MLB Player News

Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk, two stolen bases and an additional run scored in Saturday's 6-0 win over Atlanta.

Ramirez opened the scoring with a solo blast in the first inning before notching his first multi-steal effort of the season. It was a much-needed performance for the 33-year-old, who entered the contest just 8-for-53 on the year. Through 65 plate appearances, he's now slashing .175/.277/.333 with two home runs, seven RBI, five runs scored and two stolen bases while maintaining a solid 8:9 BB:K.

Baker took a blown save Saturday against the Yankees, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk in one-third of an inning.

Called upon to protect a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning, Baker was victimized by a Jose Caballero double that plated a pair of runs to tie up the game. The right-hander had been gaining steam as Tampa Bay's favorite for saves, having successfully converted each of the club's prior two save chances, but the Rays' closer committee is likely to remain in a state of flux until someone separates from the pack. Through six frames, Baker owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB.

Messick (2-0) earned the win against Atlanta on Saturday, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out five over 6.2 scoreless innings.

Messick pounded the zone, throwing 61 of 84 pitches for strikes while limiting Atlanta to just one extra-base hit. The southpaw has been extremely impressive to open the season, yielding just one earned run through 17.2 innings while logging two quality starts. He'll carry a 0.51 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB into a home matchup against the Orioles next week.

Hader (biceps) could face hitters next week, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Hader began the season on the IL after being diagnosed with biceps inflammation in the early portion of spring training. Astros GM Dana Brown said in late March that the veteran closer would begin facing hitters by mid-April, and that scenario still seems to be very much in play. Hader has been tossing bullpen sessions, and throwing to live hitters would represent another significant step in his rehab program. Activation before the end of April remains a possibility.

Bednar (0-2) was charged with the loss and a blown save Saturday against the Rays, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk in one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

Summoned to keep the game tied at 4-4 in the 10th inning, Bednar couldn't overcome a pair of bunt singles and then a soft chopper by Jonathan Aranda that drove in the contest's final run. Although it was the right-hander's first blow save of the year, he's certainly been struggling in the month of April. After working a pair of scoreless outings to begin the year, Bednar has coughed up four earned runs on 10 hits over his last 4.2 innings.

Fried didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Rays, allowing three runs on six hits and no walks in eight innings. He struck out six.

The All-Star southpaw worked efficiently during a strong outing Saturday, tossing 66 of his 94 pitches for strikes. Fried has now pitched at least six innings in each of his first three starts of the season, turning in a quality start each time out so far. He's yet to be taken deep en route to producing a stellar 1.93 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 20:5 K:BB over 28 frames. Fried will be looking to extend his streak of quality starts to four against the Angels next week.

Martinez didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Yankees, allowing one run on five hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. He struck out four.

Martinez danced around plenty of trouble Saturday, working only one clean inning on the evening. The long ball remained an issue for the right-hander as well, as he has now served up one home run in each of his first three starts of the season. Even so, Martinez has allowed two runs or fewer in each start en route to posting a 2.16 ERA and 0.96 WHIP across 16.2 frames.

The White Sox are expected to call up Schultz for his MLB debut Tuesday versus Tampa Bay, Elijah Evans of JustBaseball.com reports.

Schultz has dominated with Triple-A Charlotte to begin the campaign, allowing just two earned runs while posting a 19:2 K:BB over 14 innings spanning three appearances (two starts). The 22-year-old, who is one of the White Sox's top prospects, now appears set to get his chance to show what he can do against big-league hitters. Schultz could stick in Chicago's rotation moving forward, especially if he fares well from the outset.

Walker performed leg exercises on the field prior to Saturday's game against Seattle to determine his availability, and he isn't included in Houston's starting lineup, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Walker was looked at by a trainer during Friday's game after running out a double play, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic, and he's beginning Saturday's contest on the bench. Houston hasn't announced whether Walker is dealing with an injury or if his exclusion from the lineup is precautionary, nor is it clear if he'll be available off the bench. Isaac Paredes is starting at first base Saturday in Walker's absence.

Lux (shoulder) was removed from Saturday's rehab appearance with Triple-A Durham, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lux hit a grounder to second in the fifth inning and appeared to get injured while running to first base. He exited with a trainer, but it's not immediately clear what issue he's dealing with. Lux has been recovering from a right shoulder impingement and had been nearing the end of a rehab assignment, as Saturday marked his eighth appearance with the Triple-A club.