MLB Player News

Gallegos struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to earn a save over the Pirates on Friday.

Gallegos needed just 10 pitches to finish off the 3-0 victory. He's now sporting a 7:0 K:BB after converting his first save chance of the year. Ryan Helsley did not appear in Friday's game after pitching Tuesday and Wednesday.

Holmes (0-1) came in for the eighth inning Friday with the top of the lineup due up for the Twins and gave up two earned runs on two hits and one walk with zero strikeouts. He took the loss and blown save.

Michael King was unavailable, so the Yankees called on their closer with Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa due up in the eighth inning and a 3-2 lead to protect. Holmes said after the game that he knew he might be called upon earlier than usual Friday and took responsibility for the blown lead. He should still have a good hold on the closer role, especially with Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow) and Lou Trivino (elbow) still on the shelf.

Fleming will follow opener Calvin Faucher during Saturday's game in Toronto, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Fleming has followed an opener once in two appearances this year, and it's something he has plenty of experience with over the past few seasons. The 26-year-old southpaw has better underlying metrics (54.2 GB%, 18.8 K-BB%) than surface stats (6.43 ERA, 1.71 WHIP) in this small sample. If Faucher can deliver a scoreless appearance, this arrangement would give Fleming a better chance of qualifying for the win.

Faucher will be the Rays' opener Saturday against the Blue Jays, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Josh Fleming will come in after an inning or two to work as the primary pitcher. Faucher, a 27-year-old righty, has given up three earned runs on seven hits, one walk and two home runs in six innings this season. This will be his first turn working as an opener in 27.1 MLB innings dating back to last season.

Santillan (back) was pulled off his rehab assignment Friday due to right knee discomfort.

Santillan had been pushing toward his season debut after battling a back injury last year and again this spring, but that plan will be put on hold due to this knee issue he picked up at Triple-A Louisville. The severity of the setback is not yet clear.

Stephenson (elbow) was activated Friday from the 15-day injured list.

Stephenson will join the Pirates' bullpen Friday night in St. Louis after missing the first three weeks of the 2023 regular season due to right elbow soreness. He could eventually work his way into a prominent setup role, though Pittsburgh's relief corps has been impressive all around in the early going.

Oller was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

After surrendering seven runs over 2.1 innings Thursday against Baltimore, Oller earned himself a trip back to the minors. The 28-year-old righty posted a 3.69 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 31.2 innings across seven Triple-A starts last season, and he could find himself bouncing frequently between the minors and the majors in 2023 as the Oakland bullpen needs fresh arms.

Harris was recalled by the Athletics on Friday.

The 26-year-old lefty has yet to appear in a big-league game. Harris has made 10 starts in Triple-A since 2022 and holds a 6.34 ERA and 1.84 WHIP across 32.2 innings in that time. Adam Oller was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move, so Harris will most likely take Oller's spot in the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever.

Hjelle was recalled Friday from Triple-A Sacramento, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Hjelle was just sent down Wednesday, but the Giants had an opening on their 26-man roster after having to place outfielder Bryce Johnson on the 7-day concussion IL. Hjelle will get another look out of the bullpen.

Sborz was activated from the 15-day injured list by the Rangers on Friday.

Sborz got a late start to the season due to a sprained ankle, but he's ready to go now. The right-hander will fill a middle-relief role with the Rangers.