MLB Player News

Webb, who allowed an earned run on two walks over 1.1 innings in a loss to the Padres on Friday, owns a 19.29 ERA over four May appearances.

The left-hander also recorded two strikeouts Friday for his first outing with multiple punchouts this season, but Webb simply can't seem to settle into any sort of groove for an extended period. The veteran offered some hope when he posted four consecutive scoreless appearances over a seven-day period in mid-April, but he's subsequently generated a 16.62 ERA and 3.23 WHIP in the 4.1 innings covering his next six appearances. Webb is still seeing as much work as in past seasons -- his 15 appearances are already just six fewer than the 21 he logged in 2020 -- but manager Mike Shildt could reach his breaking point eventually if the 30-year-old doesn't figure things out soon.

Smith allowed two hits and one unearned run in two innings, striking out three hitters and not factoring into the decision of Saturday's 12-5 loss to the Rays.

The righty proved effective in the opener role, holding the Rays to just a run before the Mets' bullpen allowed the game to get out of hand. Smith has now pitched three innings this season and has yet to yield an earned run. Given Saturday's success, Smith figures to serve as the opener again in the future.

Fleming will start Sunday's game against the Mets, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

This will mark the fourth start of 2021 for Fleming, who has also made three relief appearances and has posted a 2.73 ERA in 29.2 total innings pitched. Fleming could match up nicely against the Mets' lefty-heavy lineup.

Gonzalez struck out one batter and hit one batter in a scoreless one-third of an inning Friday to pick up a hold against Miami.

Los Angeles jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the second inning, but the Marlins gradually clawed their way back into the contest. They loaded the bases and sent the tying run to the plate in the top of the eighth, prompting Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to turn to Gonzalez. The lefty hit the first batter he faced to force in a run but then struck out Jon Berti to finish the inning. Gonzalez has emerged as one of the team's most trusted late-inning relievers, registering a 1.38 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 11:7 K:BB across 13 innings. He is tied for the MLB lead with 10 holds.

Smeltzer has nerve irritation in his left elbow and will not throw for several weeks, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The positive news is that Smeltzer's ligament appeared to be OK. Nevertheless, his absence could be lengthy. Manager Rocco Baldelli said that he hopes Smeltzer can avoid the 60-day injured list.

Hildenberger was designated for assignment by the Mets on Saturday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Hildenberger threw 2.1 innings with the Mets earlier this season and surrendered four earned runs. The move creates room on the 40-man roster for Jake Hager.

Smith will serve as the opener Saturday against the Rays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Smith has appeared in one game with the Mets this season, throwing a clean inning against Baltimore on May 12. He'll likely only throw only one or two innings, with Joey Lucchesi expected to throw the bulk of the innings after Smith.

Ottavino struck out two over a scoreless eighth inning to earn a hold in Friday's 4-3 win over the Angels.

The Red Sox had taken the lead a half-inning earlier and went to Ottavino, their usual eighth-inning bridge to closer Matt Barnes, to face the top of the Angels' order. He induced a ground out from David Fletcher, then struck out Shohei Ohtani (swinging) and Mike Trout (called) in one of his best outings of the season. The hold was Ottavino's eighth.

Lakins (1-4) was handed the loss Friday against the Yankees after allowing one run on one hit while striking out two over 1.2 innings.

Lakins relieved Cole Sulser with one out and two men on in the seventh and promptly served up a three-run homer to Gio Urshela to give the Yankees a 5-4 lead. The 27-year-old had not allowed an earned run in his first nine appearances this season but has since given up six runs over his last 4.1 innings and now owns a 4.38 ERA.

Loaisiga pitched a clean ninth while needing just six pitches to earn his second save of the year in a 5-4 win over the Orioles on Friday.

Loaisiga was called upon to close out Friday's game after Aroldis Chapman had pitched four of the last six days and was given a breather. The 26-year-old Loaisiga came in to relieve Wandy Peralta after he allowed a leadoff single and was able to induce a 5-4-3 double play before getting Pedro Severino to foul out for the final out. Loaisiga has been quite solid aside from an uncharacteristic blowup against the Nationals last week, as he owns a 2.49 ERA and 20:4 K:BB over 21.2 innings.