MLB Player News

Junk (2-3) took the loss Monday against the Phillies, allowing one run on five hits while striking out six over 5.1 innings.

Junk delivered another strong outing but was saddled with the loss, as he allowed the only run of the night -- a Bryce Harper solo homer in the third inning. The right-hander filled the zone effectively, throwing 64 of his 92 pitches for strikes. He has been excellent of late, allowing just one run across his last 16.1 innings, and he's now gone at least five innings in six consecutive starts. Junk owns a 2.82 ERA and 1.04 WHIP so far, though his 27 strikeouts in 38.1 innings highlight a less appealing fantasy profile. He will look to continue his recent success in his next scheduled outing against Washington.

O'Brien picked up the save in Monday's 6-3 victory over Milwaukee. He allowed no hits or walks with no strikeouts over two-thirds of a perfect inning.

With Gordon Graceffo surrendering a two-run homer to Brice Turang in the ninth inning to make it a three-run game and allowing another batter to reach, O'Brien entered with one out and closed the frame without issue to secure a victory for St. Louis. The lanky right-hander has been reliable in the closer role in 2026, allowing an earned run in just two of 17 appearances while posting a 2.12 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with a 19:1 K:BB across 17 innings. His 10 saves rank second in MLB, trailing only Mason Miller (11).

Munoz earned a save against Atlanta on Monday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters over one scoreless inning.

Munoz had just a one-run lead to work with when he entered in the bottom of the ninth frame, but he maneuvered around a two-out single to close out the Seattle win. It was a nice rebound performance after the right-hander blew his previous save chance Saturday against Kansas City. Munoz is up to seven saves in nine opportunities on the campaign. His 5.79 ERA is far from pretty, but it's largely due to a five-run blowup over two-thirds of an inning April 15 versus San Diego.

Leahy (4-3) earned the win Monday, allowing one run on six hits, two walks and a hit-by-pitch over 5.1 innings against Milwaukee. He struck out five.

The right-hander allowed some traffic but was charged with just one run, which scored after George Soriano allowed an inherited runner to cross following Leahy's exit with two runners on and one out in the sixth inning. Monday marked the first time the 28-year-old exceeded five innings this season, and while his 4.93 ERA and 1.64 WHIP with a 27:13 K:BB across 34.2 innings aren't anything special, he's now picked up four wins and has factored into the decision in all seven starts in 2026. Leahy's next start is tentatively scheduled for Saturday against San Diego.

Chapman earned the save Monday against the Tigers, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Chapman took care of business in the ninth, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. Monday's performance tallied his seventh save in as many opportunities and the left-hander has now strung together eight straight scoreless appearances. Chapman continues to be nearly untouchable, boasting a 0.77 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a 14:3 K:BB across 11.2 innings.

Soriano (5-2) took the loss against the White Sox on Monday, allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out five batters over four innings.

Soriano got off to a blazing start to the season -- in fact, he was recently recognized as the AL Pitcher of the Month for April. However, the right-hander couldn't sustain that success against the White Sox in his first real stumble of the campaign. Soriano gave up two runs in the first inning, then served up a pair of homers accounting for three total runs in the fourth. He ended up finishing just four frames, marking his shortest start of the season, while the five runs he surrendered were a campaign-worst mark. Soriano got through his first six starts spanning 37.2 frames having allowed just one homer, but he's now given up four long balls over his past two starts. He still carries a sterling 1.74 ERA overall, and he'll look to get back on track the next time he takes the mound, which is projected to be a road start in Toronto.

Pagan (2-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Monday against the Cubs, allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in two-thirds of an inning. He struck out one.

Summoned to protect a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, Pagan gave up a leadoff triple to Pete Crow-Armstrong before eventually serving up a walk-off solo home run to Michael Conforto. It was Pagan's third blown save of the season, which perhaps leaves the door open for someone like Tony Santillan or Graham Ashcraft to see more save chances for the Reds going forward. Through 14 innings, Pagan owns a rough 6.43 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB with six saves.

The Royals announced that Kolek (oblique) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday's game against the Guardians.

Kolek completed his fourth rehab appearance at Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, striking out four batters over 4.1 innings (72 pitches) while yielding three runs (one earned) on eight hits and no walks. Though he initially appeared to be ticketed for a long-relief role upon his return from the IL, Kolek will end up slotting into the rotation Tuesday as a rpelacement for Noah Cameron, who was scratched from his scheduled start due to lower-back tightness. Kolek suffered a Grade 1 left oblique strain during spring training and will be making his first big-league appearance of the 2026 campaign Tuesday.

Mercado was activated from the 7-day injured list Saturday.

Mercado failed to make an appearance during spring training due to a shoulder injury, but he looked sharp during his rehab assignment in April, posting a 1.23 ERA and 0.68 WHIP over 7.1 innings (five appearances). He looked a little shaky during his first appearance for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, surrendering two runs on three walks while striking out one over two frames.

Moran will serve as Boston's opening pitcher for Tuesday's game in Detroit, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

The lefty will presumably work the first inning or two before making way for Brayan Bello, who is expected to serve as the team's bulk reliever Tuesday. Moran is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, delivering a 2.33 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 17 strikeouts across 19.1 innings.