MLB Player News

Andriese picked up the save Saturday, striking out one over a scoreless 10th inning in a 6-4 extra-inning win over Baltimore.

This was Boston's first game that was headed toward needing a ninth-inning closer, but Adam Ottavino surrendered a one-run lead by giving up two runs in the eighth inning. When Boston tied the game in the top of the ninth, Matt Barnes, who was going to get a save opportunity, came on and got the game into extra frames. After the Red Sox plated two in the top of the 10th, manager Alex Cora went with Andriese, whose primary role is that of a multi-inning reliever, for the save. Andriese has allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings. Two of his four appearances have lasted more than three outs.

Pomeranz allowed one hit in a scoreless inning Saturday to earn the hold against Texas. All three of his outs came via strikeout.

While Mark Melancon has secured the coveted closer role that Pomeranz was thought to be in contention for heading into the season, the latter has fared well as a setup man, hurling four scoreless innings and compiling a 7:0 K:BB through four appearances. Pomeranz's ability to rack up strikeouts and put up elite ratios make him a worthwhile fantasy target despite the lack of save opportunities, especially in leagues that count holds.

The Yankees recalled Abreu from their alternate site Sunday.

He'll assume the active roster spot of Domingo German, who was optioned to the alternate site after being roughed up for four runs over four innings in Saturday's loss to the Rays. Though Abreu previously started 20 games for Double-A Trenton in 2019, he'll likely work out of the bullpen for New York rather than take over German's spot in the rotation. Deivi Garcia -- who battled German for the fifth starter's job in spring training before being optioned to the alternate site -- is presumably first in line to fill the opening in the big-league rotation.

Ottavino allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one over one-plus innings in Saturday's 6-4 extra-inning win over Baltimore.

Ottavino entered with one out in the seventh inning as Boston clung to a one-run lead. He and Matt Barnes were the main competitors for the closer role since spring training, but manager Alex Cora never made an official announcement. The manager brought Ottavino in to shepherd a lead through innings seven and eight. He retired both batters faced in the seventh with a man on second but ran into eighth-inning trouble. The game was shaping up to be the first that Boston would need a closer, and Cora made a decision to go with Barnes, but the save chance for Barnes never materialized.

Martin allowed one unearned run on three hits and struck out one over one inning in Saturday's 7-4 loss to the Padres.

Martin made his first appearance of the season after being activated off the injured list. He returns to help a bullpen challenged by injury, youth and inexperience.

Stanek surrendered a solo home run and struck out one in one inning of Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Athletics.

Seth Brown took Stanek deep in the eighth inning, launching a 424-foot shot to right field that left the bat at 106.1 mph. It was the first hit and run Stanek's allowed in six innings over five appearances. The right-hander has struck out eight, walked one and hit two batters.

Barnes (1-0) pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out two en route to his first win of the season over the Orioles on Saturday.

After Boston tied it up in the top of the ninth inning, Barnes was called upon to force extras. Barnes secured the win after the Red Sox took a 6-4 lead in the 10th inning. The 30-year-old has been close to perfect this season, tossing five innings and striking out 11 while allowing just one walk. Barnes is slated to be the primary closer for the Red Sox, but he has not received a save opportunity yet.

Stephan allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one in one inning in Saturday's 11-3 win over the Tigers.

Stephan pitched the ninth inning and allowed a two-run home run to Jeimer Candelario. Luckily for Cleveland, it wasn't a close game. Stephan had one scoreless appearance this season prior to Saturday's rocky outing. The 25-year-old right-hander will likely see low-leverage assignments like he did Saturday. As a Rule 5 pick, Stephan has to be kept on the roster all season, or he'll be offered back to the Yankees.

Melancon fired a perfect ninth inning, striking out one to earn his fourth save of the season Saturday against the Rangers.

Melancon has allowed only a single hit in four innings this season. The veteran's stellar start has him tied with Jake McGee for the league lead in saves (4). The Padres will have a large number of save opportunities this season and Melancon has solidified himself in the closing role.

Barria pitched two innings against Toronto on Saturday, allowing seven runs on six hits and four walks without striking out any batters.

Barria was recalled from the team's alternate training site on Saturday and immediately got a chance to contribute after starter Jose Quintana lasted only 1.2 innings. Barria inherited a seven-run deficit and retired his first batter to end the second frame and stop some of the bleeding, but he was subsequently knocked around himself and left with the Angels down by a score of 14-1. The right-hander threw 72 pitches in the relief appearance, likely taking him out of the picture for another outing for the next several days.