MLB Player News

Alcala threw 1.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk in Sunday's win over Seattle. He hasn't given up a run in 2.1 innings and has notched two strikeouts and two walks. He hasn't appeared after the 7th inning in either of his outings.

After the trade of Taylor Rogers to San Diego, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has said the team will use a committee approach initially. It was thought Alcala could be the leading option to close games, but he hasn't been used late in games or in high-leverage spots so far.

Howard allowed six runs on six hits -- including four home runs -- over three innings in a no-decision against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

To his credit, the 25-year-old Howard was willing to attack the strike zone against one of the best lineups in baseball. He lived in the zone a little too much and George Springer, Matt Chapman, Danny Jansen and Vladimir Guerrero all made him pay with long balls. The matchups will get easier and Howard has some prospect pedigree, but it will be difficult to trust him in fantasy until he proves more at the big-league level. Up next is a home start against the Angels.

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

Hader wasn't needed in the first two games of the season since the Brewers dropped each matchup, but he was sharp in his 2022 debut. He gave up a deep flyout to Yan Gomes with one out, but he struck out each of the other two batters he faced while throwing eight of his 14 pitches for strikes. The southpaw converted 34 of 35 save chances last year and enters the 2022 season as one of the best closing options in baseball.

Boxberger (1-0) gave up a hit and no walks while striking out one in a scoreless seventh inning to earn the win over the Cubs on Sunday.

Boxberger made a career-high 71 relief appearances during his first year with the Brewers in 2021, and he began the 2022 season on a high note by picking up a win in his first outing. Josh Hader is firmly entrenched as Milwaukee's closer, but Boxberger picked up 23 holds last year while converting four of nine save chances. He'll continue to serve as a setup man alongside Devin Williams in 2022.

Yarbrough is dealing with a minor groin injury and will be placed on the 10-day injured list as a precautionary measure, John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The southpaw hadn't yet made his 2022 debut and will have to wait to do so as a result of his injury. Tommy Romero will be recalled from Triple-A Durham to fill in while Yarbrough is sidelined. It's not yet clear whether the 30-year-old Yarbrough will be forced to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the shelf.

Pressly picked up the save in Sunday's 4-1 victory over the Angels, striking out one in a clean ninth inning.

Pressly struck out Jo Adell on five pitches before retiring the next two Angels on consecutive pitches for an easy save. If he stays healthy, the 33-year-old is well on his way to surpassing a career-high 26 saves from 2021 as the clear-cut best option for saves on a Houston team with high expectations.

Rainey worked around a hit to throw a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save Sunday against the Mets.

Manager Dave Martinez didn't name a closer coming into the season, but he did tell MASN Sports back in mid-March that he would "love" for Rainey to show he's ready to close. The early returns are promising. Kyle Finnegan worked the eighth inning Sunday, setting up the save chance for Rainey.

Thompson, who was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier Sunday, was diagnosed with right biceps tendinitis after undergoing an MRI, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

The original diagnosis for Thompson's injury was a biceps strain, but it's instead been classified as tendinitis after receiving the imaging results. It's unclear how long the 24-year-old is expected to be unavailable, but he'll be eligible to be activated April 20 versus the Diamondbacks.

Barnes (back) threw with no issues Sunday but isn't expected to be available for the series finale against the Yankees, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Barnes previously hoped to be available for Saturday's contest but didn't take the mound, and he isn't expected to make his season debut Sunday. The 31-year-old's back is apparently feeling better, and manager Alex Cora expects the right-hander to be available for Monday's matchup with the Tigers.

Manager Tony La Russa said Sunday that Lopez will work out of the bullpen for the time being, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Vince Velasquez is Chicago's No. 5 starter to open the campaign with Lance Lynn (knee) out, and Lopez will remain in relief for now despite the fact Lucas Giolito is headed to the injured list after suffering an abdominal strain Opening Day. Lopez is likely to receive some starts at some point this season, but they apparently won't be coming in the immediate future.