MLB Player News

Ferguson (elbow) continues to rehab and could be back with the Dodgers by late April or early May, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Ferguson underwent Tommy John surgery in September of 2020, and he was able to throw 2.2 innings during Cactus League play prior to the start of this season. The left-hander has yet to get into any minor-league contests, but that figures to be the final step before he returns to the big-league club. Ferguson was among the team's most effective relievers in 2020, when he logged a 2.89 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 27:3 K:BB and five holds over 18.2 innings.

Diaz cleared waivers Tuesday and was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Diaz owns a 5.96 ERA and 21:16 K:BB in 25.2 career major-league innings, so it's no surprise to see him go unclaimed on waivers. He'll remain as organizational depth for now.

Chafin (groin) didn't feel completely comfortable throwing his bullpen session Monday, leaving him without a set rehab outing date, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Chafin was brought in this summer to operate as a significant piece of the Tigers' bullpen, but he's been hindered by this groin issue to open the season, leaving the team thin with options late in games. It seems as if his season debut will likely come in late April, potentially even early May.

Hearn didn't factor into the decision Monday against the Rockies after tossing four innings of one-run ball, allowing eight hits and a walk while fanning six.

The 27-year-old southpaw gave up plenty of contact despite tossing 54 of his 76 pitches for strikes, but at least he found a way to limit the damage. Hearn, who didn't see action in the Rangers' opening series against the Blue Jays last week, is projected to have a two-start week since he's scheduled to make his second start April 17 against the Angels in Arlington.

Davidson got tagged for five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings of relief in Monday's 11-2 loss to the Nationals.

The southpaw was thought to be in line for Tuesday's start, but instead Davidson got used to mop up at the end of a bad loss Monday. Bryce Elder is now getting called up to take the mound Tuesday, and for the time being, Davidson may have missed his chance to show he can hold down a consistent spot in the rotation. If Elder struggles in his big-league debut, however, Davidson might be right back in the mix.

Garcia (oblique) pitched a scoreless inning for Low-A Lake Elsinore on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Garcia felt discomfort in his side during his first Cactus League appearance March 21, and he was diagnosed with a right oblique strain and placed on the 10-day injured list April 7. However, the right-hander came away from the rehab outing Saturday without concern, and he could be ready to rejoin the Padres when first eligible April 17. Garcia figures to play a significant role in the team's bullpen this season after posting a 3.24 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 34:8 K:BB across 33.1 innings with St. Louis last season.

Romano gave up two hits and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Monday to collect his third save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Yankees.

That's three wins for the Blue Jays and three saves for Romano, as the right-hander looks set to join the ranks of elite closers this season. Monday's two hits were the first baserunners he's allowed in his three innings so far to go along with a 0.00 ERA and 3:0 K:BB.

Hand picked up his first save of the season in Monday's 5-4 win over the Mets, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

The veteran southpaw was called in to face the team he ended his 2021 campaign with after a five-run rally by the Phillies in the bottom of the eighth, and Hand got the job done in style. Corey Knebel (illness) wasn't available Monday, but he isn't expected to be sidelined for long, so Hand's window for save chances is likely a short one. He appears to Joe Girardi's top option behind Knebel, however, not a surprising development considering Hand's 127 career saves.

Colome allowed one hit but pitched a scoreless eighth inning in Monday's win over Texas.

Colome entered the game with the score tied at three and allowed a leadoff hit, but he was able to escape the inning otherwise unscathed. It was a bounce-back effort from Colome, who surrendered the lead in his first appearance with the team during the team's weekend series against the Dodgers. Colome has now made each of his appearances in the eighth inning in games with potential save chances for Colorado. Daniel Bard has pitched the ninth on each occasion, and Bard appears to be the frontrunner for saves early on in the campaign.

Bard (1-0) allowed a solo home run in the ninth inning to blow the save, though he also was awarded a win, Monday against Texas.

Bard entered the game in the ninth inning with a one-run lead. He retired the first two batters he faced but allowed a pinch-hit solo home run to Willie Calhoun to blow his first save of the season. The Colorado offense picked him up one inning later, so Bard did manage to secure a win despite the stumble. Though early, Bard has been used in each of the Rockies' save situations to this point in the campaign, so he appears to be the preferred closer.