MLB Player News

Santana struck out one without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless eighth inning to earn a hold Friday against the Orioles.

Santana entered the game in the eighth inning for his second consecutive appearance, with Gregory Soto following him in the final frame on each occasion. While Santana is still in a high-leverage role and has performed well to begin 2026 -- he hasn't allowed a run across five innings while allowing only three baserunners -- it appears that Soto is the preferred option for saves for the time being.

Pagan earned the save in Friday's 5-3 win over the Rangers, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Pagan was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the ninth and did so on just 13 pitches. It marked the 34-year-old's first clean frame of the season and was a much-needed rebound after he allowed four runs in a non-save situation Wednesday. He's now 2-for-3 in save chances while allowing five earned runs through 4.1 innings.

Soto earned a save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Orioles, allowing one run on one hit with three strikeouts in one inning.

It was Soto's fifth appearance of the young season, but it was the left-hander's first save of 2026 after he pitched clean ninth innings Tuesday and Wednesday against the Reds in 8-3 victories. Soto struck out the side against the Orioles on Friday but did allow a solo home run to Gunnar Henderson with two outs. Soto looks to be manager Don Kelly's preferred closer option, which makes sense given the reliever's sterling 11:2 K:BB across 5.1 innings of work.

Taylor will serve as the White Sox's opening pitcher again Saturday against the Blue Jays, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Taylor started Friday's contest with a scoreless frame before handing things over to Sean Burke in a game Chicago won in 10 innings. The team will go right back to the well Saturday with Taylor opening ahead of Anthony Kay. Taylor now sits with a 3.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 5:2 K:BB across three innings this season.

Ross was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Friday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Ross broke camp with the big club but quickly pitched his way off the roster, allowing eight earned runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out two across 3.2 innings out of the Arizona bullpen to begin the 2026 season. Taylor Rashi's contract was selected in a corresponding move.

The Diamondbacks selected Rashi's contract from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

The right-hander missed out on Arizona's Opening Day roster but will now get a look in the big leagues. Rashi made 10 appearances in his first taste of the majors last year and posted a 4.41 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB across 16.1 innings.

Hoffman (1-1) blew a save and took the extra-inning loss against the White Sox on Friday, allowing two unearned runs on two hits and no walks with one strikeout while recording two outs in the 10th inning.

Hoffman entered the 10th inning with a 4-3 lead and recorded two outs before things unraveled. Tyler Heineman, who came in at catcher mid-inning to replace Alejandro Kirk (thumb), made an errant throw on a bunt single by Derek Hill that allowed the tying run to score. Hill then came around to score on a walkoff single by Tristan Peters. While Hoffman has allowed only one earned run and posted an 11:0 K:BB through his first five appearances this year, he's converted just one of three save chances after a tumultuous 2025 that ended with a blown save in Game 7 of the World Series.

Chapman earned the save in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres, allowing no hits and one walk with one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

Chapman was called on to protect a three-run lead and slammed the door despite throwing just 11 of 21 pitches for strikes. The veteran has picked up where he left off after a superb 2025 campaign, tossing three scoreless frames and converting both of his save opportunities to start this season.

Pepiot (hip) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Pepiot is working his way back from right hip inflammation. The right-hander is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list Monday at home against the Cubs, and it seems he has a shot to skip a rehab assignment and return on that date.

Walker pitched the sixth inning and retired the only two batters he faced in Thursday's win over the Mets.

Walker entered in the sixth with one out, no one on base and the Giants sporting a four-run lead. According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, Giants manager Tony Vitello said the staff discussed before the game using Walker directly after starting pitcher Robbie Ray because they offer essentially opposite looks for hitters. Blade Tidwell followed Walker after the Giants tacked on another run and wound up getting a three-inning save. Walker still looks like the favorite for saves in the San Francisco bullpen, but his usage Thursday indicates Vitello won't always hold Walker back for the ninth inning. If the Giants' closer situation turns into more of a committee, Keaton Winn and others could get into the mix.