MLB Player News

Rucker (1-1) allowed a run on two hits without retiring a batter to take the loss Friday against the Marlins. He also hit two batters.

Rucker got the bottom of the ninth inning in a 2-2 game and struggled mightily. He allowed a leadoff single to Jorge Soler, then plunked both Luis Arraez and Avisail Garcia with pitches. That loaded the bases for Jean Segura, who plated the winning run on a single. Rucker had come into the contest with six straight scoreless outings and still carries a solid 3.38 ERA overall, so he should be able to rebound from the tough performance.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo refrained from calling Chafin the team's closer Friday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Despite the continued use of Chafin in save situations, Lovullo would only go as far as saying the reliever was "maybe" his top option. The manager said he might pivot away from Chafin if a situation dictates it. "I don't have a problem running him out there right-left-right," Lovullo said. "But if it's a wall of righties and it's a good matchup for a right-handed pitcher, I would probably go in a different direction." Chafin has converted four of five opportunities so far.

Alvarado picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Astros. He struck out two over a perfect ninth inning.

The southpaw has been one of the best closers in the league to start off the year, though he's still splitting duties with Craig Kimbrel. Alvarado has allowed just one earned run over 12.1 innings, and his five saves are tied for fifth in MLB. Additionally, he has a 0.49 WHIP and impressive 24:0 K:BB.

Williams picked up the save Friday against the Angels. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one in one inning.

Williams has been among baseball's best relievers this season. He has converted all four of his save opportunities and has yet to allow a run in 2023. In nine innings Williams has struck out 14 while posting a 0.78 WHIP.

Alvarado picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 victory over the Astros. He didn't allow a baserunner while striking out two over one inning.

Alvarado has been lights out this season. He struck out two more hitters in the ninth to bring his season total to 24 in just 12.1 innings. The flamethrowing lefty leads the Phillies with five saves, all of which have come since April 19.

Rodriguez had his rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis paused Friday after feeling renewed soreness in his shoulder, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Rodriguez was scheduled to pitch for Memphis on Saturday, but instead he'll be reevaluated. The Rule 5 draft pick has not been able to pitch yet in 2023 because of his shoulder issues. Once healthy, the Cardinals will have to carry Rodriguez on their roster for the entirety of the campaign or offer him back to the Yankees.

The Dodgers optioned Bruihl to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Brusdar Graterol is off the paternity list, so the Dodgers optioned Bruihl back in the minors to clear room in the bullpen. In five innings prior to his demotion, Bruihl posted a 1.80 ERA and 1.12 WHIP along with four strikeouts.

Graterol was activated from the paternity list by the Dodgers on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Graterol rejoins the Dodgers after being away from the team since Tuesday. Justin Bruihl was sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City with Graterol available again in the bullpen.

Varland (hand) gave up three runs while getting one out in a rehab appearance for Low-A Wisconsin on Thursday and is scheduled for multiple innings Saturday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Varland allowed three hits in his rehab appearance and also issued a walk. The results are borderline inconsequential, as it's more important that the right-hander is getting closer to making it back to the Milwaukee bullpen after missing time with a bruise on his right hand. If Saturday's appearance goes well, Verland should rejoin the Brewers early next week.

Cubs manager David Ross confirmed Friday that Kilian will start Saturday against the Marlins, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kilian will get the start in the place of Jameson Taillon, after the latter was placed on the 15-day injured list with a groin injury. Kilian has registered a 7.15 ERA for Triple-A Iowa, but eight of the nine runs he's allowed over 11.1 innings came in his first start. The 25-year-old right-hander may not be a future ace, but he throws four pitches for strikes to keep hitters off-balance, and he could be a solid -- if unspectacular -- option while he's a member of the Chicago rotation.