MLB Player News

Hader gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Monday to record his third save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Reds.

The dominant southpaw now has an 8:0 K:BB through his first four innings of the season, while Monday's hit -- a Curt Casali double -- was the first baserunner he's allowed. Barring the addition of someone like Craig Kimbrel, Hader has the closer job in Milwaukee locked down.

Hicks (1-1) threw two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk to earn a victory against the Pirates on Monday.

The Cardinals rallied from down four to send the game into extra innings. Hicks pitched the ninth and 10th, giving the Cardinals another chance to bat. Hicks also pitched Sunday, but because he threw only 11 pitches in that outing, and Tuesday is a day off, the Cardinals were willing to let him toss 32 in this victory. However, it doesn't sound like the Cardinals are going to make a habit out of letting Hicks pitch on back-to-back days this year.

Uncertainty regarding Vizcaino's shoulder could cost him save opportunities once A.J. Minter (shoulder) is activated this week, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Per Bowman, Vizcaino admitted his right shoulder began bothering him again during the final weeks of spring training. He said he felt fine this weekend, but the Braves have not had a save opportunity yet, so he has not yet made his 2019 debut. The primary concern is how durable he might be if needed to pitch back-to-back days or twice within a three-day stretch. Minter is throwing a live batting practice session Tuesday and could be activated from the IL on Thursday. Bowman went so far as to say Minter could end up being the team's primary closer once healthy.

Minter (shoulder) will throw a live batting practice session Tuesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

According to Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan Atlanta, Minter is encouraged by how good his shoulder feels after pitching in a few minor-league games. It sounds like the southpaw could be activated as early as Thursday, depending on how Tuesday's live BP session goes. Once healthy, Minter figures to factor into the ninth-inning mix in Atlanta.

Morejon will open the 2019 season at Double-A Amarillo, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Morejon's 2018 season came to an early end while he dealt with a minor triceps injury, but he'll enter the upcoming campaign at full health while getting his first taste of Texas League action. The young lefty spent the bulk of the past season in the California League, racking up 70 strikeouts over 62.2 innings for High-A Lake Elsinore while pitching to a 3.30 ERA and 1.25 WHIP.

Patino will open the 2019 season with High-A Lake Elsinore, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

One of several impressive young arms in the Padres' farm system, Patino will make the jump to the California League along with another ballyhooed pitching prospect in MacKenzie Gore. Patino was exceptional over 17 starts in the Midwest League with Low-A Fort Wayne a season ago, posting a 2.16 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 98:24 K:BB while yielding only one home run in 83.1 innings.

Guerra is converting to the mound this season, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.

Guerra was once an interesting enough shortstop prospect to co-headline a trade for Craig Kimbrel, but his bat has been very poor over the last three seasons in the Padres' organization. He hasn't recorded a wRC+ above 68 at any of his four stops in the minors since the trade. Very early returns from his position switch are promising, as he reportedly sat at 96-100 mph in his first bullpen session, but he'll have to demonstrate control and a viable second pitch before he's considered a true option on the mound.

Hicks (0-1) took the loss after allowing two runs on three hits while failing to record an out Sunday against Milwaukee.

Hicks didn't fare well in his second outing of the season, giving up a leadoff double, followed by an infield single and a game-winning double to Christian Yelich, the reigning National League MVP. Hicks will aim to return to form in the Cardinals' upcoming series with the Pirates after blowing his first save chance of 2019.

Strop (0-1) took the loss after allowing a run on one hit and recording one out in Sunday's game against Texas.

Strop was called upon in the bottom of the ninth inning in a tied ballgame. However, after surrendering a leadoff double and a groundout to the right side of the infield to advance the runner to third, he bounced a pitch in front of home plate, allowing the game-winning run to cross the plate. The 33-year-old right-hander is off to a tough start to 2019 and has given up two runs across one inning (two appearances).

Jansen twirled a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout Sunday against Arizona to secure his first save.

Jansen has struck out a pair in two perfect innings in the early stages of 2019. Despite posting an ERA over 3.00 for the first time in his career last season, the 31-year-old is still one of the best closers in baseball.