MLB Player News

Staumont pitched a perfect ninth inning in Saturday's 11-4 win over the Rangers.

It was a non-save situation, but Staumont still pitched well. He needed just nine pitches to retire the side and end the game. The 27-year-old right-hander posted a 2.45 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, eight holds and a 0.7 groundball-to-flyball ratio in 25.2 innings last year. Staumont is expected to see high-leverage work in 2021, including some save opportunities. Greg Holland, Wade Davis and Scott Barlow are also in the mix to close in a crowded Royals bullpen.

Tate pitched a perfect eighth inning with one strikeout to earn a hold in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Red Sox

Tate needed only 11 pitches to retire the side in the bottom of the eighth. The 2015 first-round pick was solid in his second season, posting a 3.24 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and two holds across 16.2 innings in 2020. He only made 12 appearances -- the right-hander could be a versatile option in the Orioles' bullpen, capable of working in both long-relief and higher-leverage assignments. Tate isn't expected to be in the closer conversation.

Colome notched his first save of the season after pitching a scoreless ninth inning Saturday against the Brewers.

Colome tossed nine of his 12 pitches for strikes and made quick work of the final three outs, forcing Kolten Wong and Luis Urias to ground out and finishing the game with a popout from Christian Yelich. Colome is now 1-of-2 on save opportunities to start the season but seems to have gotten back on track after his subpar debut on Opening Day. In any case, his role as the Twins closer appears safe for now.

Raley struck out one over 1.2 scoreless innings to record his first save of the season in Saturday's 9-1 win over the A's.

The southpaw was called on to squelch a rally in the eighth inning and protect a 5-1 lead after Enoli Paredes had loaded the bases, creating a save situation for Raley as the tying run was on deck, and the Astros then tacked on four more insurance runs in the top of the ninth. It's only the second career save for the 32-year-old, who coughed up two runs Friday in one-third of an inning, but Raley could see semi-consistent high-leverage work this season with Blake Taylor being the only other left-hander in the Houston bullpen at present.

Hernandez was diagnosed with right biceps inflammation after leaving Saturday's start against the Rays, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. His velocity had dropped to 85.3 mph in the third inning after he averaged 91 mph in the first inning, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old exited during the third inning with what initially appeared to be a hand injury, but it's now been officially announced as biceps inflammation. Hernandez currently lines up to start Thursday against the Mets, though it's unclear if he'll be able to remain on schedule due to the injury.

Kimbrel struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning during Saturday's 5-1 win over the Pirates.

Working in a non-save situation, Kimbrel overpowered the Bucs on 16 pitches (12 strikes). It was an excellent start to the campaign for the veteran closer, who's looking to erase memories of the 6.00 ERA he posted over the last two seasons for the Cubs.

Valdez earned his second save of the season Saturday against the Red Sox, striking out one while allowing a walk and a hit by pitch in a scoreless ninth inning.

The Orioles didn't announce a closer prior to the start of the year, but it sure seems as though Valdez has the job, as he's gotten the save opportunity in the Orioles' first two games, with Tanner Scott pitching in the eighth on both occasions. He didn't make it easy on himself Saturday, allowing the first two batters he faced to reach base, but he got the job done in the end.

Green picked up his first save of the season Saturday against the Blue Jays, striking out two of the four batters he faced and getting the other two to pop out.

Green entered in the sixth inning on Opening Day, but he was saved for a save situation this time around. He entered the game with two on and two out in the eighth, tasked with holding onto a two-run lead, and he was able to get the job done. He won't be picking up too many more saves this season, however, as Aroldis Chapman's suspension expired following the conclusion of Saturday's game.

Bracho is dealing with a strained left oblique and is at least a week away from getting back on the mound, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Bracho will still have to build his arm strength back up once he gets back on the mound, so he's still several weeks away from game action. He isn't on the Giants' 40-man roster, so his initial game action is unlikely to come in the big leagues.

Hernandez exited his season debut Saturday against the Rays in the third inning with an apparent hand injury, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Hernandez was looking at his finger earlier in the game, so he might not be dealing with anything worse than a blister. He's battled blister issues in recent seasons. A diagnosis should be available after the game.