MLB Player News

Hicks recorded his third hold in an extra-inning win over the Phillies on Thursday, firing a scoreless sixth inning during which he issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts.

Manager Mike Shildt decided to afford Hicks his first action since Sunday by inserting him into the game immediately after the Cardinals had taken a 3-1 lead in the home half of the fifth inning. Hicks experienced trademark issues with his location while getting just nine of 19 pitches into the strike zone, but he still came away with his third hold. At present, an ascension to the closer's role he filled in 2019 before getting injured doesn't look to be anywhere in the cards for Hicks, as he still appears to be rounding back into shape after sitting out 2020, while Alex Reyes is currently perfect over six save chances while holding down ninth-inning duties.

Reyes (1-0) was credited with the victory in an extra-inning win over the Phillies on Thursday, firing two perfect innings during which he recorded three strikeouts.

The right-hander was refreshingly sharp, getting his six outs on 25 pitches, 18 of which found the strike zone. Reyes has made it virtually impossible for manager Mike Shildt to remove him from high-leverage duties -- and the closer's role specifically -- by firing 12.1 scoreless frames and going 6-for-6 in save opportunities across his first 12 appearances. Reyes has also now stayed away from issuing free passes entirely in back-to-back outings for the first time all season, an encouraging development considering his still-elevated 19.2 percent walk rate.

Diekman (1-0) was credited with the win in a victory over the Rays on Thursday, firing a perfect eighth inning during which he recorded a strikeout.

The left-hander got 11 of 17 pitches into the strike zone during an efficient eighth frame and was rewarded with the victory when the one-run lead afforded by Matt Chapman's go-ahead RBI double in the top of the ninth inning held up. After uncharacteristically allowing four runs (three earned) over his first three trips to the mound this season, Diekman has bounced back to rattle off eight straight scoreless efforts while also recording two saves, three holds and Thursday's win.

Patino fired two scoreless innings during a loss to the Athletics on Thursday, allowing one hit while recording two strikeouts.

The promising right-hander has gotten his Rays tenure off to a nearly unblemished start, with Patino allowing just a hit and a walk over 4.2 innings across two appearances, the first coming as the opener against the Blue Jays on Sunday. The 21-year-old could continue to be used interchangeably as an opener, conventional reliever or even a bulk reliever, considering his extensive starting experience in the minors.

Adleman signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Friday.

The 33-year-old had a 5.52 ERA over 122.1 innings for the Reds during the 2017 season, and he'll rejoin the organization in 2021. Adleman will report to the alternate training site after spending last season at Detroit's alternate site.

Wilson was optioned to the alternate training site Friday.

Wilson started Thursday against the Cubs and took the loss after giving up four runs over three innings, and he's now surrendered 14 runs across 11 frames on the season. Sean Newcomb (COVID-19 protocols) was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move, and Edgar Santana was also promoted for bullpen depth.

Cleavinger won't miss any time after taking a liner to the triceps against the Reds on Wednesday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Cleavinger was removed from his outing with two outs in the ninth inning Wednesday after a liner struck him in the triceps area, but he didn't suffer a significant injury and won't need to miss any time. The southpaw warmed up in the bullpen late in Thursday's loss to Milwaukee, though he didn't get into the game.

Scott (1-2) pitched a scoreless 10th inning with one walks and two strikeouts to earn the extra-inning win over the Yankees on Thursday.

Scott did his part in the top of the 10th inning, and Cedric Mullins produced a walkoff sacrifice fly for the win. The 26-year-old Scott has a sharp-looking 2.53 ERA, but his 1.59 WHIP and 13:11 K:BB 10.2 innings are cause for concern. Nonetheless, he's racked up five holds in 11 appearances. While the southpaw isn't expected to see many save chances, he's likely to continue working in high-leverage scenarios.

Lopez allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three across four innings Thursday against the Yankees. He did not factor into the decision.

Lopez exited the game with runners on first and second, but he had yet to surrender a run. However, Rougned Odor singled in both baserunners against Adam Plutko, so those runs went on Lopez's line. Lopez has had a tough start to the season, as he's pitched to a 7.48 ERA with a 21:9 K:BB across 21.2 innings. He's currently projected to make his next start Tuesday at Seattle.

Valdez allowed one earned run on one hit and two walks while striking out two across one inning to blow the save Thursday against the Yankees.

Valdez entered the game with a one-run lead, but he walked two of the first three batters he faced before surrendering an RBI double. It was Valdez's second blown save of the season, though he's still gone 5-for-7 in save chances this season. This performance isn't likely to affect the closer role in Baltimore, though Tanner Scott could eventually earn saves if Valdez continues to stumble.