MLB Player News

Boston manager Alex Cora estimated Martin (shoulder) will begin playing catch next week.

Martin, who was placed on the injured list retroactive to April 13, is "trending in the right direction," the manager added. The reliever is eligible to come off the IL on April 28, but Martin may not hit that date.

Winckowski allowed one hit and one walk while striking out four over 2.1 scoreless relief innings to earn a hold in Friday's 5-3 win over the Brewers.

Winckowski stranded a runner in the sixth inning and bridged the gap to closer Kenley Jansen. Winckowski has been outstanding out of the bullpen to start the season. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 1.65 and has gobbled up 16.1 innings over eight appearances. The Red Sox currently carry six starters, so his effectiveness in a multi-inning relief role has been valuable.

Faucher didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 8-7 win over the White Sox, giving up three runs on five hits over two innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.

After the Rays jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, Faucher handed most of it back in the top of the second, giving up four straight hits at one point. The 27-year-old right-hander has been scored upon in five straight appearances split between opening and relief work, leading to a 5.91 ERA and 1.50 WHIP through 10.2 innings with a 9:2 K:BB. Tampa Bay is scrambling to plug holes in its rotation with Zach Eflin (back), Jeffrey Springs (elbow) and Tyler Glasnow (oblique) all on the IL, but Faucher doesn't appear to be a reliable alternative, even working ahead of a bulk reliever.

Alvarado picked up the save during Friday's 4-3 win over the Rockies, striking out zero over a perfect ninth inning.

Alvarado entered with a one-run lead and retired Charlie Blackmon, C.J. Cron and Ryan McMahon in order. The left-hander has put together three consecutive successful save chances after blowing his first opportunity and appears to be separating himself as the top closing option over Seranthony Dominguez and Craig Kimbrel, who've both been relegated to hold situations in their recent appearances.

Sewald picked up the save in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Cardinals. He tossed a perfect inning without any strikeouts.

Sewald has yet to blow a save this year, and he's currently on pace to pass his career high of 20 saves that he set last season. The right-hander's current tally of five saves is tied for fifth-most in the league, and he also sports an elite 0.73 WHIP.

Kahnle (biceps) has been playing catch and expects to throw from a mound within a week, per MLB.com.

Kahnle is dealing with right biceps tendinitis and is on the 60-day IL. The veteran reliever appears to be progressing in his throwing program, however, and moving on to mound work will be a significant step toward a return. Kahnle will likely take his time to ramp up since he isn't eligible to be activated from the injured list until late May.

Quijada picked up the save in Friday's 2-0 victory over the Royals. He surrendered one hit but didn't allow a run while striking out two over one inning.

Quijada has converted the last two save opportunities for the Angels. The lefty has four saves in eight appearances and has yet to allow a run. Quijada's main competition for saves, right-hander Carlos Estevez, pitched a perfect eighth. Quijada may be the saves leader now, but the Angels will likely play matchups all season.

Yarbrough (0-2) took the loss Friday against the Angels. He allowed two runs on three hits over four innings, striking out one without walking a batter.

Yarbrough entered the game in the third inning and hit Zach Neto with a pitch before allowing a two-run shot to Chad Wallach. He settled down and only allowed one more baserunner, but those two runs accounted for the only offense in the game. Yarbrough has struggled in his first season in Kansas City, posting a 7.62 ERA in 13 innings.

Lopez (0-2) blew the save and took the loss Friday against the Rays, giving up a game-winning home run to Brandon Lowe. However, White Sox manager Pedro Grifol after the game said he still has confidence in Lopez, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

It was an ugly outing for Lopez as he gave up two home runs and three hits without recording an out in a 7-6 loss. While the right-hander has the confidence of his manager for now, he may not have a firm grip on the closer job. He entered the game with a 6.23 ERA, and it ballooned to 9.35 after his second blow save in five chances. However, he does have a 15:5 K:BB in 8.2 innings.

Finnegan picked up the save Friday against the Twins. He didn't allow a run on one hit and one walk in one inning.

Finnegan allowed the first two batters of the inning to reach, but a soft lineout and a double play gave the right-hander his fourth save of the season. Finnegan allowed seven runs in his first three outings of the season but has rebounded by not allowing a run over his last five innings, lowering his ERA to 8.59.