MLB Player News

The Rockies recalled Bird from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

He'll fill the Opening Day bullpen spot left vacant by Daniel Bard, who was placed on the 15-day IL in a corresponding move as he battles anxiety. Bird, 27, struggled to a 4.91 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 47.2 innings out of the Colorado bullpen in 2022.

Bard said Thursday that he's starting the year on the 15-day IL due to anxiety, Danielle Allentuck of the Denver Gazette reports.

Bard has a history of the yips -- it's partly why he didn't appear in a game at the MLB level between 2014-2019 -- and he said he's decided to be open and honest about his mental struggles. The 37-year-old right-hander had been set to operate as the Rockies' locked-in closer in 2023 after totaling 34 saves for the club last season. Dinelson Lamet, Pierce Johnson, and Brad Hand could all factor into the ninth-inning mix during Bard's absence.

Bard said Thursday that he's starting the year on the 15-day IL because of anxiety, Danielle Allentuck of the Denver Gazette reports.

Bard has a history of the yips -- it's partly why he didn't appear in a game at the MLB level between 2014-2019 -- and he said he's decided to be open and honest about his mental struggles. The 37-year-old right-hander had been set to operate as the Rockies' locked-in closer in 2023 after totaling 34 saves for the club last season. Dinelson Lamet, Pierce Johnson, and Brad Hand could all factor into the ninth-inning mix during Bard's absence.

Bard (undisclosed) was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to March 27.

There's no word yet on the exact nature of the injury, but Bard struggled badly with his command in both the Cactus League and World Baseball Classic this spring. Maybe it's time for Dinelson Lamet to get a shot in the closer role for the Rockies. Pierce Johnson and Brad Hand are among the other options.

Varland threw a scoreless inning out of the bullpen Thursday against the Cubs, striking out a batter and allowing two hits and a walk.

Varland struck out Miles Mastrobuoni, the first batter he saw in his MLB career, before getting himself into and out of a bases-loaded situation in the seventh. The 26-year-old reliever has experience starting in the minors and will likely be used in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen this season.

Finnegan yielded three runs -- two earned -- in one inning of work Thursday against Atlanta.

Finnegan entered in the top of the ninth with the Nationals trailing 4-2, and he let the final score get to 7-2 after issuing a pair of walks and surrendering a double to Travis d'Arnaud. The 31-year-old right-hander stands out as the best bet for saves in the Washington bullpen, but he figures to offer more frustration than fantasy production on one of the worst teams in the majors.

The Mets placed Hernandez (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Hernandez appears likely to miss the first few weeks of the season, but because he's reportedly resumed playing catch since being diagnosed with the right shoulder strain, the 27-year-old could be ready to pitch in games by late April or early May. Though the Mets had initially earmarked Hernandez for a spot in the Triple-A Syracuse rotation, he could end up getting a look in Queens sooner than anticipated with two big-league starters -- Justin Verlander (shoulder) and Jose Quintana (rib) -- already joining him on the shelf to begin the season.

The Mets placed Diaz (knee) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Diaz's move to the 60-day IL was fully expected after he recently underwent surgery to address a tore patellar tendon in his right knee, an injury he sustained while celebrating Team Puerto Rico's win over Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic earlier this month. With Diaz facing an estimated six-month recovery from surgery, he appears unlikely to be available during the regular season, and even a return in October or November if the Mets make a deep playoff run seems implausible. Manager Buck Showalter has yet to name a new closer in Diaz's absence, though veteran relievers David Robertson, Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley look to be the most likely candidates to pick up saves.

Arizona placed Martin (lat) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Martin recently underwent season-ending surgery to address a right lat tendon avulsion. The Diamondbacks will move him to 60-day IL once they need to open up a 40-man roster spot.

The Guardians recalled Curry from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

Curry had been slated to open the year at Columbus, but Triston McKenzie's (shoulder) injury changed plans. He'll be used in long relief.