MLB Player News

Helsley struck out two batters in a perfect inning and earned a save over Milwaukee on Sunday.

Helsley needed only 12 pitches (10 strikes) to quickly close out the 4-3 victory. Since blowing a save in his season debut, he's converted 12 consecutive chances. During that stretch, Helsley has given up just one earned run over 18 frames, lowering his season ERA to 1.42 alongside a 21:2 K:BB.

Jackson (1-1) allowed a walk and struck out two without giving up a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the extra-inning win Sunday over the Reds.

Jackson was tagged for three runs in his season debut and promptly went on the injured list with a back issue. He's been sharp since his return with 8.1 scoreless innings and a 7:3 K:BB in that span. Jackson has a couple of blown saves on his ledger and remains in a low-leverage role, though he pitched the 10th inning Sunday after Camilo Doval was called upon for a four-out appearance spanning the eighth and ninth frames.

Beeks allowed two hits in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Rangers. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Beeks erased the first hit by inducing a double play, and he was able to finish the outing without too much danger. Unlike his save Friday, Beeks appeared to be the first option for closing -- Justin Lawrence hadn't pitched since Friday and was not used Saturday or earlier in Sunday's game. Through 19.1 innings this season, Beeks has a 2.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 14:8 K:BB with three saves, a blown save, one hold and a 2-2 record. The southpaw's lack of dominance makes him an outlier in terms of a closer profile, but it looks like he'll get his chances anyway in the Rockies' committee situation after starting the year well.

Blach (1-1) allowed one run on seven hits and struck out two without walking a batter over five innings to earn the win Sunday over the Rangers.

Blach limited the damage to a run-scoring single by Adolis Garcia in the first inning. This was Blach's second start of the campaign, and he was able to throw 70 pitches (46 strikes) in a fairly efficient performance. The 33-year-old is at a 3.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB over 18 innings across five appearances in 2024. Blach has never been a pitcher known for racking up strikeouts, and his tenuous grip on a spot in the rotation, coupled with a challenging home park, will make him a risky fantasy option. He's tentatively projected to make his next start at San Francisco.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Liberatore will start Monday's series opener against the Angels in Anaheim, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

After he had worked out of the bullpen all season, Liberatore was on a limited pitch count when he was called upon to take over the injured Steven Matz's (back) spot in the rotation last Sunday versus the White Sox. Liberatore struck out five and allowed one earned run over 3.2 innings in a no-decision against Chicago before shifting back to the bullpen for this weekend's series in Milwaukee. He recorded just one out while allowing two earned runs in Friday's 11-2 loss, so Liberatore will be taking the hill on two days' rest Monday. Expect Liberatore to once again operate on a pitch limit, making him an unappealing streaming target.

Clarke (knee) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Nashville, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Clarke is ready for his first game action of the regular season after he suffered a meniscus injury late in spring training that ultimately required surgery. The right-hander has seemingly avoided any snags in the recovery process, prompting the Brewers to clear him for what will likely be a lengthy rehab assignment as he looks to build back up following the prolonged shutdown. The reliever is targeting a return from the 15-day injured list in late May.

The Marlins optioned Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday.

Soriano was recalled by Miami on Tuesday to add some bullpen depth. He appeared in two games following his call-up, giving up four runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four over 4.2 frames.

The Marlins transferred Chargois (neck) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

Chargois began the season on the 15-day IL due to neck spasms that kept him out of action during spring training. He made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Jacksonville, but he suffered a setback and hasn't pitched in the minors since April 26. It's unclear when the Marlins anticipate Chargois will be ready to make his 2024 MLB debut, but as a result of his move to the 60-day IL, he won't be eligible for activation until late May.

The Cubs optioned Cuas to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Cuas' stay with the big club lasted just one day, with the Cubs sending him back to Triple-A to clear room on the 26-man active roster for right-hander Kyle Hendricks (back), who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list ahead of his start Sunday in Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old righty covered two scoreless innings out of the bullpen in Saturday's 10-9 loss to the Pirates, striking out two while giving up one hit and one walk.

Blach is slated to start Sunday's game against the Rangers at Coors Field.

Blach will pick up his second start of the season as he joins the rotation as a replacement for Peter Lambert, who was recently moved to the bullpen. The veteran southpaw had worked in relief in both of his past two appearances for Colorado, but because he handled four- and three-inning workloads in those outings, he should be reasonably stretched out as he re-enters the rotation.