MLB Player News

Barlow (0-1) took the loss Sunday versus the Athletics, allowing a run on two hits and a walk over one-plus innings while striking out one.

Barlow pitched a perfect eighth inning but allowed three straight baserunners aboard to start the ninth. Eli Morgan then walked the only batter he faced, which forced in the decisive run. It's not unusual for Barlow to be tasked with getting more than three outs at a time, so his usage Sunday isn't particularly noteworthy. The big concern here is that he's allowed two runs and walked three batters over two innings to begin the season. Barlow is projected to be a setup man to closer Emmanuel Clase, but he could lose those assignments if he can't get on track quickly. Morgan and Nick Sandlin are also experienced relievers who could be in the mix for high-leverage work.

Leclerc (0-1) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on one hit and three walks over two-thirds of an inning against the Cubs.

It wasn't a save situation, but it was a troubling performance that recalled Texas' bullpen struggles of 2023, when Leclerc lost the closer's job early on. Leclerc, who's had an issue with free passes during his career, walked a run in Sunday and has walked five over 1.2 innings thus far. The Rangers' closer has allowed runs in each of his first two outings. He was the victim of an incorrect call by an umpire Opening Day, but Sunday was all on him.

Paddack is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against the Brewers at American Family Field.

After making his return from Tommy John surgery late last season, Paddack's lone three appearances with Minnesota came as a reliever, so he'll be making his first regular-season start since May 8, 2022 when he takes the hill Wednesday. The right-hander broke camp with a rotation spot in hand despite not being particularly sharp during Grapefruit League play, finishing with a 4.73 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB in 13.1 innings.

Jimenez (1-0) picked up the win Sunday against Cleveland, giving up one hit and one walk in one scoreless inning. He didn't log a strikeout.

Jimenez was in contention for the closing role throughout the spring, but it appeared as though Mason Miller would be the first to get high-leverage ninth-inning duties. However, after Miller gave up two runs in one inning of work Saturday, Jimenez was handed the ball Sunday and took the A's home for their first win of the campaign. Considering the fluid closing situation and the lack of overall save chances, fantasy managers should be hesitant to rely upon any of Oakland's arms for save production.

Hader (0-1) took the loss against the Yankees on Sunday, yielding one run on two hits and no walks during one inning. He struck out two.

Hader took the mound in the ninth during a 3-3 tie but was unable to get through the inning unscathed. He surrendered back-to-back singles to Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto, with Soto's knock plating Torres after Torres stole second. Sunday's outing was Hader's first blemish of 2024 after giving up no hits and fanning five in his first two appearances covering two innings.

Slaten struck out one batter over 2.1 perfect frames and earned a save over the Mariners on Sunday.

In his second career MLB appearance, Slaten needed just 15 pitches to record seven outs and close out the 5-1 win. Kenley Jansen is dealing with a back issue, so the Red Sox's bullpen is shortened. Slaten likely won't see many save opportunities throughout the year.

Holmes earned a save Sunday against the Astros, allowing no runs on two hits and no walks across one inning. He didn't record a strikeout.

Holmes cashed in on his third save opportunity of the season, finishing the Yankees' first series with saves in three of four games. While he hasn't logged a strikeout in his three innings of work, he's also refrained from allowing a runner to score. Holmes is already one-eighth of the way to matching his 2023 save total and is one of five closers with multiple saves this season.

Whitlock (1-0) allowed one run on three hits over five innings Sunday, striking out eight and earning a win over the Mariners.

The one run and three hits against Whitlock all came in the second inning, but he was nearly perfect otherwise. The 27-year-old righty looked terrific this spring and carried that momentum into his first appearance of the regular season. Whitlock's innings totals over the past three seasons have all been in the 70s, but he's in line for a full run in Boston's rotation in 2024.

Estevez picked up the save Sunday against the Orioles. He pitched a clean inning with no strikeouts.

Estevez calmly retired all three Orioles batters he faced Sunday to earn his first save of the season and 57th of his career. The 31-year-old reliever entered 2024 on the hot seat following the Angels' signing of Robert Stephenson over the winter. However, with Stephenson (shoulder) slated to be out until late April, Estevez should have no issue being the main saves target in the team's bullpen for now.

The Athletics designated Martinez for assignment on Sunday.

Martinez was reassigned from minor-league camp in early March and has now lost his place on Oakland's 40-man roster. The right-hander pitched in 22 games for the A's last season and posted a 4.75 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 47:19 K:BB across 55 innings.