MLB Player News

Diaz picked up the save Thursday against the Phillies and struck out the only batter he faced.

Diaz came in to get the last out, as he was assigned to face Phillies superstar Trea Turner with runners on first and second. The right-hander retired him on five pitches to secure his second save in as many chances. Diaz has been unscored upon in four of five outings but has an inflated 6.23 ERA since he allowed three earned runs in his other appearance.

Martinez did not factor in the decision against Milwaukee on Thursday, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two batters over six innings.

Martinez was far from overpowering in the outing, as he allowed as many homers as he notched strikeouts. However, he kept San Diego in the game and finished with his first quality start of the campaign. The right-hander continued to struggle with his control, issuing three more walks to bring his season K:BB to 11:10 over 17.2 innings. Seth Lugo and Ryan Weathers have both pitched well at the back end of the Padres' rotation, so it will be interesting to see which of Lugo, Weathers and Martinez moves to the bullpen when Joe Musgrove (toe/shoulder) is able to return to action.

Payamps earned a save against the Padres on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless 10th inning.

Milwaukee closer Devin Williams was deployed to keep a 3-3 tie intact in the bottom of the ninth inning, which he did successfully. After the Brewers took the lead in the top of the 10th, manager Craig Counsell turned to Payamps to close things out. The right-hander came through in the clutch situation, allowing a two-out infield single but nothing else in compiling a scoreless frame and notching his first career save. Despite the positive outcome, Williams is the clear closer for the Brewers, and Payamps isn't likely to see many (if any) additional save chances moving forward.

Lawrence has allowed only one earned run while maintaining an 8:3 K:BB across his first 7.1 innings of the 2023 season.

Lawrence has been trusted as a high-leverage reliever out of Colorado's bullpen, as he's entered in the seventh inning or later in all six of his appearances and the Rockies have had the lead on five of those occasions. Some caution is required due to Lawrence's home park, and he's given up three runs (one earned) across his last two games at Coors Field. However, with Daniel Bard (personal) still sidelined and Pierce Johnson experiencing some struggles on the mound, Lawrence could enter the picture for saves at some point this season.

Bautista (1-1) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win Thursday over the Athletics.

Bautista kept the game tied at 7-7 in the top of the ninth inning, and Adley Rutschman delivered a walkoff solo home run in the bottom of the frame. This was Bautista's fourth straight scoreless outing after he opened the year allowing four runs (one earned) over his first 1.2 innings. He's 3-for-4 in save chances with a 12:2 K:BB, 1.59 ERA and 1.06 WHIP through 5.2 innings overall.

Lange tossed a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays. He struck out one.

Lange blew his only other save opportunity so far this season back on April 3, but he had more success Thursday and lowered his ERA to 3.18. With the Tigers sitting at 3-9, it's not surprising that they haven't presented many save chances. Lange should remain the team's closer with some threats behind him, though his fantasy appeal takes a hit due to the team context.

Banks was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Banks was among the last players to be optioned at the close of spring training, though he'll now get his chance in the big-league bullpen. He debuted with the White Sox in 2022 and posted a solid 3.06 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 49:18 K:BB across 53 frames.

Cano was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Cano made his big-league debut in 2022 but struggled to an 11.50 ERA and 2.33 WHIP across 18 innings split between the Twins and Orioles. He failed to secure a spot in the big-league bullpen to begin 2023, but he'll have at least a short-term opportunity in Baltimore with Keegan Akin (personal) sidelined.

Akin was placed on the paternity list Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Akin has appeared in six games out of the bullpen this season and allowed four earned runs on eight hits across 4.1 innings. He'll be away from the team for at least Friday's game against the White Sox, though he could miss the entire weekend series.

Pomeranz (elbow) was diagnosed Thursday with a neck strain, delaying his minor-league rehab assignment, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz was supposed to begin pitching for Triple-A El Paso on Thursday, but he's run into another setback in his return from August 2021 flexor tendon surgery. At least it's not related to his forearm or elbow. The estimated timetable for his 2023 debut will probably have to be pushed back at least a week or two.