MLB Player News

Birdsong threw three scoreless innings during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rangers, allowing three hits while striking out five.

Birdsong entered the game in the sixth frame, surrendering a triple to the first batter he faced. However, he settled in and retired the next three hitters. The 23-year-old also allowed a double and a single over his three innings but racked up a season-high five strikeouts. Birdsong owns a 1.13 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and an 18:6 K:BB across 16.0 innings in seven games. The right-hander has been impressive to start the 2025 campaign and will likely continue to serve in a long-relief role.

Matz will be the Cardinals' starting pitcher for Wednesday's game in Cincinnati, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Matz will be pitching on three days' rest after he recorded two outs in a relief appearance Saturday versus the Brewers. The southpaw will be making his second start of the season after the Cardinals recently moved to a modified six-man rotation. He threw 71 pitches over five innings in his other start back on April 16 and should be able to handle a similar pitch count Wednesday.

The Red Sox optioned Criswell to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday.

Criswell was up as the 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians but did not make an appearance. The right-hander's last two appearances at Worcester were starts, and he'll likely rejoin its rotation this week.

The Rangers released Pennington on Sunday.

Pennington cleared waivers after being removed from the 40-man roster, but the Rangers have decided to cut him loose. The left-hander has not pitched this season, but he could draw interest due to his career 28.4 percent strikeout rate at the Triple-A level.

Fairbanks earned the save Sunday in San Diego after pitching a perfect ninth inning. He did not walk nor strike anyone out.

Fairbanks sent the Padres down in order to pick up his third save in the last four days. Sunday capped off a big week for Fairbanks who pitched 3.2 scoreless innings while picking up three saves and a win in four appearances. The 31-year-old owns a 2.38 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 10:6 K:BB in 11.1 innings.

Guenther tossed two scoreless innings of relief in Sunday's 7-0 win over the Orioles. He allowed one hit and struck out three.

After starter Tarik Skubal tossed six scoreless innings, Guenther followed it up with two scoreless frames of his own. It was only the second MLB appearance of the year for the lefty reliever, who was recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Friday and dealt with a back injury earlier in the season. Guenther was effective in 2024 for the Tigers, posting a 0.86 ERA across 21 regular-season innings, and he could see his role grow if he continues to pitch well out of the bullpen.

Merryweather (0-1) gave up two runs (one earned) while retiring two batters to take the loss Sunday against the Phillies. He allowed one hit and three walks.

Merryweather's control eluded him as he took his first loss of the season in the 3-1, 10-inning defeat. Despite the hiccup, the righty has mostly pitched well for the Cubs, registering a 2.45 ERA and 10 strikeouts across 11 frames. Merryweather struggled with injuries last year as he posted a disappointing 6.60 ERA in 15 innings of work, but he looks healthier and more effective in 2025. His control remains a concern, however, as he now has a 4.9 BB/9, which could lead to some rough outings down the road.

Munoz earned the save in Sunday's 7-6 win over the Marlins, tossing a perfect ninth inning while recording a strikeout.

Munoz retired the top of the Marlins' order on nine pitches to pick up his 10th save and move into a tie with Robert Suarez atop the league. Munoz hasn't let up a run all season while sporting an 0.79 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB in 14 innings.

Doval (2-1) got the win over the Rangers on Sunday after pitching a perfect ninth inning. He struck out two.

Doval made easy work of his opponents and retired the side in order on just 10 pitches. He wound up with the win after the Giants walked it off in the bottom of the inning. Doval is working on an eight-game scoreless streak and has allowed just one base hit in that span. Over his last five appearances, Doval has three saves, a hold and a win. He owns a 2.08 ERA ad 0.85 WHIP for the season but is still competing with Ryan Walker for saves despite his recent success.

Jackson (0-3) took the loss in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to the Giants, allowing an unearned run on one hit while failing to record an out.

Jackson entered in the ninth trying to preserve a 2-2 tie and send the game to extra innings. His outing lasted one pitch as Heliot Ramos reached on an infield single and then turned it into a little-league homer thanks to two throwing errors by the Rangers. It was the second loss for Jackson in his last three appearances, but he's still converted eight of nine save chances and has a 3.38 ERA and 1.22 WHIP this year.