MLB Player News

Laweryson picked up the save Monday against the Tigers. He allowed no hits or walks while striking out two over 1.2 perfect innings.

Laweryson entered in the eighth inning with a two-run lead that grew to four heading into the ninth, though the margin proved irrelevant as he was flawless en route to earning his first career MLB save. After surrendering four runs (three earned) across 1.1 innings in his season debut, the 27-year-old hasn't allowed a baserunner over his past three scoreless outings.

Baker earned the save Monday against the Cubs, allowing one run on one hit and no walks while striking out two in the ninth inning.

A two-out home run from Matt Shaw spoiled a shutout ninth inning from Baker as he earned his first save of 2026. It was the first hit and run the 31-year-old surrendered on the season. He also added two strikeouts to give him six on the season through four innings and four appearances. With some of the other Rays high-leverage relievers struggling to start the season, Baker's early success might earn him some more save opportunities moving forward.

Zerpa picked up the save Monday against Boston, giving up one run on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning.

With closer Trevor Megill and top setup man Abner Uribe both likely unavailable after working each of the past two days, it was Zerpa who drew the save opportunity and came away with his first career save. Things weren't easy though, as Willson Contreras homered and Wilyer Abreu singled to bring the potential tying run to the plate, but Zerpa got Trevor Story to ground out to end the game. The left-hander should see occasional high-leverage work, but Megill and Uribe are still the primary ninth-inning options in most situations.

Helsley picked up the save in Monday's win over the White Sox. He allowed one run on a hit and two walks with a strikeout over one inning.

Helsley worked himself into a jam after issuing two walks to open the ninth inning but was able to preserve a two-run lead and secure his third save of the young campaign in an Orioles win. After delivering a pair of scoreless innings in his first two appearances of the season, the hard-throwing right-hander has allowed a run in each of his past two outings. Overall, Helsley owns a 5.40 ERA and 2.40 WHIP, though the 3.1-inning sample is too small to draw any meaningful conclusions.

Mejia earned a save against the Astros on Monday, walking one batter and striking out one over 1.2 hitless and scoreless innings.

Houston had already scored twice in the top of the eighth inning when Mejia entered with runners at second and third and only one out. The right-hander impressively put out the fire, getting a flyout and groundout around an intentional walk to prevent any additional runs from scoring. Mejia remained in the game for the ninth and worked a 1-2-3 inning to secure his first save of the campaign. Victor Vodnik, who successfully converted a save Sunday, had worked on consecutive days and was unavailable for the ninth inning Monday. Still, given Mejia's impressive escape act in the eighth, it wouldn't be surprising if he gets additional chances to close in a relatively unsettled Rockies bullpen.

Bolton is being sent for precautionary imaging after he was struck by a comebacker during Monday's start against the Rockies, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. He didn't factor into the decision after allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.1 innings.

Bolton was able to remain in the game after being hit in the back with a line drive that registered at 102 mph off the bat during the first inning, but the club will take a closer look to ensure he avoided injury. The right-hander can be considered day-to-day until Houston has another update to share.

Pallante didn't factor into the decision Monday against the Nationals, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks in five innings. He struck out two.

After throwing five scoreless innings against the Mets in his season debut, Pallante ran into some tougher sledding Monday. While he did hold the Nationals to just three knocks, the right-hander walked at least four batters for the ninth time in his career. The 27-year-old right-hander boasts a 1.80 ERA through 10 innings so far, but his 5:7 K:BB is a far greater concern heading into his next scheduled outing versus the Red Sox.

Kuhnel will have his contract selected from Triple-A Las Vegas ahead of Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Kuhnel's promotion to the big leagues will be the corresponding move after the Athletics optioned Luis Morales to Triple-A earlier in the day Monday. Kuhnel has looked sharp in two appearances so far this season with the Aviators, as he's racked up six strikeouts over three scoreless frames.

Anderson allowed one run on two hits across three innings of relief in Monday's 7-3 loss to the Twins. He walked two and struck out four.

Anderson relieved Detroit starter Casey Mize, who was mostly ineffective across 4.1 innings. The former kept Detroit in the game in his most effective outing so far this season, though he still didn't keep the opposition off the scoreboard. Anderson has been scored on in all four of his appearances, and he's sitting with a 7.11 ERA overall, so he still leaves a lot to be desired from a fantasy perspective. The righty should stick in a long-relief role for the Tigers.

Kerkering (hamstring) has rejoined the team and is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against the Giants, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Kerkering joined the club in San Francisco earlier in the day Monday, but he'll need to wait one more day before being brought off the 15-day IL. He recently pitched on back-to-back days for Triple-A Lehigh Valley and made his final rehab appearance Saturday, where he struck out two and gave up one hit in a scoreless frame against Triple-A Durham.