MLB Player News

Kowar (elbow) could be nearing his activation from the 60-day injured list, MLB.com reports.

Kowar has produced solid results in the minor leagues amidst his recovery from 2024 Tommy John surgery, posting a 2.57 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 4:3 K:BB over seven innings (eight appearances) on his rehab assignment. The 28-year-old right-hander should be ready to make both his Mariners and season debut by early June, and he'll likely operate as a multi-inning reliever in Seattle's bullpen once he's fully up to speed.

Bazardo threw a scoreless ninth inning in Tuesday's 9-1 win over the Nationals. He struck out one.

Bazardo is searching for some consistency, as he's given up at least one run in three of his seven appearances this month. His longest scoreless stretch of the season is just five outings, which he accomplished from April 6 through April 15, but he's still kept his ratios in check with a 4.21 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 21:11 K:BB over 25.2 innings. However, Bazardo owns zero holds or saves in 2025, and he'll likely remain primarily in a middle-relief role going forward.

Bednar struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 9-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

Bednar has earned three saves over his last four appearances. He had allowed a baserunner in each of his last three outings before Tuesday's clean inning. The right-hander is still on shaky ground, as he's been scored on in four of his 11 appearances in May, allowing five runs over 9.2 innings with a 15:2 K:BB. Overall, he has a 4.86 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 24:5 K:BB through 16.2 innings in the majors this season, and he's added six saves and three holds.

Estrada allowed a hit and struck out two over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save in Tuesday's 8-6 win over the Marlins.

The Padres' bullpen was a little thin, as all of Robert Suarez, Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon had pitched Sunday and Monday. Estrada took care of business in a rare chance to close out a game, earning his first save of the season to go with 10 holds and two blown saves. He's had a bit of a bumpy stretch in May, allowing five runs (three earned) over 6.2 innings across his last eight appearances. Overall, he has a 2.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 37:7 K:BB through 24.1 innings this season, making him a trusted part of the setup crew.

Kinley (0-2) took the loss after allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks in 1.1 innings during Tuesday's 4-3 extra-innings loss to the Cubs. He struck out one.

Kinley's struggles on the mound continue, as he now owns an abysmal 10.03 ERA, 2.14 WHIP and 9:11 K:BB over his last 11.2 innings. The 34-year-old right-hander has a lone hold and just one save in two opportunities on the campaign, so he remains well behind Zach Agnos and Seth Halvorsen in Colorado's bullpen hierarchy. The recently returned Victor Vodnik also looms as an option in high-leverage situations.

Green (1-1) took the loss in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Texas after allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk in one inning. He struck out one.

Although it was a non-save situation, Green was unable to keep the game tied in a high-leverage spot. It's still been a strong month for the veteran right-hander, who owns a 2.61 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB over 10.1 innings in May. The Blue Jays have displayed continued trust in Jeff Hoffman as their closer while he works through his struggles, but they may have to rely more heavily on Green in high-leverage situations until Yimi Garcia (shoulder) returns to the fold.

Garcia picked up the save in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Toronto by throwing a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two.

Garcia's usage is becoming noteworthy -- he worked the ninth inning in his second straight outing in place of Luke Jackson, who was called upon for the eighth frame Tuesday. Given Jackson's struggles this season -- he has a 4.86 ERA and 1.56 WHIP through 16.2 innings -- it wouldn't be surprising to see Garcia receive additional save opportunities in the future. Although the Rangers' bullpen could remain a committee approach as it pertains to ninth-inning work, Garcia sports a 2.35 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 21:8 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances over 23 frames.

Helsley allowed a hit and struck out two batters over one inning while earning a save against the Orioles on Tuesday.

Helsley worked around a two-out single by Ramon Urias to finish off the 7-4 victory. It was Helsley's seventh straight save conversion, and he's now 11-for-13 on the year. He lowered his ERA to 3.32 with a 21:11 K:BB through 19 frames. Helsley has posted a 3.00 ERA with seven saves in May.

Cabrera signed a major-league contract with the Cubs on Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Cabrera elected free agency Tuesday after being DFA'd by the Mets on Saturday, and he'll now attempt to carve out a role for himself in the Cubs' bullpen. The 28-year-old southpaw gave up three earned runs in 7.2 innings with the Mets but owned a 7.88 ERA through eight innings with their Triple-A affiliate.

Vest allowed a run on two hits over one inning during Tuesday's win against the Giants. He struck out one batter and earned a save.

Vest served up an RBI double to Wilmer Flores in the ninth frame but retired the next three batters to finish off the 3-1 win. It was Vest's seventh save in nine chances. He had thrown 12 innings in May without giving up an earned run before Tuesday, and he still owns a strong 1.73 ERA across 26 frames this season.