MLB Player News

Hand was not on the field for the Nationals' workout Monday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Eleven players in total are reported to be in quarantine for the Nats due to positive COVID-19 tests or being designated as close contacts, and Hand's absence from the workout suggests he's probably in one of those groups. If he's in the latter group, he could still be cleared to play in time for Tuesday's game against Atlanta, but Daniel Hudson or Tanner Rainey would be the most likely candidates to handle a save chance if Hand is unavailable.

Mayers recorded the save Monday against the Astros after allowing one run on one hit in the ninth inning.

Mayers entered the game holding a two-run lead and gave up a solo shot to Kyle Tucker, but he closed the door effectively despite not striking anyone out. This was Mayers' first save of the season, and while he might see further opportunities here and there, he's not expected to replace Raisel Iglesias as the Angels' full-time closer anytime soon.

Morejon allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two batters over four innings in Monday's loss to the Giants. He didn't factor into the decision.

Both runs Morejon gave up came via solo home runs. The 22-year-old left-hander was taken deep to center by Darin Ruf to open up the second inning, then Evan Longoria drove a sinker out of the yard to put the Giants up 2-1 in the fourth. Morejon never pitched more than three innings in 2020, as he primarily served as an opener; however, the Padres stretched him out to be a starter this spring, and he should remain in the rotation until Dinelson Lamet (elbow) is able to come off the injured list. His next opportunity to pitch is expected to come against the Rangers on Sunday.

Barlow logged two perfect innings to earn a hold in Monday's 3-0 win over Cleveland.

Barlow has yet to receive a save opportunity in 2021, but he's logged 3.2 scoreless innings across two outings, both holds. He's picked up four strikeouts as well. The 28-year-old right-hander appears set to see plenty of work in close games, but so far he's been limited to setup duty.

Sims pitched a perfect eighth to earn a hold in his first outing of the season Monday against the Pirates. He struck out one.

Meanwhile Amir Garrett got the Reds' first save chance and was a little shaky while converting it, allowing a homer and two other baserunners before getting the final out. If Garrett, who threw 25 pitches, needs a day off, it's possible Sims could get the next chance on Tuesday.

Armstrong allowed two runs on a hit and a walk and struck out one in one-third of an inning in Monday's 7-0 loss to the Yankees.

Armstrong was called on to finish the fifth inning, but he ended up giving up a grand slam to Giancarlo Stanton before striking out Gleyber Torres. The 30-year-old Armstrong was away from the Orioles at the start of the season to attend the birth of his child. The right-hander is expected to join Cesar Valdez and Tanner Scott in a closer committee to begin 2021, but Armstrong will need to show better than he did Monday to be trusted with a late-inning role.

Pivetta (1-0) picked up the win in Monday's 11-2 rout of the Rays, allowing two hits and four walks over five scoreless innings. He struck out four.

The right-hander threw only 52 of 92 pitches for strikes, but Pivetta was able to avoid any damage despite his control issues and got more than enough support from Boston's bats. He'll look to build on a successful Red Sox debut in his next scheduled start Sunday in Baltimore.

Alvarado collected his first save of the season Monday, giving up a run on three hits while striking out two in the ninth inning of a 5-3 win over the Mets.

With Hector Neris having pitched three times in the last four days, it was Alvarado's turn to protect a late lead. The lefty made things interesting by giving up three straight two-out singles before Pete Alonso came within about five feet of an opposite-field homer, but it still went into the books as Alvarado's first save with his new club. It's noteworthy that he got the call over Archie Bradley in a save situation, a decision which may have been prompted by lefty Brandon Nimmo leading off the ninth for the Mets, but Neris remains the primary closing option for the Phillies.

Moore didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 5-3 win over the Mets, giving up two runs on four hits and four walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out four.

The veteran southpaw's first start back in MLB after spending last season in Japan was right in line with his career results, as Moore threw only 47 of 74 pitches for strikes and put plenty of traffic on the bases. He was in line for the loss before the Phillies erupted for five runs in the eighth inning, but Moore will look to give his new team a more efficient outing during his next scheduled start Sunday in Atlanta.

May (0-1) was saddled with the loss Monday as the Mets fell 5-3 to the Phillies, giving up three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk over only one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

Entrusted with a 2-0 lead in the eighth inning in his first appearance for the Mets, May fanned Adam Haseley to begin the frame before loading the bases on two singles and a walk. The right-hander then gave way to Aaron Loup, who plunked Bryce Harper to bring home Philly's first run and get things rolling on yet another bullpen collapse that cost Jacob deGrom a win. May was expected to solidify the Mets' setup crew after posting a 3.19 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 12.2 K/9 over the prior three seasons for the Twins, but his tenure with his new club is off to an inauspicious start.