MLB Player News

Diaz was removed from Sunday's win over the Phillies due to back tightness, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Diaz admitted that he was dealing with a tight back during a mound visit with no outs in the bottom of the ninth, but he tried to pitch through the injury. The issue likely contributed to his struggles in his appearance, as he recorded only two outs while the Phillies tagged him for three runs on two hits and two walks. He'll be evaluated Monday as the Mets attempt to determine the severity of the injury. If Diaz misses time, the Mets would likely take a committee approach at closer, with the likes of Jeurys Familia, Trevor May, Miguel Castro and Aaron Loup all potentially factoring into the mix for saves.

Diaz left Sunday's win over the Phillies in the bottom of the ninth inning with an apparent injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Diaz entered Sunday's game in the ninth inning while the Mets were leading 8-4, but he gave up three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one in two-thirds of an inning. The right-hander nearly gave up a game-tying home run to Rhys Hoskins, but the homer was overturned via replay. However, Diaz was visited by a trainer and removed from the game after he gave up the hit to Hoskins. The nature and severity of Diaz's injury aren't yet clear.

Strop has taken a personal leave of absence from the Cubs, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Strop was sent to the Cubs' alternate training site in mid-April, but the right-hander posted a picture of himself in the Dominican Republic on Sunday. The Cubs have yet to comment on Strop's status, and it's not yet clear when he could return to the team.

Devenski (1-0) allowed two earned runs on three hits while striking out two in an inning of work against Colorado on Sunday. He got the win after blowing the save.

Devenski blew the lead in the top of the eighth inning and was charged with a blown save. However, he received the win after the Diamondbacks regained the lead in the bottom of the same inning. The 30-year-old has pitched only four innings this season as he has missed time for personal reasons. He has made only eight appearances since 2019, pitching 7.2 innings.

Crowe (0-1) allowed three runs on three hits and four walks while striking out two in five innings to take the loss against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Crowe was sharp in his first start of the season April 25 but had to settle for a no-decision. The right-hander was relatively effective again Sunday, but he gave up a three-run homer in the second inning. Crowe was unable to get any run support from the Pirates and was charged with his first loss of the year. He's now posted a 4.66 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 9.2 innings across three appearances (two starts) in 2021. Crowe tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against the Cubs on Saturday.

Bard (1-2) recorded just one out in the eighth inning while allowing four earned runs on four hits and one walk to take the loss against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Bard was hit hard in eighth, allowing five batters to reach safely, including three straight on extra-base hits. The 36-year-old's ERA has inflated to an even 9.00. He has allowed at least one run in five of his last six relief appearances.

Reyes struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the Pirates on Sunday.

Reyes needed only 12 pitches to get through Sunday's outing, and he earned his seventh save of the year by retiring all three of the batters he faced. The right-hander hasn't allowed a baserunner in his last three innings, and he hasn't yet given up a run in 13.1 innings across 13 appearances this season.

Manager Mike Matheny said Sunday that Junis will shift back to the bullpen going forward, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Junis began the 2021 season by tossing seven scoreless innings across three appearances, but he posted a 4.96 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 16.1 innings across his last three appearances. The Royals will call up Daniel Lynch to make his major-league debut Monday, so Junis will serve as a reliever going forward. While Junis pitched well out of the bullpen to begin the season, he's unlikely to be in the mix for save chances.

Shaw pitched 1.1 perfect innings with a strikeout to earn a hold in Sunday's 5-0 win over the White Sox.

Shaw successfully protected Cleveland's 2-0 lead, and the offense added three more runs in the top of the seventh inning. The 33-year-old reliever has become an integral part of the bullpen this season. He has a tiny 0.79 ERA and 0.71 WHIP across 11.1 innings, and he's earned four holds in 11 outings.

Kay is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Athletics in Oakland, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

After being called up from the alternate site Sunday, Kay was available out of the bullpen for Toronto's series finale versus Atlanta, but he wasn't needed in the 7-2 victory. He'll now step into the rotation to eat innings as the Blue Jays' No. 5 starter, but Kay may just be keeping a seat warm for Nate Pearson (groin), who is in the process of ramping up for starting duties in the minor leagues after spending the first month of the season on the injured list.