MLB Player News

Walker (0-1) took the loss and blew a save opportunity in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Phillies, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

Logan Webb gave San Francisco seven innings of one-run ball, and Erik Miller tossed a scoreless eighth to hand Walker a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. However, the Giants' closer couldn't protect the advantage, yielding a pair of infield singles and a triple to allow two runs to score. The blown save was the second of the season across five save chances for Walker, who has registered a 4.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB through 12.2 frames spanning 13 outings. He's probably still safe as San Francisco's primary saves option for the time being, though Walker doesn't have the longest leash among MLB closers.

Lambert (1-2) took the loss in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Orioles, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

It was a decent effort overall from Lambert, who held Baltimore scoreless for three frames before giving up a run in each of the fourth and fifth innings. Since sliding into the Astros rotation, Lambert has posted a solid 3.52 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB in three starts (15.1 innings). The right-hander is currently scheduled for a tough home matchup with the Dodgers in his next outing.

Anderson signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Thursday.

Anderson elected free agency Tuesday after being designated for assignment by the Angels earlier in the week, but he will now return to the organization on a new deal. The right-hander made nine appearances with the Angels before being let go, compiling a 5.94 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 12 strikeouts over 16.2 innings. He will now look to get into a rhythm with Triple-A Salt Lake in an attempt to potentially get another look with the big-league club later this season.

Espada was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after Thursday's doubleheader against the Astros.

Espada was added to the major-league roster ahead of the doubleheader, and he pitched a scoreless inning, allowing two hits in the team's 10-3 win over Houston in the matinee. The right-hander will now return to Norfolk, where he has a 5.40 ERA and 7:9 K:BB across 10 innings this year.

Gerber (finger) struck out two and allowed two hits over a scoreless inning during his rehab appearance Tuesday at Triple-A Syracuse.

The right-hander took the hill for the second appearance of his assignment after he previously tossed a scoreless frame for Single-A St. Lucie on Saturday. Gerber shouldn't require much more additional time in the minors to prove his health after landing on the injured list April 14 due to a blister, but his activation could be delayed nonetheless if the Mets don't have a spot available for him in the big-league bullpen.

The Phillies selected Richards' contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

Richards has been on a roll at Lehigh Valley, having collected a 1.93 ERA and 26:3 K:BB over his first 14 innings. The veteran righty is capable of handling multiple innings and is candidate for long-relief work in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Giants.

The Phillies placed Backhus on the 15-day injured list Thursday with left elbow inflammation.

It's unclear how long Backhus' elbow has been bothering him, but he hadn't pitched since Saturday. Trevor Richards will assume his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

Varland secured the save Thursday against the Mets, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in 1.1 innings. He struck out one.

The Nationals trusted the right-hander to record the final four outs Thursday, and Varland delivered despite letting the tying run to reach base. Primary closer Clayton Beeter (forearm) will spend at least one more week on the injured list, seemingly leaving the ninth-inning gig all to Varland for now. Varland is perhaps making a case for more save chances even when Beeter returns, posting a 2.84 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB over 12.2 innings.

Finnegan earned the save in Thursday's 5-2 win over Atlanta, allowing a hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

After Kenley Jansen was charged with a blown save Wednesday, it was Finnegan who got the call in the ninth inning Thursday with the Tigers up by three. The right-hander worked around a one-out single to lock down his first save with Detroit this season. The 34-year-old Finnegan is off to a stellar start this season -- he's allowed just one run through his first 15.2 innings. While the veteran Jansen should have a fairly long leash as the Tigers' primary closer, Finnegan is certainly a name to watch should Jansen's struggles continue.

Pomeranz (0-3) took the loss against the White Sox on Wednesday, allowing one run on one hit and two walks while retiring only one batter in the 10th inning.

After the Angels were unable to push across a run in the top of the 10th, Pomeranz was tasked with keeping Chicago off the board in the bottom of the frame. He intentionally walked the first batter he faced, then walked another before giving up a walk-off single with one out. Pomeranz was considered a closer candidate after Jordan Romano was DFA'd on April 16, but the lefty has struggled mightily since then, giving up four runs on four hits (including three homers) while being charged with two blown saves and a loss over three outings. It wouldn't be surprising if the Angels look to other options for high-leverage work until Pomeranz gets back on track.