MLB Player News

Alexander (1-0) struck out one and didn't allow a baserunner in two-thirds of an inning to earn the win Tuesday versus the Dodgers.

Starter Alex Wood came one out short of qualifying for the win. Jakob Junis allowed a pair of hits in the sixth inning, and the bases were loaded on catcher's interference, but Alexander got out of the jam unscathed. Over 2.2 innings this season, Alexander has allowed two hits and struck out three without issuing a walk or permitting a run. He remains more of a low-leverage reliever, but the early returns are solid.

Phillips was charged with three runs on three hits over an inning of relief in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to the Giants. He recorded all three of his outs via strikeout.

Over the weekend, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports that Phillips will likely see more save chances than the team's other relievers. However, because Phillips hadn't pitched since April 6, the Dodgers chose to get him some work in the eighth inning of Tuesday's game while Los Angeles was facing a 2-0 deficit. Though he struck out three batters swinging in the appearance, Phillips gave up three extra-base hits in between the punchouts, including back-to-back home runs by David Villar and Brandon Crawford. Though Phillips damaged fantasy managers' ratios Tuesday, he should still have some leeway as the team's preferred option in closing situations after he had allowed just two baserunners through his first three innings of the season while converting both of his save chances.

Tonkin (1-1) picked up the win in Tuesday's victory over the Reds, allowing one hit and striking out three over three scoreless innings of relief.

Kyle Wright lasted only three innings in his 2023 debut, but Tonkin took over in the top of the fourth and shut down Cincy's offense, giving Atlanta a chance to come back from a 4-2 deficit. It's the right-hander's first big-league win since 2016, and he's looked great in his return to the majors in a long-relief role, posting a 2.16 ERA and 7:1 K:BB through 8.1 innings for four appearances.

The Mariners selected McCaughan's contract from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.

McCaughan will provide Seattle with some extra length out of the bullpen in Wednesday's series finale with the Cubs after the Mariners needed three relievers to cover the final 5.2 innings of Tuesday's 14-9 loss. Seattle designated Brennan Bernardino for assignment to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for McCaughan.

Bernardino was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Wednesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Bernardino has struggled in his two appearances with Triple-A Tacoma this season, surrendering eight runs over six innings. With the Mariners selecting the contract of Darren McCaughan on Wednesday, Bernardino was the odd guy out on the 40-man roster. He will now either remain with Tacoma, get claimed by another team or be released outright, the first of which is most likely.

The Mariners optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.

Rodriguez spent just a day with the Mariners after having his contract selected from Tacoma on Tuesday. The right-hander allowed three runs over the final three innings of a blowout loss to the Cubs. Darren McCaughan has been added to the 40-man roster and called up from the Rainiers in a corresponding move.

Diaz (knee) said Wednesday that he's progressing well after surgery and believes he can return from the 60-day injured list in October, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports. "If everything goes well, I think I can be back quicker than eight months... I might throw this year," Diaz said.

Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee back on March 15 while celebrating Team Puerto Rico's victory over Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and later underwent surgery. The hard-throwing closer is presumed to be out for the regular season, and even a chance to help in the postseason should the Mets qualify seems unlikely at this juncture. Still, it's a positive sign that Diaz is making progress from the operation on his knee, and assuming he steers clear of any setbacks in the months to come, he looks like he'll at least be ready to go for the start of spring training next year.

The Mariners are expected to call up McCaughan from Triple-A Tacoma prior to Wednesday's game against the Cubs, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The Mariners need fresh arms after Tuesday's 14-9 loss to the Cubs, and McCaughan will provide the club a multi-inning reliever while he's with the team. Jose Rodriguez threw three innings and likely won't be available for the next couple of games, so it seems likely he'll be the arm moved down to Tacoma in the corresponding transaction.

Curry covered four innings out of the bullpen in Tuesday's 11-2 loss to the Yankees, striking out three while giving up three earned runs on four hits and one walk.

With Aaron Civale (oblique) landing on the 15-day injured list Monday, Curry looked to be a candidate to fill the opening in the rotation, but the right-hander's usage in long relief Tuesday took him out of the equation. Instead, Peyton Battenfield will get the first crack at replacing Civale in Wednesday's series finale versus the Yankees, while Curry and/or Triple-A Columbus starter Konnor Pilkington are likely next in line to join the rotation if Battenfield falters or if another Cleveland starter should join Civale on the IL.

Anderson picked up his first save of the season in Tuesday's 6-5 win over the Reds by retiring the side during a perfect ninth inning. He struck out one.

Anderson came on in the ninth inning with a one-run lead and retired Tyler Stephenson, Wil Myers and Jason Vosler to earn his first save. Although the 32-year-old right-hander delivered an impressive performance, Atlanta is expected to rely on A.J. Minter to handle the bulk of the save opportunities while Raisel Iglesias recuperates from a shoulder injury.