MLB Player News

Pagan was charged with a blown save in Thursday's 10-inning loss to the Mariners, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning. He struck out two.

It was a nightmarish outing for Pagan, who was tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the ninth. The right-hander would give up a leadoff homer to Cal Raleigh before Randy Arozarena tied the game with another long ball just two pitches later. Pagan, who converted his previous four save chances prior to Thursday, now sports a 2.89 ERA, 0.54 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB through his first 9.1 innings this year. While Pagan should continue to serve as the Reds' primary closer in the short term, he figures to have a short leash as Alexis Diaz has delivered consecutive scoreless outings in his return from the injured list.

Puk struck out one and allowed a hit during a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Marlins.

Puk was handed a 6-4 lead and managed to escape unscathed after giving up a leadoff double to Griffin Conine. The left-hander has now secured four of Arizona's six saves this season, giving him a slight edge in the closer committee over Justin Martinez, who converted the other two and closed out the seventh inning Thursday. Puk needed 21 pitches to get through the frame and has now thrown 36 pitches over the past two days, which could affect his availability for Friday's series opener versus the Cubs.

Montas (lat) has been playing catch from 90 feet and is expected to begin throwing bullpen sessions in two weeks, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Montas began a throwing program in early April and has been brought along slowly as he works his way back from a high-grade right lat strain. He still has numerous boxes to check off in his rehab program but appears to be tracking toward a season debut in late May or early June, if all goes well.

The Mets optioned Hagenman to Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Hagenman made his MLB debut Wednesday, allowing one earned run while striking out four batters across 3.1 innings in bulk relief. Despite his quality performance, it seems the Mets would still like to see more from the 28-year-old righty in the minors, where he currently holds a 6.97 ERA and 1.88 WHIP. Max Kranick was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Mets recalled Kranick from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Kranick was just optioned to Syracuse on Wednesday, but the plan was always to bring him back a day later once Jose Siri (leg) officially went on the 10-day injured list. The 27-year-old Kranick has been one of the Mets' best relievers this season, permitting two runs with a 7:1 K:BB over 11.2 innings.

Soriano has an 8.10 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 8:5 K:BB through 10 innings over six appearances.

The 26-year-old right-hander did pick up a win in extra innings March 29 against the Pirates, but Soriano has zero holds or saves so far as he's been mainly limited to low-leverage duty. He's been tagged for at least one run in four straight outings, and given that he has a minor-league option remaining, he could get bumped down to Triple-A Jacksonville once Declan Cronin (hip) is ready to come off the IL.

MLB announced Thursday that Lopez has been suspended three games for intentionally throwing at the Pirates' Andrew McCutchen in Wednesday's 6-1 loss, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports. Lopez will appeal the suspension and will remain available for Thursday's series finale in Pittsburgh.

After hitting Bryan Reynolds with a pitch with two outs in bottom of the seventh, Lopez threw near McCutchen's head three pitches later and incited a benches-clearing brawl. Lopez was ejected from the contest, as was Reynolds for his role in the ensuing brawl. The right-hander was the only player issued a suspension for the incident, however, though Nationals manager Dave Martinez was also handed a one-game ban that he'll serve Thursday. Until his hearing takes place or unless he drops the appeal, Lopez will remain eligible to appear in games for Washington.

Bednar has thrown five scoreless innings with a 7:0 K:BB with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Bednar struggled through an inconsistent 2024 season, though it was still a surprise when he was demoted after three poor appearances to kick off the new campaign. While it's a limited sample against a lower level of competition, he seems to have regained some confidence with Indianapolis. Dennis Santana has fared well in his duties as closer since Bednar was optioned, though it wouldn't be surprising to see Bednar get another chance in the big leagues sometime soon.

Moreta (elbow) has begun throwing live batting practice, MLB.com reports.

Moreta missed all of the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery but has progressed without significant setbacks in his recovery. He's expected to return to the Pirates' bullpen at some point around midseason.

Holderman (knee) has progressed to throwing live batting practice and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon, MLB.com reports.

Holderman has been on the injured list since April 6 but has made progress toward a return. He struggled in high-leverage spots to begin the season by allowing at least one earned run in four of his five appearances before the injury. However, with the Pirates' bullpen still in flux, Holderman could mix in for saves if his performance stabilizes.