MLB Player News

The Royals transferred McArthur (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

McArthur missed the entire 2025 season while completing his recovery from surgery to address an elbow fracture, and though he was considered healthy heading into spring training, he experienced a minor setback before the end of camp. The right-hander resumed throwing bullpen sessions just over a week ago, but he now won't be eligible to join the big-league staff until at least late May. The transaction frees up a 40-man roster spot for catcher Elias Diaz, who was promoted from Triple-A Omaha.

Mikolas is scheduled to work in bulk relief behind opening pitcher PJ Poulin in Sunday's game against the Giants, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

The Nationals will pair Mikolas with Poulin for a second straight turn through the rotation. After turning in a 12.41 ERA, 2.35 WHIP and 11:7 K:BB in 12.1 innings over his first three starts this season, Mikolas didn't fare dramatically better coming out of the bullpen Tuesday, as the Pirates tagged him for three earned runs on three hits and two walks across 3.1 innings. Despite the favorable matchup against a weak Giants offense, Mikolas hasn't provided reason for fantasy managers to include him in lineups with any level of confidence.

Poulin will serve as the Nationals' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Giants, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Poulin will draw his third start of the season as an opener, again working in front of Miles Mikolas. The Nationals rode the Poulin-Mikolas pairing to a win over the Pirates on Tuesday, though the two pitchers combined to allow four earned runs over 4.1 innings. Poulin is unlikely to pitch more than an inning or two Sunday before turning the game over to the veteran right-hander.

Pagan was not used in a save situation in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Twins.

Pagan, who had been dealing with a hamstring injury, returned to the mound Friday and notched a save on 13 pitches. That he wasn't used on back-to-back days suggests manager Terry Francona is being cautious with his closer. Tony Santillan closed out Saturday's win for his first save of the year, and he could see more opportunities if Pagan's availability remains limited.

Holton pitched two scoreless innings of relief and earned a hold in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Red Sox. He struck out two.

In a game dominated by ace Tarik Skubal and ended by veteran closer Kenley Jansen, Holton served as an effective bridge between the two pitchers in the seventh and eighth innings to record his second hold of the year. The lefty reliever has been good so far out of Detroit's bullpen, posting a matching 0.96 ERA and WHIP across nine appearances to go along with seven strikeouts. Holton's fantasy value is capped by his set-up role, though he has more appeal in leagues that count holds and should continue to provide good ratios in all formats.

Miller picked up the save Saturday against the Angels, allowing one hit and one walk in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two.

The hard-throwing right-hander has been nearly untouchable this season, though the Angels did put up a fight Saturday. Los Angeles brought the potential tying run to the plate, but Miller got Adam Frazier to ground out to close it out. Miller's scoreless streak is now up to 31.2 consecutive innings, dating back to the 2025 regular season, and he's also gone 7-for-7 on save chances to go with a 25:2 K:BB over his first 10.1 frames of 2026.

Vodnik picked up the save Saturday against the Dodgers, giving up no runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning.

Vodnik did make things interesting, allowing the possible tying and go-ahead runs to reach base, but he got Kyle Tucker to fly out to wrap up an upset victory. The last-place Rockies figure to be near the bottom of the standings in 2026, but Vodnik appears to be the club's clear-cut closer at this time. Through nine frames, the right-hander has a 2.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 5:4 K:BB while converting three of his four save opportunities.

Pallante (2-1) earned the win against the Astros on Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts over five innings.

Pallante allowed a run in the first inning before rebounding with four scoreless frames despite throwing just 48 of 87 pitches for strikes. The 27-year-old has logged exactly five frames in each of his first four starts, holding opponents to two earned runs or fewer three times with one seven-run (six earned) clunker. He owns a 4.05 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 12:11 K:BB across 20 innings and lines up for a home matchup against the Mariners next weekend.

Baker was charged with a blown save Saturday against the Pirates, allowing one run on two hits and one walk with two strikeouts in one inning.

With the heart of the order due up for the Pirates in the bottom of the eighth, manager Kevin Cash called on Baker to protect a 5-4 lead. He yielded a leadoff walk to Brandon Lowe and an infield singled to Ryan O'Hearn before Nick Yorke tied the game with a single. It was Baker's second blown save of the season, though he'd previously recorded four of the Rays' previous five saves. Baker now owns a 4.32 ERA and 9:3 K:BB across 8.1 innings and currently remains Tampa Bay's leading candidate for saves.

O'Brien earned the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Astros, striking out one while retiring both batters he faced in the ninth inning.

The right-hander was called upon with one out in the ninth after George Soriano allowed three runs in the frame, and O'Brien retired the top two hitters in the Astros' order on seven pitches. The 31-year-old has been outstanding to open the campaign, posting a 12:0 K:BB across 11 innings while allowing just one unearned run and converting all six of his save opportunities.