MLB Player News

Yarbrough picked up the save in Thursday's 7-1 win over the Cardinals, allowing just one hit while logging one strikeout over three scoreless innings.

After Tyler Glasnow held St. Louis to one run in the first six innings, Yarbrough held the Redbirds to a lone single over three efficient innings as he earned an unexpected Opening Day save. The 32-year-old left-hander isn't likely to see many save chances going forward in Los Angeles, as he's slated for a long-relief role. Yarbrough went 8-7 with a 4.52 ERA and 67:14 K:BB across 89.2 innings last season between the Dodgers and Rays.

Jackson suffered tightness in his lower back Thursday against San Diego and is being sent for an MRI, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Jackson entered the game in the seventh inning and allowed two singles and a walk to the Padres before being removed due to the injury. He suffered from a similar issue in 2023, a concerning development given this was the first game of the new campaign.

Jackson left in the seventh inning of Thursday's game against the Padres with a back injury, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Jackson signalled for the trainer after throwing ball four to Jackson Merrill, and Ryan Walker came in to close out the seventh. Jackson noted after the game that he felt his back tighten after his second to last pitch to Merrill, and the right-hander will undergo an MRI on Thursday night, per Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Giants placed Hjelle (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Hjelle has resumed throwing off the mound since being shut down earlier this month with a mild right elbow sprain, but he's still likely to face an uphill battle to make it back from the 15-day injured list April 9 when first eligible. At this stage, Alex Cobb (hip) seems to be ahead of Hjelle in his throwing progression, as Cobb threw 40 pitches in a minor-league spring training game last weekend. If Cobb beats Hjelle back from the IL, the latter would likely have to settle for a long-relief role or a rotation spot at Triple-A Sacramento upon being activated.

The Cubs placed Kilian (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Kilian was diagnosed in early March with a teres major strain in his right shoulder. The team noted at the time that it's an injury that can have a wide range of timelines, but the righty is likely to be out at least until around the All-Star break.

The Giants placed Small (oblique) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Small sustained a Grade 2 right oblique strain just under two weeks ago and will now spend the first two months of the regular season rehabbing and recovering from the injury after landing on the 60-day IL. The 27-year-old lefty had served as a starter for most of his professional career but made the full-time move to the bullpen last season while he was in the Milwaukee organization.

The Mets placed Reid-Foley on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right shoulder impingement.

Reid-Foley missed much of spring training with what had been described as arm fatigue and ultimately landed on the IL with a shoulder issue. The Mets haven't provided a timetable for the right-handed reliever's return.

The Rockies placed Gilbreath (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Gilbreath is still working his way back from March 2023 Tommy John surgery, although the plan had been for him to resume facing hitters this week. It's not clear when the left-hander might be ready for his season debut, but the Rockies' decision not to place him on the 60-day IL suggests that he has a chance to pitch from Colorado before the end of May.

The Pirates selected Stratton's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Stratton spun seven scoreless frames this spring to win a spot in the Pirates' bullpen. The right-hander reliever is pegged for low-leverage relief innings.

Cronin will begin the season as part of the Marlins' bullpen.

The 26-year-old right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Astros just before the start of spring training and delivered an 11:5 K:BB through 10.2 Grapefruit League innings for the Marlins. Cronin is expected to work in lower-leverage situations, although his sinker could get him the occasional hold opportunity when Miami needs a double play.