MLB Player News

Abreu allowed one run on two walks in one-third of an inning during the Astros' 9-7 win over the Angels on Sunday.

Abreu was brought in for the top of the ninth inning to protect the Astros' three-run lead. However, he walked two of the first three batters he faced and was replaced by Bryan King, and the former was tagged with a run on an RBI single from Nolan Schanuel. Abreu has yielded four earned runs on four walks and one hit across 1.1 innings to open the season, which isn't a great sign given that he was tabbed as the Astros' interim closer in the absence of Josh Hader (biceps). King could be thrust into closing situations if Abreu's early struggles continue.

Imai did not factor into the decision in the Astros' 9-7 win over the Angels on Sunday. He allowed four runs on three hits and four walks while striking out four across 2.2 innings.

Imai looked poised over the first two innings of his MLB debut, striking out four of the first eight batters he faced. However, things unravelled in the third, when he ran up his pitch count and yielded four runs in the frame before being pulled. Imai struggled with his control, with only 36 of his 74 pitches resulting in strikes (48.6 percent). It might take some time for him to adjust to his new surroundings after spending nine years with the Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, but the expectations will still be high given the three-year, $54 million contract that he signed with Houston during the offseason. Imai will look for a better result in his next start, which is tentatively slated for next weekend on the road against the Athletics.

Alexander earned a save after tossing one inning, allowing an unearned run on one hit and a hit-by-pitch while striking out a batter in Saturday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Phillies.

Alexander was the next man up after Texas turned to Robert Garcia and Chris Martin in the ninth inning. Alexander hit Otto Kemp with an 84.8-mph cutter to open the frame before later surrendering a two-out single to Bryce Harper, which drove in the automatic runner from second base. The southpaw was then able to settle in and strand Kemp at third base to end the game by getting Alec Bohm to pop up for the final out. Alexander isn't necessarily in the mix quite yet for the closer's role, but he is the first Ranger to notch a save in 2026.

Joyce (shoulder) isn't yet tossing bullpens at full intensity, but he's doing well in his throwing program, per MLB.com.

Joyce continues to work toward returning to game action after undergoing right shoulder surgery last May. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said the righty reliever looks good and may be able to make his return to game action more quickly than anticipated. When Joyce is activated, he could work his way into a high-leverage role and potentially even closing duties, depending on the performance of Jordan Romano.

Kochanowicz did not factor into the decision for Sunday's 9-7 loss to the Astros. He allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits and five walks while striking out three across four innings.

Kochanowicz put the Halos in a hole early after giving up four runs in the second inning. The Angels gave the 25-year-old right-hander plenty of run support, but he was unable to record an out in the fifth and was tagged with another run after being pulled. Kochanowicz generated 11 whiffs on 94 pitches but tossed only 55 strikes, and it probably wasn't the start he was hoping for after beating out Alek Manoah (finger) for the fifth spot in the Angels' rotation at the end of training camp. Kochanowicz is tentatively slated to start next weekend at home against the Mariners.

Rodriguez (shoulder) has been playing catch and doing strengthening exercises but has yet to throw a bullpen session, per MLB.com.

Rodriguez began the season on the IL (retroactive to March 22) due to right shoulder inflammation. The Angels have been adamant that he's not dealing with a major injury, but the fact Rodriguez hasn't yet progressed to throwing bullpens may mean he's leaning toward not being ready to return when immediately eligible. Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson are getting opportunities to be part of the rotation early in the campaign.

Grissom (wrist) has been participating in batting practice and taking groundballs at the Angels' complex in Arizona, per MLB.com.

Grissom landed on the IL on March 24 (retroactive to March 22) due to a left wrist sprain. He seems to be progressing toward a return and isn't expected to miss extensive time. However, general manager Perry Minasian has indicated that Grissom will need a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated.

Dominguez (0-1) blew his save opportunity and took the loss against the Brewers on Sunday. He allowed two runs on two hits and one walk in one-third of an inning.

The White Sox found themselves in trouble after loading the bases in the eighth inning, which prompted the team to bring in Dominguez to protect a three-run lead. He got the first batter he faced to pop out and was one out away from getting out of the frame unscathed. However, he proceeded to give up a two-run single to Luis Rengifo before yielding a three-run homer to Christian Yelich. It was a tough situation to get out of, but the White Sox signed Dominguez to a two-year, $20 million contract this past offseason to do just that.

Yates has been playing catch and his injured left knee is improving, per MLB.com.

Yates landed on the IL on March 24 due to left knee inflammation. The Angels are planning to take a cautious approach with his return, so the fact that he's been able to do some throwing -- even just playing catch -- is a positive sign. Yates' next step will likely be a bullpen session. Jordan Romano is the lead candidate for saves for the time being, and whether Yates enters the ninth-inning mix upon his return could depend on the performance of the former Blue Jays closer.

Handley was removed in the bottom of the fifth inning of Triple-A Norfolk's 6-2 loss to Nashville on Sunday after being hit in the left ankle by a pitch, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Outrighted off the Orioles' 40-man roster during the offseason, Handley ended up sticking around in the organization and was expected to serve as catching depth at Norfolk in 2026. Handley will likely be sent in for further tests as the Orioles look to determine the severity of his ankle injury.