MLB Player News

Duran pitched a scoreless ninth inning while walking one and striking out one to earn the save Thursday against the Royals.

Duran was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning. He allowed a one-out walk, though the lead never felt in danger and he collected his first save of the new campaign. Notably, Jorge Lopez recorded the final two outs of the seventh frame and does not currently appear to pose true competition to Duran for the closer role.

Romano picked up the save in Thursday's 10-9 win over the Cardinals. He struck out two over one perfect inning.

Romano brought some stability to a wild game, retiring the side in order on 12 pitches and punching out two in the process. He was the last of eight pitchers to appear for the Blue Jays. The right-hander now has 60 saves in 67 chances since the start of the 2021 season.

Helsley (0-1) blew the save and took the loss in Thursday's 10-9 loss against the Blue Jays. He allowed two runs on two hits and one walk without a strikeout in his one inning.

Tasked with nailing down a 9-8 win, Helsley proceeded to walk the first batter he faced before surrendering back-to-back singles to blow the save. Vladimir Guerrero later gave the Blue Jays the lead with a sacrifice fly, sticking Helsley with the loss. Jordan Hicks had already blown a lead himself the prior inning while Giovanny Gallegos (back) did not appear in the game.

Bednar picked up the save Thursday against Cincinnati. He allowed one hit while striking out two over one scoreless inning.

With the Pirates clinging to a one-run lead, Bednar got the call to nail things down. He worked around a Jonathan India double, throwing 14 of his 18 pitches for strikes to earn his first save of the season and the 23rd of his young career. Bednar's skills are excellent and his job security is high, though the threat of a trade later in the season looms.

Fulmer pitched a scoreless inning with one hit allowed and two strikeouts in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Brewers.

Fulmer got the ninth inning while Brad Boxberger worked the eighth, but it was a non-save situation. Still, it's a promising sign for Fulmer that he was the last reliever used on Opening Day. He figures to split closer duties with Boxberger based on spring training reports, though Fulmer may be slightly ahead at this point.

Thielbar threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout in Thursday's win over Kansas City.

Thielbar took over for starter Pablo Lopez in the sixth inning. Theilbar picked up where he left off last season when he posted a 12.1 K/9 and 15% swinging strike rate that was top 30 among qualified relievers. He'll reprise his role as Minnesota's top lefty reliever and will be used anywhere in the middle to late innings.

Lopez did not allow a run or hit while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning Thursday's win against the Royals to record his first hold.

It was notable that Lopez was used in the seventh inning with Griffin Jax in the eighth and Jhoan Duran for the save in the ninth. Manager Rocco Baldelli has managed his bullpen without regard for the save statistic in the past, but Thursday's game looked like a textbook use of Duran as the closer. Still, Duran may be used earlier in the game in high-leverage spots and not on multiple days, so Lopez could still be a factor for saves. However, after one game Lopez's prospects for saves may not look as good as previously thought.

Gallegos was unavailable for Thursday's game against Toronto due to a back injury, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Manager Oliver Marmol termed the injury as a "tweak," and it appears that Gallegos will be able to avoid a stint on the injured list. The Cardinals have a day off Friday, so it's possible he doesn't miss any additional time.

Tarnok (shoulder) will not require surgery and will begin a throwing program soon, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Tarnok was placed on the injured list Thursday with a strain in his right shoulder. While still a troubling injury, he avoided the worst outcome and seems likely to be able to pitch again at some point during the 2023 season. An exact timeline remains unclear.

Bautista picked up the save in Thursday's 10-9 victory over the Red Sox, allowing two runs (one earned) off two hits and a walk while striking out two in the ninth inning.

Bautista ran into a bit of trouble in the ninth, allowing the first two batters to reach base and eventually faced the winning run at the plate, but struck out Adam Duvall to secure the win for Baltimore. Coming off a stellar 2022 campaign and an equally-strong spring, Bautista projects to be among the best fantasy closers in 2023.