MLB Player News

Phillips (shoulder) struck out a batter and allowed one hit in a scoreless inning of relief during his rehab appearance Wednesday with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Phillips made the sixth appearance of his rehab assignment, and perhaps most notably, he pitched on consecutive days for the first time during his assignment. He was roughed up for two runs on three hits over one inning Tuesday, but Phillips was much sharper Wednesday in a high-leverage spot. He entered the game with two runners on and no outs, but after striking out a batter and then allowing a single to load the bases, he induced a game-ending double play to secure the save. Provided that the Dodgers are satisfied with the condition on his shoulder coming out of Wednesday's appearance, Phillips could be activated from the 15-day injured list this weekend to make his season debut for the big club.

Lopez was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Lopez hit Bryan Reynolds with a pitch in the seventh inning and threw a pitch near Andrew McCutchen's head during the following at-bat. Lopez and McCutchen then had a heated exchange of words, which led to both benches clearing and the reliever's removal from the game. It remains to be seen whether he will face further discipline from Major League Baseball.

Suarez earned the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Cubs, not allowing a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning while not recording a strikeout.

Suarez continued his excellent start to the season in Wednesday's win, securing his league-leading eighth save. The 34-year-old Suarez has yet to allow a run through nine innings while pitching to a stellar 0.56 WHIP with 10:2 K:BB.

Hagenman didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Twins, giving up one run on three hits over 3.1 innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.

Making his big-league debut. Hagenman was deployed as the primary pitcher behind opener Huascar Brazoban and acquitted himself well, tossing 32 of 50 pitches for strikes before handing the ball off to Jose Butto. Hagenman wasn't exactly dominating for Triple-A Syracuse prior to his promotion, posting a 6.97 ERA and 12:4 K:BB through 10.1 innings over three appearances (two starts), but Wednesday's performance should earn him more opportunities with the Mets as the season progresses.

Hoffman gave up one run on one hit while striking out one in the ninth inning Wednesday to record his fourth save of the season in a 3-1 win over Atlanta.

The Toronto closer served up a solo shot to Drake Baldwin to ruin a combined shutout bid, but otherwise Hoffman was in control once again. The right-hander is 4-for-4 in save chances to begin his first season as the unquestioned top option in a big-league bullpen, posting a 1.74 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 14:1 K:BB through 10.1 innings.

Cousins (elbow) has begun throwing off a mound, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cousins has been nursing a right elbow flexor strain since February, but he recently received the green light to begin throwing bullpen sessions again. Assuming he doesn't experience any setbacks, the plan is for him to graduate to throwing live batting practice in a few weeks before beginning a rehab assignment in the minors. The 30-year-old righty will be eligible for activation from the 60-day IL in late May

The Rangers recalled Latz from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Latz has posted a 3.12 ERA and 14:8 K:BB over 8.2 frames at Round Rock this season. He will give manager Bruce Bochy another left-handed option in the bullpen.

The Rangers optioned Church to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Church drew some buzz during spring training and manager Bruce Bochy even floated his name as a potential closer candidate. However, Church struggled to throw strikes in the early going with a 5:6 K:BB over 4.2 frames, resulting in a move to the minors. Jacob Latz was called up from Triple-A to replace Church in the bullpen.

Helsley earned the save in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Astros, working around a walk in a scoreless ninth inning.

Helsley has held opponents scoreless in six of his seven appearances this season while improving to 3-for-4 in save chances after leading the league with 49 saves in 2024. His ERA is down to 2.57, with a 1.57 WHIP and 9:6 K:BB through seven innings to start the campaign.

Matz (1-0) earned the win Wednesday over the Astros, allowing one run on two hits and no walks over five innings. He struck out five.

Matz allowed a run on a pair of hits in the first inning before settling in and blanking Houston over his final four frames, setting down the final 15 batters he faced. Matz, who made five appearances out of the bullpen before starting Wednesday's outing, now sports a 2.16 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 11:2 K:BB through his first 16.2 innings this year. Matz figures to see at least two more starts, with the Cardinals electing to utilize a six-man rotation for the next three weeks.