MLB Player News

Roberts pitched one inning, walking one batter in a 9-0 win Saturday over the Brewers.

Roberts made his major-league debut Saturday, pitching against the heart of the Brewers' lineup in the ninth inning of a laugher. The 2018 fourth-round draft pick steadily progressed through the Cubs' farm system, working exclusively in relief. Across three minor-league seasons, the Tennessee Tech alum produced a 3.09 ERA with a 2.3 BB/9 and 9.8 K/9 before earning a spot in the Cubs bullpen this spring.

Bard was credited with the save Saturday against the Dodgers after striking out the side.

Bard entered the game in the ninth with a one-run lead, and while he needed 17 pitches to get the job done, 11 of those pitches went for strikes and he ended up striking out the side. This was clearly a step in the right direction toward Bard working the ninth on a regular basis again.

Estevez (1-0) was credited with the win Saturday against the Dodgers after retiring the only batter he faced.

Estevez entered the game in the eighth inning to replace Alex Colome and was credited with the win after retiring Max Muncy on a flyout to center.

Treinen (0-1) was tagged with the loss in relief Saturday against the Rockies after allowing one run on one hit while fanning three across one inning.

Treinen entered the game in the eighth inning looking to keep the Dodgers in the game, but he gave up the game-winning run on a solo home run from Connor Joe. Treinen is not expected to have lots of save situations as long as Craig Kimbrel is healthy, but he should work as one of the Dodgers' main late-inning arms.

Chapman struck out one batter in a perfect inning Saturday to earn a save against the Red Sox.

The veteran closer was used in a non-save situation Friday and threw only 12 pitches, so he was able to take the mound for a second straight game Saturday. Despite a one-out error by Isiah Kiner-Falefa that allowed the tying run to come to the plate, Chapman again needed just 12 tosses -- 10 of which were strikes -- to set Boston down and earn his first save of the campaign. It has been a promising start to the campaign for Chapman, who has struck out three of the seven batters he has faced thus far.

Pivetta (0-1) was tagged with the loss against the Yankees on Saturday as a result of allowing four runs in 5.2 innings. He yielded four hits and three walks while striking out four.

Boston staked Pivetta to an early two-run lead, and the right-hander kept the Yankees off the scoreboard for three frames. However, he surrendered a game-tying two-run homer to Anthony Rizzo in the fourth and a two-run shot to Giancarlo Stanton in the sixth. Home runs have been an issue for Pivetta throughout his career, so it's fitting that all four runs scored against him Saturday came by way of the long ball. He'll try to get into the win column in his next outing, which is tentatively scheduled to take place at home against Minnesota late next week.

Romano earned a save against the Rangers on Saturday by throwing a perfect ninth inning.

Romano was summoned to protect a one-run ninth-inning lead and did so with ease, needing just eight pitches (six of which were strikes) to set the side down in order. The right-hander has earned a save in each of Toronto's first two games and has yet to allow a baserunner in two innings of work.

Akin struck out three and allowed one hit in three shutout innings in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Rays.

Akin worked in a multi-inning role behind starter Jordan Lyles, who took the loss Saturday. This was an expected appearance out of the bullpen for Akin, who failed to win a starting job in spring training. The southpaw was solid in this appearance -- more outings like Saturday's could allow him to challenge Dean Kremer or Tyler Wells for their spots in the rotation as the season progresses.

Duffey (0-1) gave up two runs on three hits while striking out one over one inning in a 4-3 loss Saturday against the Mariners.

Duffey blew the save when Adam Frazier doubled home two runs in the ninth. The Twins did not name a closer to start the season and Duffey was the first reliever given the opportunity to record a save. Despite his poor showing in his 2022 debut, the 31-year-old should continue to receive late-game opportunities as he has been one of the best bullpen arms for Minnesota over the past three years.

Fulmer pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts in Saturday's loss to the White Sox.

Fulmer got the ninth inning but the Tigers were down 5-2 at the time -- closer Gregory Soto wasn't needed. Soto led the club with 18 saves last season, though Fulmer wasn't that far behind with 14 of his own. The former should see the bulk of the chances in 2022 with Fulmer typically getting high-leverage work in the eighth inning. His fantasy value would increase, of course, if he supplanted Soto as the closer.