MLB Player News

Puk walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his fourth save of the season in the second game of a doubleheader sweep of the Guardians.

After the Marlins took the matinee 6-1. The nightcap proved to be a tighter affair, but Puk was able to preserve a 3-2 victory. Since being scored upon in his Miami debut, the southpaw reliever has reeled off seven straight appearances without allowing an earned run to lock down the closer role, and on the season Puk sports a 1.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB through nine innings.

Smeltzer didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over four innings in a 6-1 win. He struck out three.

Making his first start of the season after a couple relief appearances, the former Twin gave the Marlins a solid outing but wasn't able to qualify for the win, exiting after 65 pitches (42 strikes). It was an impressive turnaround for Smeltzer, who served up four homers in his first five innings this year, and with the Miami rotation in tatters right now due to a rash of biceps injuries to Trevor Rogers, Johnny Cueto and Sandy Alcantara, the 27-year-old southpaw could get stretched out further to handle more than just a spot start in a twin bill.

Thompson (1-1) allowed two runs on a hit and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Saturday versus the Mariners.

Thompson replaced Miles Mikolas with one out in the sixth inning and finished the frame. In the seventh, Thompson put two batters aboard, and Giovanny Gallegos let them both come around to score. These were the first earned runs on Thompson's line through nine appearances this season. The southpaw owns a 1.80 ERA through 10 innings, but his 1.40 WHIP and 15:5 K:BB aren't all that encouraging. He'll likely continue to serve as a middle-relief option.

Hader earned the save against the Diamondbacks on Saturday with a perfect inning of work.

Hader came on in the bottom of the ninth inning to protect a two-run lead and needed 16 pitches to retire Arizona in order. The left-hander didn't record a strikeout for the first time this season, but he completed his fifth straight scoreless and hitless outing. Hader is tied with David Bednar and Jordan Romano for the MLB lead with seven saves on the campaign.

Thompson (2-1) earned the win in Saturday's 10-4 win over the Twins. He allowed one unearned run on two hits in relief without issuing a walk and striking out four over 2.1 innings.

Thompson allowed the one run after an error on a throw by Riley Adams, but it was another impressive outing for the reliever. He threw 27 of 35 pitches for strikes while earning the win, and Thompson's been able to go more than inning in six of his nine appearances while lowering his ERA to a minuscule 1.15 over 15.2 frames. Thompson's current role doesn't carry much fantasy relevance, but the 25-year-old could earn save opportunities for the Nationals if his strong play continues into the summer months, though he has only one hold so far.

Underwood picked up the save Saturday against the Reds. He struck out one over two perfect innings.

Teammate David Bednar was likely unavailable after pitching the previous two days. Underwood has now posted eight scoreless appearances out of 10 total opportunities this season. The right-hander has been effective as both a setup man and backup closer, recording three holds and two saves thus far. The 28-year-old has also commanded the strike zone well, issuing just one free pass over 10.1 innings pitched so far.

Williams picked up the save Saturday against the Red Sox, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless inning.

Williams shut down the Red Sox in the ninth inning. It was just the third time in seven outings this season Williams has allowed a hit. He snapped an impressive streak of three appearances with three strikeouts. The Milwaukee closer has yet to allow a run in seven innings this season, and he's converted all three of his save chances.

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Rockies.

With Jose Alvarado having pitched three of the last four days and Gregory Soto having worked the seventh inning Saturday, Kimbrel got the call for the save despite the fact Colorado had two left-handed hitters and a switch hitter due up in the ninth. The veteran righty had little trouble retiring the side, though, needing only eight pitches (seven strikes) to dispatch Harold Castro, Charlie Blackmon and Jurickson Profar. Kimbrel has two saves and three holds in 10 appearances to begin the season and has reeled off six straight scoreless appearances with a 9:1 K:BB in that span, putting him in position to get more ninth-inning opportunities as long as he remains locked in.

Iglesias (shoulder) will throw a live bullpen session before Monday's game against the Marlins, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Iglesias has been able to throw multiple bullpen sessions, but he'll finally get a chance to face hitters in a simulated environment. The next step for the right-hander would likely be a rehab assignment, and he could be operating as the closer for Atlanta by the end of April.

McHugh (shoulder) told reporters before Saturday's game that he is feeling good and likely to return in the next couple of days, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports.

McHugh threw 34 pitches over three scoreless innings in a rehab appearance for High-A Rome on Friday. The right-hander will take a couple of days off, and assuming there are no setbacks and McHugh continues to feel well, he should be operating in the Atlanta bullpen by the end of next week.