MLB Player News

Hand recorded the final two outs in Friday's 5-1 win over the Giants to pick up his fifth save of the season.

After Kazuhisa Makita allowed a couple of one-out hits in the top of the ninth inning, Hand came in and promptly got Joe Panik to ground into a double play to end the game. The Padres' closer has put his early-season hiccups firmly behind him and now boasts a 2.35 ERA and 10:4 K:BB through 7.2 innings.

Blach (1-2) took the loss against the Padres on Friday, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and a walk over five innings while striking out three.

It's been a bumpy start to the season for the left-hander, who now has a 4.43 ERA and 9:9 K:BB through 20.1 innings. On the bright side, Blach has yet to give up a homer, although all four of his starts so far have come in friendly NL West ballparks (two at home and one in Dodger Stadium before Friday's outing in Petco Park). That could change next week, when he'll likely take the mound for a road start against either the Diamondbacks or Angels, depending on whether Johnny Cueto (ankle) and/or Jeff Samardzija (pectoral) are ready to rejoin the rotation.

Peters (2-1) got the win against Pittsburgh on Friday, giving up two earned runs over six innings on four hits, striking out three and walking two in Miami's 7-2 victory.

After getting blown up for nine earned runs by the Phillies in his last start, Peters was able to rebound and get the victory with the solid showing against the Pirates. It was a strong start and Peters has actually fared well in both his outings this season aside from the blowout against Philadelphia, but at this point he just doesn't have the stuff or track record to be considered for fantasy purposes.

Neris picked up the save against the Rays on Friday, working around one walk without giving up a hit in a clean ninth inning to finish off the Phillies' 2-1 victory.

Neris blew the save in his last outing against the Reds but he was able to bounce back and lock down his second of the year against Tampa Bay. He's still got an unsightly 6.35 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, but those numbers are a bit skewed thanks to one bad performance on Opening Day against Atlanta where he gave up three earned in two-thirds of an inning. He also seems to have job security on his side at this point, as injuries in Philadelphia's bullpen mean he has limited competition for the role.

Smith (elbow) threw 17 pitches over one inning during his rehab appearance with High A-San Jose on Friday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

The rehab appearance is Smith's first after undergoing Tommy John in March 2017. The 28-year-old is scheduled to appear again Sunday in San Jose before moving up to Triple-A Sacramento, and is still expected to return from the disabled list around May 1.

Lamet (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the 2018 season, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet underwent an MRI on April 2, but the Padres did not release the results of the exam as they wanted to attempt the rehab route before ultimately turning to surgery. The 25-year-old had worked his way up to throwing from 90 feet last week in his rehab effort, but he apparently was still feeling tightness in his elbow, which led to the decision to opt for surgery. The promising right-hander will miss the rest of 2018 and will likely be out for the start of the 2019 season, as well.

McGrath was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

The lefty will head to the majors after spending the minimum 10 days in the minors since his last option. The Padres seem intent on continuing to put their relievers on a carousel between the majors, so he very well could be headed back to the minors after a few appearances even if he can show improvement. In a corresponding move, Colten Brewer was sent back to El Paso.

Hernandez was designated for assignment by the Reds on Friday, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Hernandez worked his way from Double-A up to the big leagues last season, but he struggled to the tune of a 5.18 ERA in Cincinnati. This was more of a procedural move than anything, as it allows the Reds to add Dylan Floro to the big-league roster. Hernandez will likely remain at Double-A as long as he clears waivers.

Rainey was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Friday, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Rainey was recalled earlier in the week, but his performance in the big leagues was poor at best. He allowed seven runs in two innings pitched, prompting the Reds to send him back to the minors for more seasoning. He received lots of praise from manager Bryan Price during spring training, however, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him back in the majors later in the season. To take his spot in the major-league bullpen, Dylan Floro was promoted from Triple-A.

Floro's contract was purchased from Triple-A Louisville on Friday, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Floro hasn't had a lot of success in the big leagues in his career (5.11 ERA, 1.82 WHIP in 24.2 innings pitched), but he has yet to allow a run in the minors this season. As such, he'll head to the big leagues to provide another fresh arm in middle relief. To make room for him on the roster, Tanner Rainey was optioned to Triple-A and Ariel Hernandez was designated for assignment.