MLB Player News

The Mariners recalled Topa from Triple-A Tacoma, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Topa was recalled with the Mariners sending Matt Festa to Tacoma and placing Andres Munoz on the injured list. The right-hander will operate in the middle innings while a member of Seattle's pitching staff.

Seattle placed Munoz on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right deltoid strain, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Mariners manager Scott Servais said that Munoz hasn't been bouncing back well from his most recent relief appearance Friday and needs a short break. The right-hander felt something in his shoulder and underwent imaging, and now he'll be shut down for a few days before being re-evaluated. While Munoz is out, Paul Sewald should see the majority of save chances for Seattle, but Matt Brash could also get looks in the late innings.

The Marlins designated Villalobos for assignment Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Designating Villabos for assignment clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Devin Smeltzer. The right-hander struggled to an 11.57 ERA over three appearances for the Jumbo Shrimp to open the Triple-A season. If unclaimed, Villalobos likely will remain with Miami as a bullpen option in Jacksonville.

The Marlins selected Smeltzer's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Smeltzer gives the Marlins a fresh arm and replaces Daniel Castano on the roster with Castano sent down to Jacksonville in the corresponding move. Smeltzer allowed five runs over five innings in his only appearance with the Jumbo Shrimp before the promotion.

The Marlins optioned Castano to Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Castano struggled in his only appearance for the Marlins on Friday, allowing three runs on two homers. He goes to Triple-A to make room for Devin Smeltzer after Smeltzer had his contract purchased Sunday.

Sims (back) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Louisville.

Since Sims' placement on the IL is retroactive to March 27, he'll be eligible for activation as soon as Tuesday, but it's unclear if he'll be immediately reinstated at that time. The Reds will likely wait and see how he fares during his upcoming appearance Sunday before deciding whether he's fit to join the big-league bullpen or requires at least one more outing in the minors. Once activated, Sims is expected to settle into a setup role in front of closer Alexis Diaz.

Hearn allowed four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings in Saturday's 10-3 loss to the Cubs.

The Rangers' bullpen had been sharp prior to Saturday, including Hearn, who had not allowed a hit and struck out four over his first 3.1 relief innings. The one-time starter found a measure of success as a multi-inning reliever in 2022. If there's a need for a fill-in starter, other starters in the organization have moved ahead of Hearn.

Holmes walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Orioles.

He also uncorked a wild pitch and threw only seven of 14 pitches for strikes, but Holmes was able to get the job done. The right-hander is 2-for-2 in save chances to begin the season, and his 6:1 K:BB through 3.2 innings is a strong sign he's ready to build on last year's breakout campaign.

Sewald gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Guardians.

The right-hander's velocity remains down a bit from last season -- his fastball topped out at 92.2 mph, after averaging 92.6 mph in 2022 -- but Sewald was able to get the job done as he relied heavily on his sweeper. He has a win and two saves through his first five appearances, but the 32-year-old's 4:3 K:BB in five innings reflects the fact that he may not be fully in form yet.

Clarke (1-0) earned the win Saturday versus the Giants. He allowed three hits and struck out three without walking a batter in a scoreless eighth inning.

Clarke kept the game tied at 5-5 before the Royals pulled ahead in the top of the ninth. The right-hander loaded the bases with three singles, but he struck out Thairo Estrada, Brandon Crawford and Blake Sabol in order to end the threat. Clarke has had a shaky start to the season, allowing three runs, including a pair of home runs, on eight hits and a walk while striking out eight over five innings. He hasn't historically displayed swing-and-miss stuff, and that's often kept him limited to middle-relief assignments, a role that's unlikely to change much in 2023.