MLB Player News

Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kowar got lit up for seven runs after entering out of the bullpen during Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Guardians, giving up 11 hits and walking one while striking out four over 3.1 innings. Manager Mike Matheny said that the 25-year-old will be a part of the starting rotation with Triple-A Omaha moving forward. In a corresponding move, Joel Payamps will rejoin the big-league club following an absence due to a family emergency.

The Orioles recalled Wells from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Wells spent a portion of spring training with the Orioles, surrendering three runs on five hits while striking out two over two innings before getting optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on March 28. With DJ Stewart being optioned to Triple-A on Sunday and Dean Kremer (oblique) being placed on the 10-day injured list, the Orioles opted to call up Wells and Spenser Watkins to fill those roster spots. In 42.2 innings of work in the big-leagues last season, the left-hander struggled to a 6.75 ERA and 1.62 WHIP, but he'll look to start off on a new foot in 2022.

Merryweather (0-1) took the loss Sunday against the Rangers, giving up one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. He struck out two.

The Blue Jays headed into the fourth inning with a 6-1 lead, but Hyun-Jin Ryu (hamstring) struggled and eventually got lifted after being struck by a comebacker off the bat of Jonah Heim. Merryweather came in and gave up a double to Brad Miller to tie the game -- runs which went on Ryu's ledger -- and then a single to Corey Seager for what proved to be the winning run. The right-hander worked the sixth inning in his first appearance this season, and while he has significant strikeout upside, it appears as though Merryweather is not in the late-inning mix for Toronto right now.

Finnegan (1-0) picked up the win in Sunday's victory over the Mets, striking out one in a perfect eighth inning.

The right-hander entered the game with the Nationals down 2-1 and needed only nine pitches to shut down New York, and Finnegan got rewarded for his work when Washington rallied for three runs in the bottom of the frame. Tanner Rainey worked the ninth and appears first in line for save chances, but Finnegan could see opportunities too if he keeps pitching well.

Wilson allowed three earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out two across four innings in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. He did not factor into the decision.

Wilson drew his first start of the season, though he got off to a dreadful start by allowing three runs in the opening frame. However, he did settle to throw three scoreless innings from there, and he retired the last seven batters he faced. Wilson had prospect pedigree while coming up through Atlanta's system, though he has only a 6.9 K-BB% and has allowed 1.7 HR/9 across 120.2 career frames in the majors.

Rogers allowed a hit in a scoreless inning, picking up a hold in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Marlins.

Rogers has holds in both of his appearances this season, adding two strikeouts in 1.2 innings. The submariner hasn't worked as late in games as fellow closer committee members Jake McGee and Camilo Doval, but Rogers has had the most success so far. Last season, he was effective in a setup role, logging a 2.22 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 13 saves and 30 holds in 81 innings. He'll likely continue to pitch often in high-leverage roles, but the 31-year-old probably isn't the answer yet if you're chasing saves in the Giants' bullpen. Dominic Leone also entered the conversation with a perfect ninth inning to close out Sunday's win.

Leone struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Sunday's win over the Marlins.

Leone was credited with a hold in Friday's season opener despite allowing a run in one-third of an inning, but he picked up the save with a much cleaner outing in Sunday's series finale. His usage in the save situation was surprising, since Jake McGee, Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers figure to be the top candidates for ninth-inning work this year. McGee and Doval both pitched in the first two games of the season, so they were likely unavailable Sunday. Although McGee, Doval and Rogers should see the bulk of the save chances this year, it's encouraging to see that Leone has the trust of manager Gabe Kapler when needed in high-leverage situations.

Garcia (1-0) struck out two in two perfect innings to earn the win over Miami on Sunday.

Garcia had a versatile role for the Giants last year, as he picked up a career-high six wins while also logging 11 holds in 58 relief appearances. Jake McGee, Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers figure to garner more high-leverage opportunities than Garcia in 2022, but the southpaw had a 25.3 percent strikeout rate last year and could factor into the late-inning mix if injuries occur or if any of those three options struggle.

Diekman saved Sunday's 4-3 win over the Yankees, striking out the side in the ninth inning.

Diekman was tasked with facing the daunting trio of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Joey Gallo and sent all three back to the dugout. It took a workload of 19 pitches to do so, but the veteran southpaw got the job done. He was also called upon to protect a one-run lead in the 10th inning of the season-opening loss Friday but was charged with the ghost runner scoring after hitting a batter and intentionally walking another. Diekman is worth a look while Boston's closer situation remains unresolved and Matt Barnes is dealing with back issues.

Blach allowed a hit and a walk while striking out four in four perfect innings to earn the save in Sunday's win over the Dodgers.

The southpaw made his 2022 debut Sunday and helped to keep the rest of the bullpen fresh after starter Antonio Senzatela lasted just 3.1 innings. Blach became the seventh Rockies pitcher to record a save of at least three innings and the first to do so since Chris Rusin accomplished the feat in May of 2017. Although Sunday's performance was encouraging after Blach missed most of the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery, Daniel Bard, Alex Colome and Carlos Estevez are the favorites for save chances early in the season.