MLB Player News

Kuhnel picked up the save Sunday against the Mets, throwing a clean ninth inning.

Kuhnel made quick work of the Mets on Sunday, retiring the side on a mere four pitches (three strikes). It was the second save of the season for the right-hander, who may be working his way into the ninth-inning mix in the Athletics' unsettled closer picture. Kuhnel has tossed 3.1 scoreless innings so far this year, and it's worth noting that high-leverage arms Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow and Elvis Alvarado all worked ahead of Kuhnel on Sunday.

Bolton left Sunday's contest against the Mariners in bottom of the second inning with back tightness, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Bolton was far from sharp to open Sunday's matchup, hitting a batter while walking another and giving up a single and run in the bottom of the first. He then walked all three batters he faced in the second frame before being removed with back discomfort. The right-hander worked his way back from having been hit in his back by a line drive in the first inning of his previous start Monday versus the Rockies, and it's unclear if Sunday's issue is connected to that. More information on his status will likely be provided following the conclusion of the team's series finale with Seattle.

Civale (2-0) recorded the win Sunday against the Mets, allowing no runs on four hits and no walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out three.

The Mets weren't able to put up much resistance against Civale on Sunday, mustering only four singles versus the hurler. The right-hander has now lasted at least five innings in each of his first three starts of the year, and he also gave up no walks or homers for the first time this season. Civale sports a 1.72 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB so far, making him worthy of streaming attention in deeper leagues in next week's scheduled matchup against the White Sox.

Manager Craig Albernaz said after Sunday's win against the Giants that the results of Rutschman's (ankle) MRI were encouraging, and the catcher may not require a lengthy stay on the injured list, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Rutschman landed on the injured list Saturday due to ankle inflammation, and the imaging indicates he's not dealing with a more serious issue. The 28-year-old will be eligible to be reinstated April 21, though it's unclear if he'll be ready to play by then. In the meantime, Samuel Basallo should operate as Baltimore's primary backstop while Maverick Handley handles backup duties.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz announced after Sunday's win against the Giants that Mountcastle has been diagnosed with a fractured fourth metacarpal in his left foot and will miss some time, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury during Saturday's contest and is now poised to hit the injured list. It's literally a tough break for Mountcastle, who finally appeared to have a chance at increased playing time when Adley Rutschman (ankle) landed on the shelf Saturday.

Kayfus is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta.

Kayfus will hit the bench for a fourth consecutive game, with the Guardians having faced three lefties and one righty during that stretch. The 24-year-old looks like he'll have to settle for a limited role as a fourth outfielder and backup first baseman with the hot-hitting Angel Martinez having taken control of a regular spot in the lineup.

Kwan is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta.

Kwan will hit the bench for the first time all season after making 15 straight starts to kick off the campaign. Angel Martinez will draw a start in left field and will be replace Kwan as the Guardians' leadoff hitter in the series finale in Atlanta.

Allen will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Mariners, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

With Jeremy Pena sitting out Sunday after exiting Saturday's 8-7 loss due to right knee tightness, Allen will enter the starting nine for just the second time all season. Allen is regarded as a slick fielder in the middle infield, but he's a career .214/.266/.272 hitter over 391 big-league regular-season games and won't carry much fantasy appeal if Pena winds up landing on the injured list.

Walker (leg) will start at first base and batting cleanup Sunday against the Mariners, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Walker was held out of the starting nine for Saturday's 8-7 loss after he was spotted taking part in pregame exercises to test out his leg, though the Astros never officially announced that he was dealing with an injury. The veteran first baseman's return to the lineup for Sunday's series finale indicates that the issue was a minor concern. After a disappointing first season in Houston in 2025, Walker has started 2026 strong with three home runs and a .986 OPS through 15 games.

Pena (knee) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old shortstop departed Saturday's 8-7 loss due to right posterior knee tightness. According to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, manager Joe Espada said Sunday that he didn't have an update available for Pena, who should be considered day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated. Nick Allen will step in at shortstop Sunday for the Astros.