MLB Player News

Robles pitched a 1-2-3 seventh with two strikeouts to save Thursday's 6-3 win over the Angels in Game 2 of a doubleheader.

Robles quickly retired all three Angels batters to record his second save in the past week as Minnesota's closer carousel has spun in his favor lately. Robles, Alex Colome and Taylor Rogers now have two saves apiece, though it's important to note that Rogers pitched the sixth Thursday against the meat of Los Angeles' lineup.

Chafin pitched a scoreless inning of relief in Thursday's win over the Nationals to record his 10th hold of the season.

Chafin has been one of the Cubs' most dependable relievers so far. In addition to the team-leading 10 holds, the lefty has a solid 2.57 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 21 strikeouts across 21 innings. He should continue working in a high-leverage role for Chicago.

Baumann (elbow) threw three scoreless and hitless innings with four strikeouts and no walks in a rehab outing with Low-A Delmarva on Thursday, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Baumann has slowly been working his way back from a right flexor strain, and he was able to throw 30 pitches in his second rehab outing. Once he's ready to be activated, Baumann is likely to slot into the Triple-A Norfolk rotation to begin his season.

Duffey has agreed to serve a two-game suspension for intentionally throwing at the White Sox's Yermin Mercedes on Tuesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Duffey pitched in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Angels while appealing his initial three-game ban. He allowed three runs on four hits and no walks while striking out one in one inning. He'll begin serving his reduced suspension in Thursday's nightcap and will be unavailable to pitch Friday.

Kimbrel earned the save against the Nationals on Thursday by tossing a scoreless inning. He allowed one hit while striking out three.

The right-hander entered the ninth frame with a two-run lead and worked around a single by Starlin Castro to slam the door, earning all of his outs via strikeouts. It was the ninth save of the season for Kimbrel, who has blown two of his opportunities thus far while pitching to the tune of a 1.02 ERA and 0.85 WHIP across 17.2 innings.

Chapman fired a scoreless inning to pick up the save against the Rangers on Thursday, allowing one walk while striking out two.

Another game, another unbeatable performance by Chapman. The southpaw has still yet to give up a run or blow a save opportunity this season, rendering him a top-ranked closer. He's given up just five hits and six walks while whiffing 36 batters across 17 innings of work.

Bazardo (lat) is receiving treatment and will undergo more testing to determine the extent of his injury, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Bazardo has been diagnosed with a right lat strain after he left his appearance for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday. A better idea of his return timetable could come into focus once the results of his tests are known.

MLB suspended Duffey three games and handed him an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing at the White Sox's Yermin Mercedes in the seventh inning of Tuesday's 5-4 win, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. Duffey is appealing the suspension.

Duffey's three-game ban comes after he attempted to get revenge on Mercedes for swinging away (and hitting a home run) on a 3-0 pitch in the ninth inning of a 15-4 game one day earlier. Though Duffey's pitch didn't hit Mercedes, the intent was obvious enough for MLB to levy punishment. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was also handed a one-game suspension, which he will serve in the second half of Minnesota's doubleheader with the Angels on Thursday. Expect Duffey's appeal to be heard in the next few days before an announcement is made regarding whether the three-game ban is upheld or reduced.

Soriano (elbow) began a rehab assignment with Low-A Bradenton on Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

The Pirates grabbed Soriano in the Rule 5 draft despite the fact that he was still working his way back from Tommy John surgery. He's still on the 60-day injured list and may need a lengthy rehab assignment before he's ready to make his big-league debut, but the Pirates will have to keep him on the active roster once that's done or offer him back to the Angels.

Quijada was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Quijada was recalled by the Angels on Tuesday, but he'll now return to the minors after he struck out two in 1.2 scoreless innings Wednesday. The southpaw could be available as a low-leverage reliever later in the season.