning. Woods Richardson otherwise managed to work his way through Kansas City's lineup without damage, despite firing only 45 of his 83 pitches for strikes. Fantasy managers will likely be disappointed by the lack of swing-and-miss stuff Monday after the right-hander posted a 16:5 K:BB across 20 innings during spring training.

Ponce was removed from Monday's start against Colorado due to right knee discomfort, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ponce is likely headed for further testing to determine the full extent of his injury suffering during the third inning of Monday's appearance, but the initial diagnosis from the team is knee discomfort. The Blue Jays should have more information to share on the severity of Ponce's injury shortly.

Ponce was carted off the field during the third inning of Monday's game against the Rockies due to an apparent right leg injury, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ponce collapsed to the ground in visible pain after injuring his right leg while attempting to field a dribbling ground ball. The injury was severe enough for him that the medical cart was brought out, and he'll end his outing having allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out three across 2.1 innings. Monday was Ponce's first major-league start since 2021 after spending three years in Japan, and he earned a spot in the Blue Jays' rotation due to the trio of Shane Bieber (elbow), Trey Yesavage (shoulder) and Jose Berrios (elbow) all opening the season on the 15-day injured list. The Blue Jays should have an update on Ponce's injury once he undergoes more tests on his leg.

The Guardians optioned Holderman to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Holderman made the Guardians' Opening Day roster but struggled across his first two outings, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out three across three innings. He'll move down to Triple-A to work on his control but would be a top candidate to return to the majors if Cleveland needs an additional right-hander out of the bullpen. In corresponding moves, Doug Nikhazy was designated for assignment and Kolby Allard had his contract selected by the Guardians from Triple-A Columbus.