MLB Player News

Del Castillo served as the designated hitter and went 0-for-3 in Saturday's 2-1 win over Atlanta.

Del Castillo made his season debut after the Diamondbacks activated him off the IL on Friday. He batted fifth in the order, which could provide RBI opportunities if he sticks in that spot when he's in the lineup. Del Castillo is expected to get regular turns at DH against right-handers, as was the case Saturday, until Pavin Smith (elbow) is healthy.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that a decision whether to activate Kelly (back) when eligible will be announced Sunday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. The right-hander can be activated April 8.

Kelly is fresh off a 72-pitch outing at Triple-Reno on Friday and responded well the following day. His activation would force an adjustment to the existing five-man rotation. The Diamondbacks could move a current starter with relief experience to the bullpen -- Michael Soroka or Ryne Nelson -- or option Brandon Pfaadt to the minors.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Saturday that Wheeler (shoulder) will continue his rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will make another minor-league start after that, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Wheeler struggled in his second rehab start with Lehigh Valley on Friday, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks while striking one batter over three innings. His four-seamer averaged 92.7 mph, and Philadelphia will give him at least two more starts to build up in the minors after he threw 49 pitches Friday. That puts a possible return to the major leagues around April 18 or 19, depending on how Wheeler fares as he completes his recovery from venous thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

Taylor went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run and an additional RBI in a 9-0 win against the Giants on Saturday.

Taylor began the game on the bench, but he was called upon to pinch hit for Jared Young in the fifth inning. That decision proved to be wise for the Mets, as Taylor blasted a three-run homer on the fifth pitch he saw and later added an RBI single. This was a much-needed performance by Taylor, who entered the game 0-for-9 through four contests. Taylor could see more opportunities moving forward if Juan Soto, who left Friday's game due to a minor right calf strain, needs to miss more time.

Roupp (1-1) took the loss against the Mets on Saturday, allowing seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over 4.2 innings.

The seven punchouts were useful for fantasy managers who deployed the hurler, but there were few (if any) other positives to take away from Roupp's performance. His outing was particularly disappointing given the strong six innings of shutout ball he tossed against San Diego in his season debut Monday. Roupp was similarly up-and-down last season -- he had six outings of zero runs allowed and five of four or more runs permitted over 22 regular-season starts -- so consistency seems to be his biggest issue. He'll try to get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled to come in Baltimore next week.

Holmes (2-0) earned the win over San Francisco on Saturday, allowing three hits and walking two batters while striking out four over seven scoreless innings.

Holmes allowed exactly one baserunner in each of his first four innings and then went into shutdown mode. Over his final three frames, he yielded just one baserunner (a single). Holmes wasn't overpowering, getting just seven whiffs and four punchouts, but he picked up his second win and first quality start of the campaign. Through two outings, he has allowed just two runs across 12.2 frames while posting a 9:5 K:BB.

Dollander (1-1) took the loss against Philadelphia on Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and one walk while striking out six batters over 4.1 innings.

Dollander didn't start, but he handled a relatively big workload of 71 pitches with previously scheduled starter Jose Quintana (hamstring) landing on the injured list Thursday. Dollander followed two other pitchers Saturday and entered in the third inning, with his exit coming after getting one out in the seventh. Despite giving up just one run in a strong performance, the right-hander was charged with the loss as Colorado's offense was unable to score after the third inning. Dollander seems primed to pitch on days when Quintana had been scheduled to start, though it's unclear if Dollander will continue to work in bulk relief or if he'll transition to a traditional starting role.

Duran struck out one batter during a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the Rockies on Saturday.

Duran entered in the ninth frame with the task of protecting a one-run lead. He did so without any drama, retiring the side in order on just eight pitches. Duran has ended with either a decision or a save in each of his five outings this season -- overall, he has a 1-1 record with three saves in three chances. He's given up just one earned run over 4.2 innings while posting a dominant 7:0 K:BB.

Luzardo (1-1) earned the win over Colorado on Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and no walks while striking out 11 batters over 6.2 innings.

Luzardo was roughed up for six runs across six frames in his season debut against the Rangers last Sunday, but he turned things around impressively against the Rockies. The left-hander not only limited Colorado to one run, but he also racked up a whopping 23 swinging strikes en route to 11 punchouts. Luzardo had seven double-digit strikeout games and a career-high 216 punchouts during the regular season last year, so he certainly has the ability to mow batters down when he's on his game. He's slated to make his next start at home against Arizona.

Santana (2-0) earned the win in Saturday's 3-2 victory over the Orioles, striking out one while not allowing a baserunner during the ninth inning.

The right-hander entered for the top of the ninth inning with the game tied 2-2, and he retired the side in order on 13 pitches (10 strikes). That set up Santana for the victory when the Pittsburgh offense came through with a walk-off in the bottom of the frame. The veteran reliever was expected to begin the season as Pittsburgh's primary closer, but it was Gregory Soto that picked up the club's first ninth-inning save of the season Friday. Santana has given up just one hit with a 4:2 K:BB through six appearances this year, splitting those outings evenly between the eighth and ninth innings. He remains in the mix for saves and is clearly a trusted high-leverage arm, but Soto currently seems to be the favored closing option.