MLB Player News

Vespi (1-0) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three in two scoreless innings to earn the win over the Rays on Friday.

Vespi entered Friday's game in the 12th inning to make his major-league debut, and he held the Rays scoreless in spite of the ghost runner in each inning. The southpaw got some help since Wander Franco (quadriceps) was unable to slide into home on a close play at the plate in the top of the 13th inning, but Vespi was still rewarded with a win following his strong outing. The 26-year-old made 12 relief appearances at Triple-A Norfolk this year and struck out 21 batters with a 0.64 WHIP in 14.1 scoreless innings.

Yarbrough allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits and no walks while striking out four in four innings during Friday's loss to the Orioles. He didn't factor into the decision.

The 30-year-old worked behind opener Jalen Beeks during Friday's matchup, but Yarbrough held the Orioles in check while throwing 43 of his 56 pitches for strikes as the primary pitcher. Yarbrough's first three appearances in 2022 came as a traditional starter, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to that role in future outings. The left-hander tentatively lines up to take the mound at home against the Yankees on Thursday.

Beeks allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in two scoreless innings during Friday's loss to the Orioles. He didn't factor into the decision.

The southpaw served as an opener for the first time this season, but he threw just 19 pitches (13 strikes) before Ryan Yarbrough took over as a long reliever. While Beeks was effective as an opener and now has a 1.53 ERA in 16.2 innings this season, he'll likely move back to the bullpen following Friday's matchup.

Gallegos struck out five in 1.2 scoreless innings to earn the save in Friday's win over the Pirates.

The Pirates put together a late rally during Friday's matchup, but Gallegos entered the game with runners on first and third and struck out every batter he faced to record the final five outs of the game while preserving the two-run lead. The right-hander was charged with a blown save Thursday against the Mets, but it was encouraging to see him bounce back in Friday's series opener. Gallegos has now converted eight of 10 save chances over 15 appearances this season.

Pagan allowed one run on three hits in Friday's win over Kansas City. He struck out one and earned a save.

Pagan coughed up a solo home run to Emmanual Rivera followed by a pair of two-out singles. He ended up throwing 14 of 19 pitches for strikes to secure the 6-4 win. It was the first time he's allowed an earned run since April 26 and his season ERA bumped up to 2.13. Pagan has converted six out of seven save chances with a 16:10 K:BB through 12.2 innings.

Smeltzer was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul following Friday's game against the Royals, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Smeltzer made his second start of the season Friday and picked up his first win of 2022 while allowing a run on five hits and a walk in 5.1 innings. While the southpaw will likely be an option to rejoin the Twins' rotation at some point, he'll be sent down following his effective outing.

Smeltzer (1-0) allowed one run on five hits and a walk over 5.1 frames while earning a win over the Royals on Friday.

Smeltzer allowed a run in the first inning and looked dominant for the rest of his outing. He tossed 47 of 74 pitches for strikes but he failed to record a strikeout. The 26-year-old has given up two runs through 10.1 in two MLB starts this season. Smeltzer is currently projected for a rematch with the Royals at home next week.

Kittredge has been bothered by a back injury recently and didn't pitch in Friday's extra-innings loss to the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Although Friday's matchup lasted 13 innings, manager Kevin Cash wanted to stay away from Kittredge due to his back issue. It's not yet clear whether the right-hander will be available later in the series against Baltimore, but Brooks Raley could see more save chances if Kittredge isn't healthy.

White will start Saturday's game against the Phillies, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

White was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, and he allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out three in 1.1 innings during a relief appearance against the Diamondbacks. The right-hander will make his first start of the season during Saturday's matchup, and manager Dave Roberts is hopeful that White will be able to pitch approximately 45 pitches or three innings.

Wilson was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Wilson saw some high-leverage opportunities during his time with the major-league club, and he was rewarded with three wins and five holds. However, he converted just one of his three save chances and will head to the minors after Tim Hill (shoulder) was reinstated from the injured list Friday. If Wilson performs well in El Paso, it wouldn't be surprising to see him rejoin the Padres at some point.