MLB Player News

McGough (0-3) was charged with the loss in Monday's game against the Rockies. He allowed three runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning.

McGough entered to start the sixth inning and walked the first batter, who came around to score the tying run. He was out of the game by the time Joe Mantiply allowed two inherited runners to score, which saddled McGough with a third loss in his last three outings. McGough has a 6.35 ERA and 1.59 WHIP over 5.2 innings thus far in 2024.

Alzolay (1-1) was tagged with a blown save and a loss against the Padres on Monday, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

Chicago built what looked to be an insurmountable 8-0 lead by the midpoint of the fourth inning, but San Diego came storming back with seven runs in the sixth. The Cubs' bullpen was able to hold onto the one-run lead until the eighth, and Alzolay was brought in with one out and one runner on base in that frame, possibly to try to complete a multi-inning save. He struck out Xander Bogaerts to begin his outing before surrendering a two-run homer to Fernando Tatis that provided the winning margin for San Diego. The blown save was the second of the season for Alzolay, who also failed to convert a save chance Opening Day.

Helsley (1-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk over one inning, taking the extra-inning loss Monday versus the Phillies. He did not record a strikeout.

Helsley was brought in to pitch the 10th inning, but he gave up an RBI double to Alec Bohm and a sacrifice fly to Bryson Stott after intentionally walking Bryce Harper with one out. This was the first time Helsley has given up runs since he blew a save March 30 versus the Dodgers. All six of the right-hander's appearances have been one inning so far -- in previous years, he's been tasked with getting more than three outs, but manager Oliver Marmol told reporters Sunday that Helsley will not be doing that as often in 2024, per Katie Woo of The Athletic. Helsley has a 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 5:1 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances so far this season.

Suarez earned a save against the Cubs on Monday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

The Padres put up nine runs from the sixth through eighth innings to carry a one-run lead into the ninth, and they turned to Suarez to try to nail down the comeback victory. The right-hander had little trouble doing so, striking out a batter to start and end the frame and needing just 14 pitches to retire the side in order. Suarez wasn't a certainly to work as the closer this season for San Diego coming into spring camp, but he looks to have a firm hold on the role at this point, tying for the league lead with four saves while allowing just one run and posting an 8:3 K:BB over six innings.

Bird recorded one out to earn a save over Arizona on Monday.

Bird entered the game with two outs and the bases jammed in a 7-5 game and forced Eugenio Suarez to fly out after Nick Mears couldn't finish off the inning. Bird has one save and a hold while registering a 5.14 ERA through seven innings this season. Justin Lawrence picked up a hold with a scoreless eighth inning.

Hoffman (1-0) allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in one inning Monday. He struck out one, blew a save chance and earned a win over the Phillies.

Hoffman coughed up the 3-1 lead in the ninth inning after Jose Alvarado worked a clean eighth but the Phillies quickly took the lead back in the 10th to get Hoffman the victory. Hoffman had turned in 4.1 scoreless frames prior to Monday's hiccup. As of now, Alvarado still appears to be the team's top ninth-inning option.

Soto allowed one hit in a scoreless frame Monday, striking out two and earning a save over the Cardinals.

Soto was in a first-and-third jam with just one out but punched out Nolan Gorman and Nolan Arenado to close out the 5-3 win in the 10th inning. This came after Jeff Hoffman blew a save chance in the ninth. Soto now has a save and two holds with a 5:0 K:BB through 3.2 shutout frames.

Diaz picked up the save Monday against Milwaukee. He pitched a scoreless inning, allowing one walk and no hits, with no strikeouts.

Diaz entered the ninth inning with a two-run lead but didn't pitch as cleanly as his line looks. Not only did he walk Christian Yelich in the inning, but he also beaned Sal Frelick before wrapping up the save with a Rhys Hoskins flyball. Diaz remains the main saves option in Cincinnati despite his rocky start with a 7.20 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over his first five appearances.

Merryweather (ribs/back) underwent additional testing Monday and it was determined that he is dealing with a rib stress fracture in his back, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Merryweather was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right shoulder strain, but manager Craig Counsell announced his updated injury status Monday, stating that the right hander will be shut down from throwing for four weeks. Merryweather is now set to be on the shelf well past the minimum stay on the IL and in the meantime, Daniel Palencia will likely stick around the major-league bullpen.

The Dodgers optioned Varland to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Varland will return to Triple-A after being recalled by the Dodgers on April 6. He pitched against the Cubs on April 7, when he gave up two runs (one earned) on one hit over 0.1 innings. Prior to his call-up, Varland appeared in three games for OKC, giving up two runs on one hit and one walk over 3.2 innings.