MLB Player News

Santana walked one in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his first save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Rays.

Getting Pittsburgh's first save opportunity since a struggling David Bednar was demoted to Triple-A, Santana tossed 16 of 24 pitches for strikes to get the job done against the heart of Tampa Bay's order. Colin Holderman, the other likely candidate to get a shot at closing duties, entered the game in the eighth inning and allowed a run, so the Bucs' bullpen hierarchy seems set for now. Santana has a 2.70 ERA and 3:3 K:BB through his first 3.1 innings on the year, and while he's had control issues at times in the past, the 28-year-old right-hander did post a career-best 7.3 percent walk rate in 2024.

Hoffman picked up his third save of the season in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Nationals. He gave up one run on three hits while striking out one batter in the ninth inning.

Hoffman needed only eight pitches to notch his second save of the year Tuesday, but he faced tougher resistance in Wednesday's bout. He quickly registered the first two outs of the ninth frame, but he proceeded to allow three straight hits, including an RBI double to Nathaniel Lowe, before a caught stealing ended the contest. Hoffman has secured a save in all three chances he's had and has tossed just 18 pitches across his last two outings.

Lucas (1-0) picked up the win against the Nationals on Wednesday. He allowed one hit and two walks while striking out three across five scoreless innings.

With Max Scherzer (thumb) on the IL, Lucas was given the ball Wednesday for his first major-league start. Despite being limited to bullpen work for most of his career, Lucas managed to reach five innings to qualify for the win, tossing 74 pitches (45 strikes) while generating 11 whiffs. Given his strong outing, it wouldn't be surprising to see Lucas get another turn in the rotation, which is lined up for next week against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Estevez was charged with the blown save Wednesday against the Brewers after he allowed an unearned run on a hit and two walks during the 10th inning. He struck out one.

The right-hander was called upon for the bottom of the 10th inning with a 2-1 lead, but he quickly blew the save as leadoff man Jackson Chourio brought home the designated runner with a double. A balk and two intentional walks then loaded the bases with no outs, but Estevez successfully navigated the tightrope and retired the next three batters to force an 11th inning. The 32-year-old has recorded the Royals' lone save through seven games and has yet to allow an earned run in three appearances this year. Estevez is currently the lead man for saves in Kansas City, though setup man Lucas Erceg should also see some opportunities.

Jackson earned the save Wednesday in Cincinnati after allowing a hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

The right-hander has now notched a clean save in three straight appearances since he surrendered three runs over one-third of an inning Opening Day. It'll take a bit for Jackson's ERA and WHIP to level out, but he appears to have settled in as the favorite for saves in Texas. Veteran Chris Martin, who worked the eighth inning Wednesday, is also in the mix and has converted the Rangers' only other save opportunity this year.

Tarnok (ankle) struck out two batters and gave up one unearned run on one hit and no walks over three innings Sunday for Triple-A Jacksonville in its 2-1 extra-inning win over Nashville.

Tarnok attended big-league camp with the Marlins as a non-roster invitee, but he saw his longshot bid for the Opening Day roster come to an end after spraining his left ankle early in camp. The right-hander had sufficient time to heal up from the injury and kept ramped up ahead of the minor-league season, allowing him to claim a spot in the Jacksonville rotation.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that Montas (lat) has begun a throwing program, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Montas was cleared to play catch from 60 feet as he begins a throwing progression. He was shut down after being diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain in mid-February, and it's going to be a lengthy build-up process for the hurler.

The Dodgers transferred Hurt (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Esteury Ruiz, who was acquired via trade Wednesday. Hurt's move to the 60-day IL won't affect his timeline for his return, as he's working his way back from Tommy John surgery and won't be available until late this season even in a best-case scenario.

Hall (lat) is tentatively scheduled to throw a bullpen session April 15, MLB.com reports.

Hall has been throwing on flat ground at the Brewers' spring training complex in Arizona and will be ready for mound work in mid-April if he continues to progress. He's slated for bullpen sessions April 15 and 18 before advancing to throwing live batting practice April 23. Hall is on the 60-day injured list as he comes back from a left lat strain and isn't eligible for activation until late May.

Alexander is likely to start Friday against the Reds, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The Brewers are holding off announcing a probable pitcher for the game, likely because Alexander may be needed in relief before then. However, Alexander threw a bullpen session Wednesday, which points to him taking the ball Friday if he's not needed in relief Wednesday against the Royals or Thursday against the Reds. Alexander has made two relief appearances this season, most recently throwing 2.1 innings and 47 pitches Sunday, so the lefty is unlikely to be able to handle a full starter's workload Friday.