MLB Player News

Pivetta dropped to 0-1 in Friday's 1-0 loss to the Mariners, allowing one run on three hits and zero walks while striking out 10 over six innings.

Pivetta was dominant, allowing his lone run on a J.P. Crawford solo homer in the sixth inning. However, the Red Sox couldn't solve George Kirby, saddling Pivetta with the loss. The 31-year-old right-hander is expected to be a major piece in Boston's rotation after going 10-9 with a 4.04 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 183:50 K:BB last season. He's in line for a road matchup next week against the A's.

Munoz earned the save in Friday's win over the Red Sox, striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Munoz came on in relief of Ryne Stanek with two outs in the eighth, coaxing a groundout off the bat of Trevor Story to strand the tying run at third base. Munoz would proceed to strike out the side in the ninth, closing out a 1-0 win for his first save of the year. The 25-year-old right-hander should have a firm grasp on the ninth-inning job in Seattle after tallying 13 saves last season while posting a 2.94 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP and 67:22 K:BB.

Kinley allowed one hit and walked two while striking out one in a scoreless inning Friday against the Diamondbacks.

Kinley is a candidate to serve as Colorado's closer, though he entered Friday's game with the Rockies down 7-3 in the eighth inning. He was also shaky in his first outing of the campaign, allowing a leadoff double before walking two. He escaped the jam, but it appears that Justin Lawrence may be in line to get the first chance for saves.

The Pirates sent Holderman (illness) to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday to begin a rehab assignment.

A lengthy battle with a virus kept Holderman out of action for a significant amount of time during spring training, so he will head to Indianapolis in order to properly prepare for his regular-season debut. The 28-year-old righty will be eligible to return from the IL on April 9.

Clase allowed a hit in a scoreless ninth inning and earned a save over Oakland on Friday.

After a fielding error and a base hit, Clase faced a bit of a jam before closing out the game with a double play. He needed just eight total pitches to finish off Friday's win. The 26-year-old picked up right where he left off after leading MLB in saves during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. Clase arguably has the most job security of any closer and should be among the league leaders once again.

Alvarado (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Phillies were downed 9-3 by Atlanta, coughing up five runs on three hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. He struck out one.

Entering a 2-2 tie in the top of the eighth inning, Alvarado struggled with his control and tossed only 15 of 30 pitches for strikes. The left-hander left the mound with the bases loaded having allowed two runs, and Connor Brogdon let all three inherited runners cross the plate. Alvarado is still the top option for saves in what is likely to be a fluid Phillies bullpen, but a bad start to the season could let Jeff Hoffman pass him in the ninth-inning pecking order, and Orion Kerkering (forearm) could also be a factor once he's healthy.

Middleton (forearm) will start a throwing program Wednesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Next week will mark the first time Middleton has thrown since March 16 after he sustained a right forearm strain during spring training. He was placed on the 15-day IL on Tuesday, and Middleton's progress in the throwing program will give the Cardinals a better idea as to when the right-hander will be able to return to the majors.

The Giants placed Jackson on the 15-day injured list Friday with a lower-back strain, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Jackson had to leave Thursday's game against San Diego after straining his back, and the injury is apparently severe enough to sideline him for a couple of weeks. Kai-Wei Teng was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to fill Jackson's spot in the bullpen.

Uribe retired all three batters he faced in the ninth inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Mets. He did not record a strikeout.

The 23-year-old threw eight of his 11 pitches for strikes as he received Milwaukee's first save chance in the absence of Devin Williams (back). Trevor Megill and Joel Payamps worked the seventh and eighth innings, respectively. Uribe appears to have the leg up for closing duties to begin the season, but Megill and Payamps could still be a factor if manager Pat Murphy elects to utilize a committee approach.

Simpson (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Simpson has dealt with a left elbow issue since late February and began the season on the injured list. He looks to be making nice progress, though, and could be ready for a rehab assignment soon.