MLB Player News

Barlow earned a save against the Twins on Wednesday, pitching a scoreless inning during which he allowed one hit and did not walk or strike out any batters.

Barlow was tasked with protecting a two-run ninth-inning lead and preserving the Royals' combined shutout. He allowed a one-out single but got Gary Sanchez to ground into a double play to pick up his first save. Josh Staumont looked like Kansas City's primary closer coming into the contest, as he had notched a pair of saves in the previous four days, but he instead pitched the eighth inning Wednesday. Both Barlow and Staumont appear likely to get save opportunities moving forward.

Pressly (knee) was throwing in the bullpen prior to Houston's game Wednesday against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pressly was placed on the injured list April 16, though the move was retroactive to April 14. He has since had fluid drained from his right knee, but he is apparently feeling well enough to resume throwing. Though no firm timetable has been set, Houston has kept open the possibility that Pressly could be activated after being sidelined the minimum 10 days.

Yarbrough (groin) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham over the weekend, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Yarbrough threw a successful bullpen session Tuesday, but he will need some additional work prior to being activated. His outing with Triple-A Durham has not been set for an exact date, though Yarbrough would have the chance to enter the big-league rotation as early as April 27 if the team keeps him on regular rest.

Gilbreath allowed two earned runs on one hit and one walk across two-thirds of an inning Wednesday against the Phillies.

Gilbreath was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Monday, so this outing marked his season debut. He entered the game in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and the score tied. He hit the first batter he faced to force in a run, but the big blow came two hitters later when he allowed a three-run home run to Johan Camargo. Gilbreath was solid out of the Rockies' bullpen in 2021, maintaining a 3.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 42.2 frames while also tallying four holds. He should hold a similar role in 2022.

Lambert was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte following Wednesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old started Game 2 of the twin bill and took the loss after giving up two runs on five hits with five strikeouts and two walks over 3.2 innings. Lambert made two spot starts for Chicago during the past week, but he'll now return to the minors with Lucas Giolito (abdomen) poised to rejoin the rotation this weekend.

Lopez did not allow a baserunner while striking out three across 1.2 innings to earn the save Wednesday against the Athletics.

Lopez entered the game with runners on first and third in the eighth inning, but he struck out the first batter he faced before inducing a groundout to end the frame. He added another pair of strikeouts in the ninth inning to earn his second save of the season. Lopez has operated as Baltimore's closer early on in the campaign, and he has allowed two earned runs across seven innings while posting a 9:4 K:BB.

Lambert (0-2) allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five across 3.2 innings to take the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Lambert made his second start while filling the rotation spot vacated by Lucas Giolito (abdomen). He kept the ball in the yard but still surrendered three extra-base hits, two of which accounted for the runs on his ledger. Giolito is expected to return to the mound Sunday, meaning Lambert will lose his spot in the rotation, and potentially, the big-league roster.

Chavez was traded from the Cubs to Atlanta on Wednesday in exchange for Sean Newcomb and cash considerations.

Chavez signed a split deal with Chicago in March but will now return to Atlanta, where he spent the 2021 campaign. He had a 2.14 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB over 33.2 innings for the reigning champs last year.

Clase did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to record the save in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

Clase was on the mound for the fourth time this season, but he finally got the chance to earn his first save. Though he didn't record a strikeout, the outcome was never in doubt as he needed only eight pitches to retire the White Sox in order. Clase clearly holds the closer role in Cleveland, and he should see plenty of opportunities as the season progresses.

Reed (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Reed was held out of Grapefruit League play due to his left oblique strain, and he spent the first two weeks of the regular season on the IL. Although he's now healthy, he'll head to Syracuse since the Mets don't have room in their big-league bullpen. The right-hander made 26 relief appearances at the Triple-A level last year and posted a 5.04 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 30.1 innings.