MLB Player News

Mikolas (0-1) took the loss Saturday, coughing up six runs (four earned) on six hits and three walks over five innings in a 10-2 loss to the Cubs. He struck out four.

The veteran right-hander was brought in to soak up innings for a rebuilding Nationals rotation, so he took his lumps over 97 pitches (57 strikes) even after Chicago posted a four-spot in the second inning. Mikolas didn't have an ERA lower than 4.78 in any of the last three seasons while pitching for St. Louis, and that doesn't look like it'll change with Washington. Things won't get any easier for Mikolas in his next scheduled start, which is expected to come at home next weekend against the Dodgers.

Stanek (1-0) blew the save but collected the win in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning victory over the Rays, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits over 1.1 innings. He struck out two.

With the Cardinals ahead 4-0, Matt Svanson got the call in the ninth inning but ran into trouble, and Stanek allowed two inherited runners to score before the tying run was added to his own ledger on a Nick Fortes single. Stanek allowed an additional unearned run in the top of the 10th but got bailed out when rookie JJ Wetherholt walked it off in the bottom of the frame. While Stanek has gotten the Cards' first two save chances of the season, converting the first one, he's looked shaky in both outings and has a 3.86 ERA and 3:3 K:BB in his first 2.1 innings of the season.

Wetherholt went 2-for-5 with a run scored, two RBI and a stolen base in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Rays.

With one out and runners on second and third in the 10th inning, Wetherholt walked it off by hooking a grounder into right field. The 23-year-old second baseman has made an impact in two straight games to begin his MLB career after homering in his debut Thursday, and while he also committed a throwing error Saturday, he has otherwise quickly established his credentials as an early favorite to win NL Rookie of the year.

McGreevy came away with a no-decision Saturday in the Cardinals' 6-5 extra-inning win over the Rays, striking out five and walking two over six scoreless, no-hit innings.

The right-hander bamboozled Tampa Bay hitters over 96 pitches (57 strikes) before leaving the mound with a 2-0 lead, but the St. Louis bullpen fell apart in the ninth inning. As had been the case this spring, McGreevy was still having trouble finding his 2025 velocity -- he topped out at 92.2 mph on a first-inning four-seamer, and was having trouble breaking 90 mph in his later innings -- but that didn't stop him from getting outs. He'll look to keep rolling in his next start, which lines up to come on the road next weekend in Detroit.

The Nationals designated Eder for assignment Saturday, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Eder will forfeit his place on Washington's 40-man roster in order to make room for Curtis Mead, who was acquired in a trade with the White Sox on Saturday. Eder posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 18.1 innings with the Angels last season but found less success in Triple-A, where he ended the year with a 6.59 ERA across 68.1 frames (15 starts).

The Nationals acquired Mead from the White Sox on Saturday in exchange for catcher Boston Smith.

After being designated for assignment by the White Sox on Wednesday, Mead will regain a spot on the 40-man roster in a new organization. The 25-year-old infielder has slashed just .238/.300/.317 across 445 plate appearances in his MLB career, but he posted a .908 OPS at the Triple-A level last season and isn't far removed from a being a top prospect in the Rays system. Mead has no minor-league options remaining, so Washington will need to open up room for him on its 26-man active roster.

Lawlar isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Lawlar has started the new season 1-for-7 with three strikeouts across Arizona's first two contests, and he'll now rest his legs during Saturday's series finale. His absence will allow Jorge Barrosa to start in left field and bat ninth.

Moreno isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Moreno will take a seat during Saturday's series finale after going 2-for-8 with a run scored over the first two games. James McCann will instead make his first start of the season at catcher and bat eighth.

Priester (wrist) threw a pain-free bullpen session Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Priester is expected to miss the first month of the season due to symptoms related to thoracic outlet syndrome, but the fact that he's able to throw off a mound without any discomfort is a positive sign. He's scheduled for one more bullpen session within the next few days before reporting to the Brewers' complex in Arizona to begin facing hitters.

Manager Walt Weiss said Saturday that Murphy (hip) has resumed all baseball activities, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Weiss added that Murphy could be cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment soon if he continues to progress smoothly. The 31-year-old has spent the offseason recovering from surgery he underwent in September to repair a labral tear in his right hip and will likely need to spend multiple weeks in the minors once he's cleared to resume playing in games.