MLB Player News

Kay was optioned to Toronto's alternate training site Friday.

Kay made a single start during his time with the team, giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits in 3.1 innings of work. He hasn't pitched in over a week. Tyler Chatwood (triceps) was activated in a corresponding move.

Perez was optioned to the Reds' taxi squad Friday.

Perez hasn't looked good in 10 relief appearances so far this season. He's allowed eight earned runs in 8.2 innings, striking out eight while walking eight.

Wittgren (0-1) was charged with the loss Thursday after giving up two runs on two hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning versus the Yankees.

He entered the game in the seventh inning but was in trouble almost immediately, and a two-run single from Rougned Odor was enough to stick Wittgren with the loss. The right-hander has struggled with six earned runs allowed in 5.1 innings so far. He's got a 5:4 K:BB, one save and three holds. Fantasy managers looking for closing options from Cleveland would do better to check on the availability of Emmanuel Clase.

Montero (2-0) struck out a batter in a perfect ninth inning Thursday, ultimately earning the win in a 7-3 extra-inning victory over Boston.

The righty lowered his ERA to 2.61 and his WHIP to 0.77 in 10.1 innings. Montero boasts a four-pitch repertoire that's slightly unusual for a reliever, but it has proven effective thus far in 2021. Seattle's surprising early-season success has given Montero high-leverage innings, but blowing three of his first six save opportunities has opened the door for Kendall Graveman and Keynan Middleton to become part of the closing picture for the Mariners as well.

Rogers pitched one inning without allowing a baserunner to earn his eighth hold in Thursday's 3-0 win over Miami.

The righty now boasts a 0.71 ERA and eight strikeouts through 12.2 innings pitched. With a low-80s fastball and a rising breaking ball, Rogers and his ankle-high release point are capable of making even the most disciplined hitters look foolish. His production and value as a late-inning reliever have been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers, especially in leagues that count holds.

Manager Joe Maddon said Thursday that he now believes Rodriguez has what it takes to eventually move into a starting role, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports. "The changeup really adds another layer to him," Maddon said. "He's a strike-thrower and he can get quick outs by challenging hitters with that fastball and force them to beat it into the ground. You can see him becoming a front-line starter. It gives me a lot to think about now that I've seen it."

The skipper made some eyebrow-raising comments in spring training, saying that Rodriguez looked like a reliever to him, but apparently he is changing his tune. Moving past Maddon's lack of foresight, this is excellent news for those who have been rostering Rodriguez in dynasty leagues. Despite this high praise, the 22-year-old will likely stay in the bullpen all season given his injury history so that the Angels can monitor his innings and workload, but it sounds like he could be stretched out for the 2022 season. The righty has a 3.48 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 30.4 percent strikeout rate and 64 percent groundball rate through 10.1 innings (five appearances). His top priority in the short term will be cutting his 13 percent walk rate.

Miller was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with a strain in his lower back, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The 30-year-old surrendered seven runs over two innings after having his contract selected by the Cubs last week. Miller will be unavailable for at least 10 days, though it's unclear if he'll face a longer absence. Kyle Ryan was recalled from the alternate site in a corresponding move.

Santos struck out two and did not allow a baserunner in one inning Thursday against the Marlins in his big-league debut.

He needed 16 pitches to complete a perfect first big-league inning, using 11 sliders and five fastballs. His combination of a 98 mph four-seam fastball and an ability to land his hard slider for strikes makes Santos an imposing late-inning reliever already. Jake McGee has a pretty firm hold on the closer's role, but if he were to stumble, Santos could immediately jump into the ninth-inning mix.

Castro has a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB through six innings in six appearances with one hold.

The 26-year-old hasn't seen consistent high-leverage work, but Castro has been one of the best bullpen arms for the Mets in the early going. He's averaging career highs with a 98.5 mph average fastball velocity and 36.0 percent strikeout rate, and more opportunities for holds could be coming if he keeps racking up K's.

Voth has a 1.93 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 4:3 K:BB through 4.2 innings over four appearances to begin the season.

The right-hander has gotten anywhere from two to six outs in his appearances, none of which have come in high-leverage situations, and he has yet to record a hold, save or decision of any kind. Voth doesn't appear to be an option for spot starts either, giving him few paths to fantasy value.