MLB Player News

Atlanta designated Hamilton for assignment Wednesday.

Hamilton was knocked around for three runs in an inning of work Tuesday versus the Nationals in his lone appearance with the big club. The 30-year-old has often been an effective middle reliever in the past, so it's possible there's interest in him via waivers.

Megill struck out one in a perfect sixth inning Tuesday to record his second hold of the season in a 12-4 win over the Tigers.

The Brewers were ahead 3-1 when the right-hander took the mound, but it was still far from the ninth-inning usage Megill is used to seeing. His performance was encouraging, as he fired 10 of 14 pitches for strikes, but his 9.00 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB through eight innings on the season remain sketchy. For now, Abner Uribe appears to be the top closing option for manager Pat Murphy, at least until Megill puts together a sustained run of success.

Puk (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and provided an update following the activity, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

The earliest date Puk can be activated from the 60-day injured list is May 21, and the reliever estimated he'd be "facing batters or starting rehab games" around then. The left-hander is four bullpen sessions in and will throw at least another six before facing hitters.

De Los Santos (0-1) took the loss Tuesday against the Guardians, allowing three runs on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning.

Tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the eighth inning, De Los Santos allowed three of the four batters he faced to reach safely, opening the door for Cleveland's six-run frame. Prior to Tuesday, De Los Santos had given up just one run across 7.2 innings in his first seven appearances this season while seeing closing opportunities in the absence of Josh Hader (biceps).

Walker earned a save against the Dodgers on Tuesday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Walker inherited a two-run lead when he entered in the ninth. He didn't face much resistance, tossing 10 of 15 pitches for strikes while retiring the side in order. This was Walker's first save since March 30 and just his second overall on the campaign. He still appears to the Giants' primary closer, as no other pitcher on the team has more than one save so far this season.

Lopez (2-1) earned the win over Seattle on Tuesday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out one batter over 5.1 innings.

Lopez averaged over four walks across his first four starts of the campaign, so it was a significant improvement for him to issue just two free passes while throwing 52 of 86 pitches for strikes Tuesday. The left-hander recorded only one strikeout, but he mostly kept the Mariners in check, with the only extra-base hit against him being a solo homer by Cal Raleigh in the fifth inning. Lopez still has a poor 5.70 ERA and 1.90 WHIP on the campaign, and he's recorded more walks (19) than punchouts (17). Still, he's managed a 2-1 record and will look to improve upon that in his next outing, which is slated to be a home matchup against Kansas City.

Imanaga (2-1) earned the win Tuesday against the Phillies, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out one over seven innings.

Imanaga turned in his third consecutive quality start Tuesday, limiting Philadelphia to just two hits over his first five innings before Kyle Schwarber's solo homer in the sixth accounted for the only damage. The left-hander continues to excel at run prevention, allowing just three runs across his last four starts (24 innings). Through five outings, he owns a 2.17 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 32:6 K:BB. Imanaga will face a much tougher challenge in his next scheduled outing against a loaded Dodgers lineup that leads MLB in most offensive categories, including a .293 team batting average.

Williams (0-1) took the loss Tuesday against the Twins, allowing two runs on one hit and three walks without recording an out.

Williams was unable to retire any of the five batters he faced, quickly loading the bases in a tied ninth inning before a single from Luke Keaschall broke the tie. Matt Wallner followed with a bases-loaded walk to force in another run before Williams was pulled. The outing continues a troubling stretch for the right-hander, who has now allowed seven runs while recording just four outs over his last three appearances. Williams ERA has ballooned to 9.95 through eight outings, and the loss extended the Mets' skid to 12 straight games.

Hoffman hit two batters and allowed one run on two hits while striking out a batter during the Blue Jays' 4-2 win over the Angels on Tuesday.

Hoffman got the call to protect the Blue Jays' 4-1 lead in the ninth. He started the inning strongly by striking out Zach Neto, but the right-hander's night quickly turned for the worse. Hoffman yielded a single to Mike Trout before hitting the next two batters he faced. Blue Jays manager John Schneider saw enough after his closer gave up an RBI single to Yoan Moncada, turning to Louis Varland to close things out -- which he did on just one pitch that produced a double play. Hoffman wasn't charged with a blown save, but the fact he was pulled from a high-leverage situation is not a good sign for his job security as Toronto's closer. He sits at a 7.59 ERA, 2.06 WHIP and 24:6 K:BB across 10.2 innings.

Woods Richardson did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Mets, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out two over five innings.

A single swing accounted for all of the right-hander's damage Tuesday, as a Francisco Lindor three-run homer in the third inning gave New York the initial lead. The outing was a slight step in the right direction for Woods Richardson after he had allowed 16 hits and 12 runs combined over his previous two starts. Even so, his overall numbers remain elevated, as he now owns a 5.96 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 13:10 K:BB across 25.2 innings. Woods Richardson will seek to pick up his first win of the season in his next scheduled start against Tampa Bay.