MLB Player News

Kimbrel pitched 1.1 scoreless innings to record the save in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Brewers. He walked one and struck out one.

It's been smooth sailing so far for Kimbrel, who has started the season with six scoreless innings, 10 strikeouts and three saves across five appearances. If the veteran reliever can keep this up, he'll be an invaluable fantasy asset, particularly considering his low cost of acquisition in this spring's drafts. He's coming off a pair of rough seasons, but Kimbrel turned things around down the stretch last year, and it certainly looks like he's carrying that success forward.

Ponce de Leon will pitch out of the bullpen going forward and will be available in that role Tuesday against the Nationals, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Ponce de Leon can't really complain about the move, as he owns an 11.37 ERA, 2.21 WHIP and a 3:5 K:BB through two starts. He pitched most recently Sunday against the Brewers, lasting just 1.1 innings, so he should be ready to pitch again soon. Kwang Hyun Kim (back) will return to the starting rotation Saturday against the Phillies.

Webb (0-1) was charged with the loss in Monday's game against the Marlins after surrendering two runs (one earned) on three hits in the 10th inning.

It did not take long for Webb to see some action after he was called up to the active roster Saturday. Unfortunately, Webb's first outing of 2021 was not great. The first three batters he faced notched hits against him, allowing the go-ahead runs to score. While he was able to retire the next three batters and limit the damage, he was still left with the loss. The 27-year-old has previously shown some ability to be a bullpen contributor, compiling a 1.06 ERA and 38:17 K:BB across 42.1 innings for Atlanta in 2019 and 2020.

Garcia (1-1) picked up the win Monday in the Marlins' 5-3 extra-inning victory over Atlanta, walking one and striking out one in 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

The right-hander entered the game with two outs and two runners on in the ninth inning. After understandably pitching around Ronald Acuna to load the bases, Garcia got Ozzie Albies to ground out. He then shut down the middle of Atlanta's order in the 10th after Miami took the lead. Garcia's had a solid start to the season, posting a 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 5:3 K:BB through 6.1 innings with one save and two holds, and as long as he remains effective, he should be the Marlins' first option for save chances going forward.

The Phillies recalled Howard (back) from their taxi squad and designated him as the 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader with the Mets, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Howard's bid for a spot in the Phillies' Opening Day rotation was foiled by a bout of back spasms in mid-March, but he appears to have returned to full health since the conclusion of spring training. Philadelphia will continue to develop Howard as a starter, but he'll be available out of the bullpen for the twin bill before likely returning to the alternate site.

Gallegos allowed an earned run on one hit over two innings while recording one strikeout in a loss to the Nationals on Monday.

Gallegos was called upon for his second multi-inning assignment of the campaign and responded with a solid effort that was marred only by a solo home run. The right-hander hadn't been scored upon in his first four appearances and already boasts two wins and holds apiece, giving him solid fantasy value for a reliever in a non-closing role.

Sims earned his first save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Giants on Monday, striking out the only batter he faced.

Sims entered with a man on second and two outs in the ninth. The 26-year-old did his job, as he struck out Evan Longoria to end the game. The Reds haven't really established a clear-cut closer just yet, as Sims and Amir Garrett have had two save chances apiece through the first 10 games of the year. Sims is now 1-for-2 on save opportunities; he surrendered a game-tying two-run homer against the Diamondbacks on April 9. He's been perfect otherwise and currently owns a 4.91 ERA and 6:1 K:BB across 3.2 innings.

Antone did not give up a hit in Monday's 3-0 win over the Giants, striking out five and walking a batter while firing 3.2 scoreless innings to earn a hold.

Antone entered to begin the sixth after five shutout innings from Wade Miley, and he picked up right where the starter left off. He did walk and hit a batter, but Antone recorded 10 consecutive outs at one point. The 27-year-old did make four starts in 2020 and is a valuable resource out of the bullpen as a guy who can give manager David Bell multiple innings if needed. Antone has gotten off to an incredible start this year, throwing 6.2 scoreless innings and allowing just two hits while sporting an impressive 9:2 K:BB.

Hand recorded his first save of the season after tossing a scoreless inning Monday against the Cardinals. He gave up one hit and one walk while fanning two.

Hand tossed 16 of his 26 pitches for strikes and allowed two baserunners, but he got the job done either way en route to his first save of the campaign -- he closed the door by striking out Andrew Knizner with runners in first and second. Hand has now tossed two scoreless outings to begin the season.

Finnegan (1-0) earned the win off the bullpen Monday against the Cardinals. He gave up one run on one hit while striking out two across 1.1 innings.

Finnegan recorded the final out of the fifth inning and pitched the sixth while limiting the damage to just one run -- a two-out solo shot from Yadier Molina, who has been one of the best hitters in the National League in the first few days of the season. Finnegan has allowed two earned runs on 3.1 innings across four appearances this season, fanning five and walking just one.