MLB Player News

De Los Santos was brought up from Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

A number of scheduling changes saw the Guardians shuffle their pitching staff earlier this week. De Los Santos had previously been in the majors when a COVID-19 outbreak impacted the team before he was sent down. The right-hander will likely continue being used as a low-leverage bullpen arm.

Howard was claimed off waivers by the Tigers on Friday.

Howard made three relief appearances for the Pirates in April and allowed two runs on two hits and four walks while striking out one in two innings. The southpaw was designated for assignment last weekend but will report to Triple-A Toledo now that he's found a new organization.

Pilkington was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Pilkington made a spot start against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks with six strikeouts in 3.2 innings. He'll continue to be in the mix for callups when the Guardians need an extra starter.

Cleavinger was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

The 28-year-old was demoted to Triple-A at the start of May but will return to the majors with Clayton Kershaw (hip) landing on the injured list. Cleavinger had a 3.00 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 21:12 K:BB over 18 innings for the Dodgers in 2021, and he's allowed one run over 1.2 frames through two outings this season.

Heasley (0-1) took the loss Thursday after allowing one run on four hits and four walks across 3.1 innings as the Royals fell 3-1 to the Rangers. He struck out one.

Heasley made three starts for the Royals last year, but he started the 2022 campaign at Triple-A. The youngster struggled out of the gate in his season debut, giving up two singles, a walk and a run during the first inning, but he was able to settle down until he was pulled after creating a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the fourth. Amir Garrett took over and was able to escape the inning without giving up a run. Heasley's next start is tentatively scheduled for the second half of Kansas City's doubleheader against the White Sox on Tuesday.

Barlow earned the save after allowing one hit and one walk across a scoreless ninth inning during Thursday's 3-1 win over the Royals. He struck out one.

Barlow came on in the top of the ninth with a two-run lead, but gave up a leadoff single to Ryan O'Hearn. After retiring the next two batters, the closer walked MJ Melendez, bringing the winning run to the plate. However, Whit Merrifield bounced one to second to end the game, securing Barlow's sixth save of the season. The second-year reliever has converted all six of his save attempts this year and currently holds a 14:3 K:BB.

Hearn (2-2) earned the win after allowing one hit and three walks across five scoreless innings during Thursday's 3-1 victory over the Royals. He struck out three.

His last start was skipped due to the return of Jon Gray (knee), but Hearn returned to the rotation with his best outing of the season. The lefty has finished five innings in each of his last three starts and sports a 1.13 WHIP and a 15:7 K:BB across those contests. Hearn's next start is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday's matchup with the Angels.

Underwood allowed two earned runs on four hits and struck out four across two innings Thursday against the Reds.

Underwood made his return from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him since Opening Day and handled the eighth and ninth innings with the Pirates facing a deficit. He allowed two runs in his first frame of work, allowing two singles and a double. However, he punched out three of the last five batters he faced to end his outing positively. Underwood may not immediately factor into high-leverage scenarios, but he should be a candidate to pick up holds later in the season.

Kelly (0-1) allowed five earned runs on one hit and four walks while striking out one across 0.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Yankees.

Kelly entered the game in the eighth inning with the score tied at 7-7. He retired the first two batters he faced but proceeded to walk the next three hitters, leading to his disastrous outing. Kelly has made two appearances since returning from a biceps injury, and he figures to maintain a high-leverage role in the White Sox bullpen despite this poor outing.

Akin (1-0) earned the win Thursday versus the Cardinals. He allowed one hit, walked two and struck out four in 2.2 scoreless innings.

Akin followed Bryan Baker in what resembled a tandem to cover the first five innings of the Orioles' bullpen game. In all nine of his appearances this season, Akin's covered at least two innings, though he's yet to pitch more than three. He's been excellent in that role, posting a 1.71 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB across 21 innings. He won't have much appeal in fantasy, as he's neither starting nor seeing high-leverage chances in relief.