MLB Player News

Fulmer pitched a scoreless inning of relief with one strikeout in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Dodgers.

After blowing a save chance in the ninth inning Saturday, Fulmer worked the eighth inning Sunday for his first hold of the season, while Brad Boxberger got the ninth. The two veterans were expected to split closing duties this year, though based on recent events, perhaps Boxberger has edged slightly ahead of Fulmer. The latter should still see plenty of high-leverage work, however, and is likely to maintain some fantasy appeal.

Minter picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning to close Sunday's victory over the Royals. He had one strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner.

Minter entered the ninth inning protecting a 5-4 lead and quickly retired Matt Duffy and Nicky Lopez before striking out Bobby Witt to earn his fourth save. Minter has allowed only two runs through eight innings of relief work and has converted on three of four save opportunities this season.

Boxberger tossed a scoreless inning to earn a save over the Dodgers on Sunday. He allowed one hit and struck out three batters.

Boxberger worked around a two-out single to finish off the 3-2 victory in dominant fashion. He's now sporting a 1.42 ERA and a 7:2 K:BB through 6.1 frames after converting his first save chance. Boxberger could be in line for more ninth-inning work; Michael Fulmer blew his last two save chances and pitched a scoreless eighth inning Sunday.

Peguero was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Sunday.

The right-hander failed to make Milwaukee's Opening Day roster but will join the MLB club a couple weeks into the season. Peguero has pitched well early this year for Nashville with a 2.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB over 7.1 innings.

Varland was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right hand contusion.

Varland was hit in in the hand, face and forearm by a comebacker Saturday, with his hand being receiving the brunt of the impact. The 26-year-old will be unavailable for at least the next couple weeks. Elvis Peguero was recalled from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move.

Bard (personal) reported to Triple-A Albuquerque to begin a rehab assignment Sunday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The veteran right-hander has been unavailable to begin the season due to anxiety issues, but he appears to closing in on his return from the injured list. If Bard feels good while pitching for the Isotopes, he could rejoin the Rockies sometime this week.

Reyes (shoulder) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list by the Dodgers on Sunday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The procedural move helps the Dodgers clear room on the 40-man roster for Austin Wynns. Reyes is expected to return around the start of June, as he's currently recovering from the shoulder surgery he underwent last May.

Knehr was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Sunday.

Knehr failed to make San Diego's Opening Day roster but will now join the big club a couple weeks into the season. The right-hander made five appearances (one start) and had a 3.95 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB over 13.2 innings for the Friars last season.

Tapia was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Sunday.

Tapia made the Padres' Opening Day roster and made seven appearances over the first couple weeks of the season with a 4.32 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 9:6 K:BB in 8.1 frames. Reiss Knehr was recalled from El Paso in a corresponding move.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters before Sunday's game against the Pirates that Hicks will work in low-leverage situations going forward, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

"We need to figure out a way for [Hicks] to be more effective & usable," Marmol said. "We've got to have a good enough plan to do that, where he's comfortable with it & we feel good about it." Hicks struggled again in a loss to the Pirates on Sunday while allowing three runs -- two earned -- and getting just one out in the process. The hard-throwing reliever now has a 12.71 ERA, 3.35 WHIP and 6:8 K:BB across 5.2 innings. The Cardinals are unable to send Hicks down to Triple-A because of his service time, so he'll have to work through his struggles while a member of the big-league club.