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Wander Suero RP | ATH
Nationals' Wander Suero: Picks up win in relief
Suero (1-0) tossed a perfect eighth inning Saturday to pick up the win in a 3-2 victory over the Pirates.
The right-hander's 6.35 ERA so far is inflated, but Suero's 0.88 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB through 5.2 innings offer a better reflection of how he's been pitching. He'll continue working in middle relief for now, but further success could move him into a setup role for the Nats.
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A.J. Minter RP | MIN
Braves' A.J. Minter: Save chances could rise
Minter could see more ninth-inning chances for the Braves after Arodys Vizcaino (shoulder) was placed on the injured list Sunday.
The severity of Vizcaino's injury is not yet known, but Minter should see the bulk of the save opportunities for the near future now that his co-closer is on the injured list. Minter converted his lone save chance and has allowed two runs over three innings after spending the first week of the season on the injured list himself.
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Mike Mayers RP | TOR
Cardinals' Mike Mayers: Strong start to season
Mayers, who allowed an earned run on two hits while recording a strikeout over an inning against the Reds on Saturday, owns a 2.35 ERA and has one hold over 7.2 innings thus far this season.
Mayers' hiccup Saturday was his second of the season, as he'd also allowed an earned run on a solo home run against the Pirates back on April 1. The 27-year-old right-hander has otherwise been steady, averaging just under a strikeout per inning and working more than one frame in four of seven appearances. Mayers' middle-relief role should remain steady throughout the season, meaning he's likely to only see occasional hold opportunities and factor into the decision even less frequently.
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Arodys Vizcaino RP | KC
Braves' Arodys Vizcaino: Lands on injured list
Vizcaino was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday with right shoulder inflammation.
Vizcaino hasn't pitched since blowing a save -- and earning the win -- last Sunday against the Marlins, but there wasn't a clear indication previously that he was dealing with an injury. The move is retroactive to Thursday, which would allow the 28-year-old to be activated April 21 against the Indians, though the severity of the shoulder issue is unknown.
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Caleb Ferguson RP | STL
Dodgers' Caleb Ferguson: Saddled with loss in short outing
Ferguson (0-1) took the loss Saturday as the Dodgers fell 4-1 to the Brewers, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over 2.2 innings while striking out two.
As expected, the southpaw didn't give the Dodgers much length, throwing 51 pitches (36 strikes), and while Ferguson's line wasn't terrible, a lack of offensive support stuck him with the loss. The 22-year-old should return to a long-relief role once Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) rejoins the rotation.
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Kirby Yates RP | PIT
Padres' Kirby Yates: Nails down ninth save
Yates gave up a hit and struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his ninth save of the season in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks.
The right-hander has been almost untouchable to begin the year, racking up a 17:3 K:BB in 10 innings to go along with a 0.90 ERA and nine straight successful save conversions. With the Padres looking like a legit contender for the NL West title in the early going, Yates should continue getting plenty of opportunities.
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Matt Strahm RP | KC
Padres' Matt Strahm: Strong effort in no-decision
Strahm didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks, allowing four hits over five scoreless innings while striking out four.
The southpaw dealt with runners in scoring position in the first three innings but was able to shut down the Arizona offense each time. Strahm exited the game after 89 pitches (57 strikes) in line for his first win of the season, but Gerardo Reyes promptly let the D-backs back into the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. Strahm will carry a 4.26 ERA and 8:5 K:BB through 12.2 innings into his next outing, at home Friday against the Reds.
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Raisel Iglesias RP | ATL
Reds' Raisel Iglesias: Secures second save
Iglesias earned his second save of the season against the Cardinals by allowing one hit during a scoreless ninth inning. He had one strikeout and one walk.
Iglesias allowed a run in each of his first three outings of the year -- none of which were save opportunities -- but has two scoreless innings and two saves in his last two times on the mound. The 29-year-old has a 4.05 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB through 6.2 innings.
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Dennis Santana RP | ARI
Dodgers' Dennis Santana: Could get win Saturday
Santana could qualify for the win in Saturday's game against the Brewers, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Caleb Ferguson will be the Dodgers' starter, but he will be limited to either three innings or 45 pitches, so he won't qualify for the win, even if the Dodgers have the lead when he exits. Manager Dave Roberts said Santana will pitch at some point in this game, making him the most likely Dodger to get a win Saturday. Santana is being used as a long reliever right now, but the Dodgers still view him as a starter long-term.
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Austen Williams RP | WAS
Nationals' Austen Williams: Recalled from Triple-A
Williams was recalled from Triple-A Fresno prior to Saturday's game against the Pirates, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.
The Nationals needed a fresh arm for the bullpen, and Williams will get the opportunity, in large part due to his impressive spring training. He should operate in low-leverage spots. Justin Miller (back) hit the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.