MLB Player News

Through five outings this season, Cruz has a 10:1 K:BB over 5.2 innings while pitching to a 4.76 ERA and 0.71 WHIP and notching one hold.

Cruz's mediocre ERA so far can be attributed to one outing -- he gave up three runs over two-thirds of an inning against Pittsburgh on April 4. In the right-hander's other four appearances, he's held the opponent hitless and scoreless over five frames. Cruz posted a K/9 of 12.9 or better in each of his first three big-league campaigns with the Reds, and he's topping even that impressive mark so far this season with a 15.9 K/9 in the early going of his first year with New York. Cruz has just one hold so far, but he's seen most of his work in the seventh and eighth frames, suggesting that manager Aaron Boone trusts him in high-leverage situations. For fantasy managers in leagues that count holds, Cruz could be worth considering as a waiver-wire target considering his ability to rack up punchouts.

Joyce said Wednesday that he's not concerned about the drop in velocity he experienced in his most recent outing Tuesday versus Tampa Bay, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Joyce displayed the lowest in-game velocity of his big-league career on both his sinker and four-seamer in the outing, during which he gave up three runs on four hits in one-third of an inning. However, the right-hander stated one day later that his location was the issue rather than his velocity. Angels manager Ron Washington seemed similarly unconcerned following Joyce's appearance, stating, "He was fine. He's human. Tonight he just didn't have it," per Fletcher. Fantasy managers who roster Joyce certainly hope that the right-hander's velocity is back to normal the next time he takes the mound, but for the time being, it appears the fireballer isn't dealing with any sort of injury.

Varland allowed one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning Thursday against the Royals.

Varland moved to the bullpen this spring, and the returns have been encouraging so far, as he has a 3.86 ERA and 10:3 K:BB in seven innings. He could be used in higher-leverage spots if he continues his early success. The right-hander struggled last season as a starter in Triple-A with a 4.75 ERA, but he showed promise as a reliever in the majors in 2023 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings and a 17:1 K:BB.

Halvorsen walked one and struck out one across a scoreless ninth inning Thursday against the Brewers.

Halvorsen entered the game with a five-run lead in the ninth inning, so it wasn't a save situation. However, it was still an important outing after he surrendered six runs (three earned) while recording just one out in Wednesday's game. Halvorsen should be in line for at least a share of Colorado's saves moving forward.

Kilian was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Kilian was once a highly-regarded prospect and was acquired by the Cubs as part of the return for Kris Bryant. However, he stalled in the upper levels of the minors and has made only five starts in the majors during his career. Kilian could stick with the organization if he clears waivers.

Estevez earned the save in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Twins, allowing a hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Estevez found himself in trouble, allowing a one-out single before hitting Harrison Bader with a pitch to put the tying and go-ahead runs on base. However, the right-hander struck out Matt Wallner before inducing a groundout from Willi Castro to seal the Royals' one-run victory. While it hasn't always come easily, Estevez has converted four of Kansas City's five save chances this year while allowing one earned run on three hits and four walks in his first six innings.

Manager Brian Snitker said Thursday that Kimbrel is still ramping up at the team's complex in Florida but hasn't begun facing hitters yet, Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game Atlanta reports.

Kimbrel got off to a late start preparing for the season, as he didn't sign with Atlanta until close to the end of spring training. There's no telling when he might begin facing live opponents, but the plan is still for him to join the big-league club sometime in May if he proves to be effective in the minor leagues.

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre reinstated Matzek from its 7-day injured list Wednesday.

Matzek made his debut for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to Rochester, striking out three and allowing two hits over two scoreless innings. The left-hander opened the season on the IL after sustaining an oblique strain in early March, but he was cleared to join the Triple-A bullpen after making a one-inning rehab appearance for Single-A Tampa on Sunday. The 34-year-old will look to string together more quality appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as he aims to earn a call-up to the Yankees. His contract contains a May 1 opt out if he isn't promoted to the big leagues before then.

The Red Sox released Moore (arm) on Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Moore has been on the injured list at Triple-A Worcester all season due to arm soreness, but he'll now be sent to the open market before he gets a chance to take the mound in 2025. It's unclear how far Moore is from fully recovering from his arm injury, but he'll likely seek out a minor-league deal with another club once he's healthy.

Cronin (hip) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Cronin has been shelved since late March with a left hip strain but has been cleared for game appearances. It's not clear how many rehab outings the Marlins will ask him to make, but Cronin should eventually return to high-leverage work in the Miami bullpen.