MLB Player News

Rainey (1-1) was charged with his second blown save of the season but picked up the win in Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning victory over the Marlins, giving up a run on a hit and two walks in one inning of relief. He struck out one.

With the Nationals ahead 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Rainey got the call but quickly loaded the bases with one out before a Jazz Chisholm sacrifice fly tied the game. Rainey has now blown his last two save opportunities and given up runs in three straight appearances after maintaining a 0.00 ERA through his first eight games. On the season, the right-hander now sports a 3.38 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB through 10.2 innings, and if he continues to struggle, it could open the door for someone like Kyle Finnegan to get a look in the closer role.

Hicks pitched four innings against the Mets on Wednesday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five. He did not factor in the decision.

Hicks struggled mightily with his control throughout the outing, as only 39 of his 82 pitches crossed the plate. He issued a season-high three walks and hit two batters, but he escaped substantial damage as the Mets left five runners on base during his four innings. Hicks has completed five innings only once this season and has issued multiple free passes in each of his past six appearances. Those numbers don't bode well for his fantasy outlook despite the fact that he has struck out over a batter per inning. Hicks' next start is tentatively slated to come at home against Toronto next week.

Crowe allowed one earned run on one hit and one walk while striking out three across two innings Wednesday against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

Crowe served as the opener and worked two fairly effective innings before giving way to Mitch Keller. Crowe served up a solo home run to Ian Happ but struck out three of the final four batters he faced. While he started the season strong, Crowe has allowed seven earned runs across his last eight appearances spanning 9.2 innings, which has inflated his overall ERA to 2.74 across 23 frames.

Kinley (1-0) allowed one hit but struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning to earn the win Wednesday against the Giants.

Kinley allowed a two-out single but was in command throughout his appearance. He has been excellent to start the season, allowing only one earned run across his first 14.1 frames while tallying a 15:5 K:BB. Kinley also has seven holds and has been the team's primary setup man. Though Daniel Bard has generally pitched well in the closer role to begin the season, he had allowed at least one earned run in each of his last three appearances prior to logging the save Wednesday against the Giants. If Bard's struggles continue, Kinley could begin to see work in save situations.

Bard didn't allow a baserunner and struck out one in the ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Giants.

Bard entered the game with a two-run lead and set down the Giants on only 11 pitches to tally his 10th save of the season. He was in need of a smooth outing, as he had allowed four earned runs across his last 2.1 innings while blowing a save and taking two losses. Despite the rough patch, Bard has largely been reliable this season, so he should continue to occupy the closer role. Overall, he maintains a 3.77 ERA, but that is paired with a strong 20:5 K:BB across 14.1 frames.

Bednar saved Wednesday's 3-2 win against the Cubs, allowing one hit with two strikeouts in two innings.

Bednar was brought in for the eighth to face the heart of Chicago's lineup and stayed in for the ninth, surrendering a Christopher Morel single with two out in the ninth for his only baserunner. The 27-year-old found the zone with 21 of his 28 pitches and induced an impressive tally of five swinging strikes while lowering his ERA to 0.90. Bednar has covered multiple innings in three of his six saves in May and appears to have earned manager Derek Shelton's full trust.

Jansen gave up a run on a hit and a walk in one inning of relief to blow his first save chance of the season in Wednesday's 7-6 extra-innings loss to the Brewers.

The veteran closer entered the game in the ninth inning with Atlanta holding a 4-3 lead, but an RBI triple by Kolten Wong sent the game to extras. Jansen was tagged for a run for only the second time in his last 15 appearances, but fatigue may have been a factor -- he's pitched on two straight days and four of the last five, though Atlanta does have a scheduled off day Thursday. On the season, Jansen sports a 2.70 ERA and 22:4 K:BB through 16.2 innings.

Norris (Achilles) is feeling better and could be available for Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Norris exited Tuesday's win over the Pirates due to right Achilles soreness after facing just one batter, but his injury doesn't appear to be a major concern. Even if he doesn't appear in Wednesday's series finale, he should be considered day-to-day for now.

Sims (back) has yet to resume a throwing program and won't return from the 15-day injured list when first eligible May 26, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sims was placed on the injured list last week due to a bulging disc in his back and has remained shut down from throwing since landing on the shelf. The 28-year-old is now likely to be out until at least early June, and a specific return timeline is unlikely to come into focus until he's cleared to start a throwing program.

Leiter was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Leiter spent a week with the major-league club but made just one relief appearance during his stint with the Cubs. He's posted a 6.57 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 12.1 innings over five appearances (three starts) in the big leagues this year but will return to Iowa after David Robertson (undisclosed) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list.