MLB Player News

McKenzie allowed three runs on three hits, four walks and a wild pitch Saturday while striking out three over 1.2 innings in a 10-4 loss to the Angels.

Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt hoped the right-hander could provide some length after starter Tanner Bibee was chased with none out in the fifth inning, but McKenzie did nothing to quiet the Angels. The Guardians have been waiting for the 27-year-old to rediscover his 2022 form (2.96 ERA as a starter), but to no avail. He was moved to the bullpen after a rocky Cactus League season in which he allowed 10 runs, 15 hits and eight walks over 13 innings.

Banda (3-0) picked up the win against Philadelphia on Saturday, pitching one perfect inning.

Roki Sasaki logged another short outing (four-plus innings) for Los Angeles, and Banda took over in the fourth with a pair of runners on base and nobody out. He managed to escape the jam with the help of some poor Phillies baserunning -- after J.T. Realmuto advanced to third on a flyout, Bryson Stott was thrown out at first for a double play on another flyball that would have easily scored Realmuto. Still, it was another effective performance for Banda, who has pitched five scoreless frames over five outings to begin the campaign. He leads MLB with three wins, though given the unpredictable nature of reliever victories, that doesn't mean much for fantasy purposes.

Walker earned a save against the Mariners on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in one scoreless inning.

Walker was called upon to protect a ninth-inning, three-run lead, and he did so successfully while working around a one-out single. A back injury kept the right-hander out of action for a few days just after Opening Day, but Walker has bounced back nicely by picking up two saves so far in April. Camilo Doval has registered two saves of his own for San Francisco this season, but Walker remains the team's primary closer, with Doval filling the ninth-inning role on days when Walker is unavailable.

Jackson allowed one hit across a scoreless ninth inning to record the save Saturday against the Rays.

Jackson was called upon to maintain a two-run lead, and he did so comfortably. The only hit he allowed was an infield single with two outs, and he has now successfully converted five consecutive save chances. Jackson has also maintained a 5:2 K:BB across 5.1 frames on the season.

Miller earned a save against the Rockies on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters over one scoreless inning.

Miller had a relatively easy time preserving a three-run lead -- he gave up a one-out infield single but needed just 13 pitches to retire the side. The save was the second in as many days and third overall for the flamethrowing righty, who has yet to give up a run through four innings this season. He's been as dominant as ever with an 8:1 K:BB and just two hits allowed over that span.

Zeferjahn (hamstring) is likely unavailable Saturday against the Guardians, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Zeferjahn was removed from Friday's game with the hamstring issue. The exact timeline for his return remains unclear, though the Angels' bullpen looks likely to be shorthanded again Saturday.

Diaz (hamstring) may not be the closer immediately upon his return, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Diaz began a rehab assignment Friday and is nearing a return to the active roster. Despite some positive signs regarding Diaz's mechanics and command, pitching coach Derek Johnson said the team may prefer to put him in low-leverage appearances to ease him back into action. Johnson also stated that the decision would ultimately be up to manager Terry Francona, so there is no official word as to Diaz's role at this point.

Finnegan earned the save in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks, allowing one run on one hit and one walk with no strikeouts in the ninth inning.

Finnegan entered with a 4-2 lead but yielded a run and managed only six strikes on 13 pitches. The game ended on a challenged caught-stealing call that was upheld after review, preserving the win. Despite the shaky outing, the 33-year-old has converted both of his save opportunities this season and has given up a run on two hits with a 2:3 K:BB over three innings.

Newcomb is scheduled to start for Boston in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against St. Louis, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Saturday's matchup was postponed due to inclement weather, and the two teams will consequently play a twin bill Sunday. Newcomb is scheduled to oppose Andre Pallante in the opener, and the Red Sox have yet to announce their starter for the nightcap. Newcomb struggled in his first start of the campaign, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four batters over four innings in a loss to Baltimore on March 31.

Scott earned the save in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Phillies, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Scott needed only three pitches to lock down his third save of the season. After giving up a leadoff single on his first offering, he quickly bounced back with a double play and a lineout to end the game. The southpaw owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 4:0 K:BB across six innings, having received four of the Dodgers' six save opportunities so far in 2025.