MLB Player News

Diaz gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his first save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Phillies.

After blowing the save in his season debut March 30 against the Nationals, Diaz has quickly gotten on track and picked up a win and a save in his next two appearances while posting a 4:0 K:BB in 2.2 innings. The 27-year-old righty is entrenched as the Reds' closer after racking up 37 saves last year and delivering a 2.62 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 11.69 K/9 over 134 innings since making his big-league debut in 2022.

Okert threw a scoreless ninth inning in Wednesday's win at Milwaukee with a walk and three strikeouts. He would have be in line for a save had the Twins not scored in the top of the ninth inning. "At that point in the game, Okert with the experience was probably the answer," manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Griffin Jax, who has Minnesota's only save with Jhoan Duran (oblique) on the injured list, was used in the eighth inning against the heart of the Brewers' lineup. While Okert isn't likely to get many save chances, he appears to be in the high-leverage mix and could see some ninth-inning opportunities when Baldelli is playing matchups.

Montas (2-0) recorded the win Wednesday in a 4-1 victory over the Phillies, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out five,

The right-hander couldn't quite deliver his second straight quality start to begin the season, blanking Philly for five innings before fading in the sixth -- Kyle Schwarber led off the frame with a solo shot, and Montas then loaded the bases with two outs before Justin Wilson was able to quell the rally. Montas exited after 100 pitches (63 strikes), and through his first two outings with the Reds he's posted a 9:3 K:BB in 11.2 innings. The 31-year-old lines up to make his next start at home early next week against the Brewers.

Smith (0-2) was charged with his first blown save of the season Wednesday and took the loss against Baltimore, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. he struck out one.

Entering the game in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Royals ahead 3-2, the veteran lefty loaded the bases on two walks and a single before James McCann walked it off with a line drive to left field. Smith has had a rough start to the season, coughing up six runs in his first 2.2 innings with a 2:4 K:BB, but James McArthur is also struggling and has allowed at least one run in all three of his appearances, including a two-spot Wednesday. Should someone else in the bullpen step up, Smith's hold on the closer role for Kansas City seems tenuous at best.

Ragans came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles, allowing one hit and two walks over 6.1 scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

He retired the first 10 batters he faced, and the only Baltimore hitter to get into scoring position against Ragans was Adley Rutschman, who got stranded on second base twice. The southpaw produced 30 called or swinging strikes among his 91 pitches and exited the game with the Royals ahead 3-0, but James McArthur and Will Smith combined to blow the lead. Ragans sports 16:5 K:BB through his first 12.1 innings this season with two quality starts in two trips to the mound. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up for a home start early next week against the Astros.

The Yankees outrighted Tully to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday after he cleared waivers.

Tully is no longer on the 40-man roster but will remain in the Yankees organization. The left-hander spent the 2023 campaign at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, posting a 5.64 ERA in 19 starts.

Leclerc allowed a run on two hits over one inning during Wednesday's 4-1 win over Tampa Bay.

Leclerc has allowed runs in all three of his appearances thus far. None have come in save situations, but that doesn't necessarily soothe the concerns of fantasy managers relying on him for saves. Leclerc has allowed six runs on three hits and five walks while striking out one over 2.2 innings. Continued struggles will likely open the door for David Robertson to see save chances.

McGough (0-1) was tagged with the loss in Wednesday's extra-innings game against the Yankees. He allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out one over one inning.

McGough, pitching on back-to-back days, entered the top of the 11th inning and gave up a pair of runs then was part of an unusual situation in the bottom of the frame. Previous tactical maneuvers and an injury to Geraldo Perdomo (knee) resulted in McGough striking out with two outs and the bases loaded. It was the reliever's first career plate appearance.

Lamet picked up a save against San Francisco on Wednesday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning of work.

Usual closer Evan Phillips was unavailable after pitching three times over the previous four days, but it still seemed surprising for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to call upon Lamet to close the contest given that he had never saved a game in 119 previous MLB appearances. The move paid off, however, as the right-hander mowed down the side on just 11 pitches, with two of his outs coming via strikeout. Phillips has a secure hold on the closer role for Los Angeles, so Lamet is unlikely to get many more save opportunities, though he does have closer-like stuff and could be a candidate to shut things down on occasion when Phillips is unavailable.

Oakland outrighted Martinez to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Martinez lost his spot on the Athletics' 40-man roster after surrendering four earned runs over 1.1 innings across two appearances during spring training, and he will officially remain in Oakland's farm system after clearing waivers. The 27-year-old right-hander owns a 5.51 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 112.2 career innings in the majors, and he has a poor history in Triple-A as well.