MLB Player News

Abreu earned the save in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Red Sox, allowing a run on one hit while striking out three in the ninth inning.

Abreu got off to an inauspicious start in the ninth inning Wednesday, as he gave up a home run to Roman Anthony to lead off the frame. However, the right-hander rebounded to strike out Boston's subsequent three batters to close out a two-run victory and earn his first save of the year. While Abreu has given up at least one run in all three of his appearances this season, Wednesday's outing certainly looks like a step in the right direction. Notably, his fastball velocity reached 97.4 mph after topping out at just 93.2 mph in his last appearance Sunday versus the Angels. Abreu figures to retain the ninth-inning job in Houston until Josh Hader (biceps) is able to return from the IL.

Soto struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday during the Pirates' 8-3 win over the Reds.

For the second straight day, Soto was warming up to handle a save situation in the bottom of the ninth, only for Pittsburgh's offense to churn out insurance runs in the top of the frame and erase the save chance. The veteran southpaw has a 0.00 ERA through 4.1 innings to begin the season with an 8:2 K:BB, and he currently appears to be the favorite for save chances ahead of Dennis Santana.

The Royals recalled Cruz from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

He'll take the roster spot vacated by Carlos Estevez (foot), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. Cruz posted a 3.74 ERA and 38:18 K:BB over 45.2 frames for the Royals last season and should work low-leverage innings.

The Royals placed Estevez (foot) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Estevez suffered a left foot contusion during an appearance Saturday in Atlanta when he was struck by a line drive. The reliever has also been dealing with velocity and delivery issues that have affected his overall effectiveness, and he'll get a chance to get back on track while on the IL and when he presumably goes on a rehab assignment. Estevez will be eligible to be reinstated April 14, but his timetable to return is currently up in the air. Lucas Erceg has stepped in as closer for the Royals and should continue in that role indefinitely.

Yates (knee) threw an abbreviated bullpen session Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Yates said afterward that his knee felt healthy but that he still needs to sharpen his stuff before he's ready to pitch in a game. Sidelined by left knee inflammation, Yates is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list April 6. It's unclear whether he'll be back on that date, but if he isn't it shouldn't be long after. Jordan Romano has seized the Angels' closer job for the time being, but Yates could work his way back into that mix.

Sousa (oblique) will throw a live batting practice session next week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It will be his first time facing hitters since he suffered a Grade 1 left oblique strain in his final spring training appearance. He's eligible to be activated from the 15-day injured list next week and the Astros have been optimistic that Sousa won't need more than a minimum stay on the IL, so it's possible he skips a rehab assignment.

Pearson (elbow) has progressed to throwing a live batting practice session, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pearson developed soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow a month ago and has been brought along slowly since then. That he's now facing hitters suggests a rehab assignment could be right around the corner. Pearson signed with the Astros over the offseason with the intent to be a starting pitcher, but his best path to a role right now is as a reliever.

The Dodgers transferred Cousins (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for righty Jake Eder, who was acquired from the Nationals on Wednesday. Cousins is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will be sidelined until after the All-Star break.

The Dodgers acquired Eder from the Nationals on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reports.

Eder had been designated for assignment by the Nationals and is now headed to a new organization. The left-hander has minor-league options remaining and is likely to be assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Eder has made nine relief appearances at the big-league level, allowing 11 runs with a 16:10 K:BB over 20.1 innings.

Ponce will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday to determine whether he needs surgery to repair a sprained right ACL, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Ponce suffered the injury during his first start of the season Monday against the Rockies. He will have an outside chance to return later this season if surgery is not required, but if he does need an operation, he'll be shelved until 2027. In either scenario, Ponce appears safe to drop in most redraft fantasy leagues.