MLB Player News

Rainey worked around a hit to throw a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save Sunday against the Mets.

Manager Dave Martinez didn't name a closer coming into the season, but he did tell MASN Sports back in mid-March that he would "love" for Rainey to show he's ready to close. The early returns are promising. Kyle Finnegan worked the eighth inning Sunday, setting up the save chance for Rainey.

Thompson, who was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier Sunday, was diagnosed with right biceps tendinitis after undergoing an MRI, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

The original diagnosis for Thompson's injury was a biceps strain, but it's instead been classified as tendinitis after receiving the imaging results. It's unclear how long the 24-year-old is expected to be unavailable, but he'll be eligible to be activated April 20 versus the Diamondbacks.

Nelson was recalled by the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Nelson was claimed off waivers by Arizona during the offseason, and he was set to begin the season at Triple-A Reno. However, he'll now have the chance to improve on his past big-league opportunities, during which he's posted a 12.19 ERA across 10.1 innings. Nelson will be limited to low-leverage outings.

Rogers earned the save Saturday against the Diamondbacks after tossing a scoreless inning,

The southpaw was named closer following his trade from the Twins by manager Bob Melvin and the approach has worked quite well so far, as he has gone perfect in save chances through his first two appearances. He recorded nine saves in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but that figure is likely to be surpassed easily considering his role to start the campaign.

Brebbia was placed on the bereavement list Sunday.

Brebbia will miss a minimum of three games, meaning he won't be eligible to return until Wednesday's game versus the Padres. The right-hander has allowed just one walk in 1.2 scorless and hitless innings in two appearances this season. Outfield prospect Heliot Ramos was called up to take Brebbia's spot on the roster.

Wilson (1-0) earned the win Saturday against the Diamondbacks after tossing a scoreless inning, fanning one and walking one.

Wilson pitched the seventh inning and needed just 16 pitches to get the job done in his MLB debut. He posted a 3.43 ERA in the minors last season and is not expected to have a big role out of the bullpen, at least in the first few weeks of the season.

Coonrod (shoulder) is throwing from up to 90 feet, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Coonrod suffered the injury late in spring training, and he was shut down entirely for a week. However, he's begun his throwing progression, which is a positive sign in his recovery. He'll look to continue to ramp up the intensity of his work and could be in line for a return by late April.

Thompson (biceps) was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Thompson exited Saturday's game in the eighth inning with an apparent arm injury. He was officially diagnosed with a biceps strain, and he will now miss at least the next 10 days -- and perhaps more. Hunter Harvey was recalled to take Thompson's spot in the bullpen.

Harvey was recalled by the Nationals on Sunday.

Harvey was unable to secure a roster spot out of spring training after joining the Nationals on March 21. However, with Mason Thompson (arm) hitting the injured list, the team has a need in its bullpen. Harvey is not likely to immediately contend for saves, though he could move his way towards the role with multiple strong outings.

Smith recorded his first save of the season in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Reds, giving up a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one in one inning of relief.

Kenley Jansen threw 30 pitches in his Atlanta debut Friday and wasn't available, leaving closing duties in the hands of Smith. The southpaw wasn't exactly sharp, but he did get the job done, which is not a surprising outcome after he racked up 37 saves in 2021. As long as Jansen is healthy, however, Smith will mostly be relegated to setup duties and high-leverage spots earlier in games, limiting his fantasy appeal to leagues that score holds as well as saves.