MLB Player News

Alexander (elbow) recently underwent an MRI that came back clean, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Alexander landed on the 15-day injured list Monday due to a left elbow sprain, but it's encouraging that he doesn't appear to be dealing with any structural damage. The southpaw had been pitching through pain for about a month, and it impacted his mechanics and may have contributed to his 8.76 ERA and 1.78 WHIP in 12.1 innings over his first four starts of the year. Although the results of his MRI brought good news, a timetable for Alexander's return isn't yet known.

Avila was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to serve as the 27th man in Wednesday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Avila was sent down by the Padres on Sunday, but he'll provide an additional bullpen arm for Wednesday's twin bill. Over two major-league appearances this year, he's allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out five in four innings.

Burke (3-0) was credited with Tuesday's win, allowing three hits and striking out one over 2.1 scoreless innings in a 6-4 victory over Philadelphia.

Burke followed starter Jon Gray, who was pulled after three innings and 60 pitches in his first start back off the injured list. A starter in the minor leagues, Burke is filling a long-relief role in the majors. Tuesday's effort was the sixth time in eight appearances he's logged at least six outs. The left-hander's struck out 21 compared to just three walks over 14 innings.

Melancon (undisclosed) played long toss on the field and later threw in the bullpen late Monday night, well after the game ended, Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic reports.

Melancon has been on the injured list since last Friday after a positive COVID-19 test. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said the team cleared everything with MLB to allow Melancon to participate in the activity with no one else around. The reliever's status is up in the air, per Lovullo, who added Melancon needs another negative test to be activated.

Kimbrel saved Tuesday's 3-1 win against the Giants, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one in the ninth inning.

Kimbrel's fifth save didn't come easy as he walked Wilmer Flores to lead off the inning and recorded the third out with the go-ahead run at the plate. The 26 pitches required for the three outs are a season high and Kimbrel may not be available for Wednesday's game as a result.

Krehbiel (1-3) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk in one inning, taking the loss Tuesday versus the Twins.

Krehbiel took his second loss in the last four outings after allowing a three-run home run to Ryan Jeffers in the sixth inning. The right-handed reliever saw his ERA shoot up to 3.27 with a 1.18 WHIP and 9:5 K:BB across 11 innings this season. He's still likely to see work in close games, but he's shown a little less stability lately after starting the year well.

Trivino (0-2) took the loss during Tuesday's 10-7 defeat at the hands of the Rays, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning.

After Tampa Bay tied the game in the top of the ninth, Trivino was brought in and got the final out of the inning. He stayed in for the 10th and permitted five Rays to reach base while recording only one out to fall in line for the loss. This was the 30-year-old's first appearance since April 16 due to a stint on the COVID-19 injured list and the rust clearly showed. As Oakland continues its youth movement, Trivino's days as the closer could be numbered.

Williams closed out the Reds on Tuesday to earn his second save of the season. He struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Manager Craig Counsell revealed after the game that Josh Hader was unavailable due to mid-back spasms. Fortunately for the Brewers, they have another one of the best relievers in baseball in Williams, who can step in for saves while Hader is ailing, though it doesn't sound like the lefty will be out more than a few additional days as a result of this particular issue.

Kittredge (2-0) got the win during Tuesday's 10-7 victory against the Athletics, striking out one in a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Kittredge entered a tie game in the ninth and made quick work of the bottom of Oakland's lineup. He fell in line for the victory when Tampa Bay hung a five spot in the top of the 10th inning. The 32-year-old now holds a 1.59 ERA and should continue to see high-leverage scenarios on a Rays team with big expectations.

Yarbrough got a no-decision during Tuesday's 10-7 win over Oakland, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks with two strikeouts in 2.1 innings.

Yarbrough got off to rough start in his 2022 debut by permitting six baserunners and all five runs in the first inning. He didn't get much better thereafter, surrendering two baserunners in the second and third, though none came around to score. He was let off the hook when Tampa Bay tied the game in the ninth and will look to get back on track in his next start, likely to come this weekend against Seattle.