MLB Player News

Jax threw a scoreless inning while striking out two in Friday's 8-6 victory over the Royals. He earned his fifth hold.

Jax has a 3.18 ERA and 14:2 K:BB ratio in 11.1 innings as he picked up where he left off last season as a high-impact reliever. He's working as a key setup man for the Twins but could get a save chance the next day or two with Jhoan Duran away from the team for a personal issue.

Duran, who left Minneapolis early Friday morning to attend to immigration matters, has an uncertain return date, manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

It's not clear if Duran's absence will last a day or several days. Jorge Lopez converted a save chance Friday and is likely the top option to close in Duran's absence.

Pivetta (1-2) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over five innings Friday, striking out five and taking a loss against Cleveland.

Pivetta stumbled out of the gate Friday, coughing up three runs in the first two innings. He later allowed a solo homer to Mike Zunino in the fourth. After a pair of solid outings to begin the year, Pivetta has given up 13 runs over his last 14.2 frames, raising his ERA to 5.11. He'll look for better results in his next start, which is projected to be at home against the Blue Jays next week.

Clase allowed one hit in a scoreless inning to earn a save over Boston on Friday.

After a leadoff double by Jarren Duran, Clase retired the next three batters to close out the 5-2 win. The right-hander has now converted eight consecutive save chances, making him 9-for-10 on the year. He's riding a seven-inning scoreless streak, lowering his season ERA to 1.93 alongside an 8:4 K:BB.

Williams picked up the save Friday against the Angels. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one in one inning.

Williams has been among baseball's best relievers this season. He has converted all four of his save opportunities and has yet to allow a run in 2023. In nine innings Williams has struck out 14 while posting a 0.78 WHIP.

Smith picked up the save in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Yankees. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one over one inning.

Smith needed just eight pitches to retire the side in the ninth inning. The lefty has a team-high three saves on the season, as Smith splits closer duties with Jose Leclerc. Both pitchers have been excellent -- Leclerc has a 0.93 ERA, while Smith's is down to 1.93.

Faucher will serve as the opener for Saturday's game against the White Sox, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Faucher will work the first inning or two before Yonny Chirinos takes over as the bulk reliever. Because he won't last long enough to qualify for a win, Faucher shouldn't be considered as a fantasy streaming option even as the nominal starter.

Alvarado picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 victory over the Astros. He didn't allow a baserunner while striking out two over one inning.

Alvarado has been lights out this season. He struck out two more hitters in the ninth to bring his season total to 24 in just 12.1 innings. The flamethrowing lefty leads the Phillies with five saves, all of which have come since April 19.

Devenski will be called up from Triple-A Salt Lake prior to Saturday's game against the Brewers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Devenski will take the place of Jose Quijada (elbow), who is heading to the injured list. In seven appearances in the Pacific Coast League, Devenski has registered a 4.00 ERA with a 9:3 K:BB. He'll likely operate in a low-leverage role while with the team.

Quijada was placed on the 15-day injured list by the Angels on Friday with left elbow soreness.

Quijada told reporters that he felt sore when he woke up Friday. The left-hander also said he's undergone an MRI, but the results haven't been presented yet. The Angels will call up Chris Devenski to take Quijada's place in the bullpen before Saturday's game against the Brewers.