MLB Player News

Wingenter got the save against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, working around two walks to record a scoreless ninth inning and close out San Diego's 7-6 victory. He struck out two.

Kirby Yates has already made eight appearances, so Wingenter got the nod as the closer in this contest and successfully protected a one-run lead despite issuing two free passes. Yates remains the unquestioned go-to option for the role, so Wingenter shouldn't be expected to see these chances frequently aside from days when Yates needs a rest. However, Wingenter already has three holds on the year, so perhaps he's improving his standing in the pecking order as an alternative should Yates miss time.

Avila threw 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out five and walking two in a 7-6 victory for the Padres.

It was a successful big-league debut for Avila, who limited Arizona to four hits and could have found himself in line for a win if not for a blown save from Brad Wieck. The 22-year-old was called up straight from Double-A Amarillo, so this was an impressive first go at the big-league level, but he could get optioned back to the minors shortly, as he was called up to give Chris Paddack an extra day of rest, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic.

Smith picked up the save against the Rockies on Thursday, tossing a scoreless ninth inning without allowing a hit to lock down San Francisco's 1-0 victory. He didn't record a walk or a strikeout.

It was a smooth effort from the lefty, who retired the side on just eight pitches to nab his fourth save of the season. Smith has given up just one earned run in his five appearances and continues to have a firm grasp on the ninth-inning role for San Francisco.

Strop retired the side in order to record his first save of 2019 in a 2-0 victory against the Pirates on Thursday.

The Cubs have had a rocky start, so Strop hadn't pitched in any save opportunities before Thursday. Strop experienced a rough first series of the year, but he's settled in during his last few outings. He owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and three strikeouts in four innings.

Diaz allowed two hits and struck out two batters to record a scoreless ninth inning pick up his fifth save of the season Thursday against the Braves.

Diaz made things a bit interesting, allowing a leadoff single and then a double with two outs. However, he managed to strike out Freddie Freeman -- who represented the tying run -- to end the game. Though his 1.24 WHIP is inflated from his exceptional results last season, Diaz figures to remain an elite closer and already has 10 strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work.

Weathers struck out eight while walking zero and surrendering two earned runs on five hits in six innings in his second start of the year for Low-A Fort Wayne.

Weathers has a 17:0 K:BB in 11 innings to start the season, flashing more upside than the pre-draft scouting report would have indicated. Part of his dominance stems from a highly advanced ability to fill up the zone while also limiting hard contact. The Padres are pretty aggressive with prospect promotions, so Weathers could soon be sent to the California League for more of a challenge.

The Dodgers optioned Chargois to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

The Dodgers will swap Chargois out for a fresh relief arm in Jaime Schultz, who was recalled from Oklahoma City in a corresponding move. Chargois was used out of the bullpen each of the past two days in the Dodgers' ongoing series with the Cardinals, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk over 1.2 innings in those outings.

Rodriguez (1-2) allowed two runs on four hits while striking out five and walking one in a loss to the Padres on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old was very sharp, but the solo homer he allowed in the sixth proved to be the difference. The Padres added an insurance run against the Giants' bullpen to win 3-1. Thanks in large part to only allowing one walk through three outings, Rodriguez has an excellent WHIP, but he's lagging behind in the other categories. He is 1-2 with a 4.15 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 17.1 innings. His next start is expected to be against the Nationals.

Pivetta (1-1) allowed seven earned runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out six across 3.2 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Nationals.

The Nationals got to Pivetta early in the game; the first four batters of the game reached base against him, resulting in three runs. However, he did settle down until the fourth inning, when Anthony Rendon delivered a bases-loaded double to score three more and end Pivetta's night. It's been a tough start to the season for him, as he now has a 9.45 ERA and 2.18 WHIP across 13.1 innings of work.

Iglesias struck out the side without allowing a baserunner to earn his first save of the season Wednesday against the Marlins.

Iglesias entered the game in the ninth inning with the Reds up one run and needed just 14 pitches to secure his first save of the season. He had allowed at least one earned run in each of his first three appearances of the season, racking up two losses in the process. Manager David Bell has been clear that Iglesias won't be used strictly in the traditional closer role this season, but Iglesias still looks pretty clearly like the top option for saves in Cincinnati.