Blubaugh has allowed one run on two hits, striking out six without a walk, across 5.1 innings in three appearances for the Astros this season. He earned his first career hold in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Red Sox.

Blubaugh seems to be finding his niche -- and climbing the ladder -- in the Houston bullpen, as he already has a win and now a hold through three outings to begin the 2026 season. The 25-year-old right-hander has averaged 96.4 mph on his four-seam fastball, up multiple ticks from last season when he broke in as more of a swingman. Houston figures to keep him shortened up a bit so he can max out with his impressive stuff and provide valuable leverage innings while the team navigates the absence of closer Josh Hader (biceps).

Jensen was not included in Thursday's lineup against the Twins because he overslept and arrived late to the park, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reports.

Jensen was a late scratch from the starting lineup in the team's 5-1 loss to the Twins in the series finale Thursday, which is now understood to be because he overslept. Jensen explained that he didn't wake up to his alarm and that he didn't have an excuse, ultimately feeling like he let his teammates and coaches down. The 22-year-old said he'll learn from his mistake and that it won't happen again. Through five games so far this year, Jensen has gone 2-for-16 with a two-run home run, a walk and eight strikeouts.

Avila will draw the start on the mound Friday against the Brewers, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Avila was called up from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, and he will now be tasked with taking the bump in the Royals' series opener against Milwaukee on Friday. The right-hander will replace Michael Wacha (illness) on the mound as Wacha is dealing with an apparent illness. Avila posted 1.29 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 16 strikeouts over 14 innings in 13 appearances with Kansas City in 2025, and Friday's start will be his first as a major leaguer.

Wacha (illness) will be forced to miss his scheduled start Friday against the Brewers, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Wacha is dealing with an apparent illness and as a result will now have his turn skipped in the Royals' rotation. The 34-year-old will shift his sights on being ready to go for his next tentative turn on the mound in Cleveland next week. In the meantime, Kansas City recalled Luinder Avila from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, and he's expected to toe the rubber in the team's series opener against Milwaukee at home Friday.

The Marlins traded Acton to the Twins on Thursday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Logan Whitaker.

The 27-year-old righty was DFA'd by the Marlins on Sunday to make room on the 40-man roster for Leo Jimenez. Acton has pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in Triple-A to begin the season, and moving into a Twins organization that doesn't have much bullpen depth should help his chances of returning to the big leagues at some point.

Rice went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, a walk, two total runs and two total RBI in a 5-3 win against Seattle on Wednesday.

Rice was the only Yankees player with multiple hits in the victory, and both of his knocks went for extra bases. The slugger kicked off the scoring with an RBI double in the first inning and plated New York's final run with a 427-foot solo shot in the ninth. Rice is off to a strong start this season, slashing .412/.524/.765 with four extra-base hits, five RBI, six runs and a 4:3 BB:K through five games.

The Mariners reinstated Crawford (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Crawford dealt with shoulder problems throughout spring training, and he landed on the injured list at the start of the regular season after receiving a cortisone shot to treat the injury. After playing a full rehab game at Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday without any issues, he'll now rejoin the active roster and slot in as Seattle's primary shortstop -- at least until the club is ready to promote top prospect Colt Emerson. Ryan Bliss was optioned to Tacoma in a corresponding move.

The Mariners optioned Bliss to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

His removal from the active roster clears the way for the return of J.P. Crawford (shoulder) from the injured list. Bliss' playing time early on in the season has been sparse, and he has struck out in both of his plate appearances. The 26-year-old missed nearly all of the 2025 season due to injury, so he's probably best served at this juncture getting regular playing time at Tacoma.

Bradford (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

It will be Bradford's first official game action since he underwent an internal brace procedure on his left elbow last June. The left-hander will need most, if not all, of the allotted 30 days on his rehab assignment, but if all goes well he could be ready to pitch for the Rangers around the start of May. Whether the Rangers use Bradford as a starter or reliever upon his activation could depend on what the team's needs are at the time.

Liranzo (oblique) has resumed baseball activities, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Liranzo went down with a right oblique strain in early March but is ready to ramp things back up. The 22-year-old will be assigned to Double-A Erie once he's physically ready, but he looks to be multiple weeks away from being cleared to play in games.