MLB Player News

Moll (0-2) took the loss in extra innings against the Mets on Sunday, allowing an unearned run in 1.1 innings while also recording a strikeout.

Moll was a prototypical tough-luck loser in the one-run defeat, especially considering his outing began with an inning-ending double play he induced from Eduardo Escobar with the bases loaded in the ninth to preserve a 3-3 tie. However, a Francisco Alvarez sacrifice fly that moved Escobar, the inning-opening runner, to third base in the 10th ended up costing Moll, as a Zach Jackson wild pitch eventually allowed the Mets' third baseman to cross the plate with what proved to be the winning run. The 31-year-old southpaw hasn't allowed an earned run in seven of his eight appearances, making him a trusted relief asset early.

The Rays transferred Armstrong (neck) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Cooper Criswell, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Durham. Armstrong has been dealing with a neck issue since spring training and now isn't eligible to make his 2023 debut with the Rays until at least late May.

Tampa Bay selected Criswell's contract from Triple-A Durham on Monday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Criswell, who made one spot start with the Angels and the Rays over the past two seasons, will make his return to big leagues after starting three games with Triple-A Durham so far this season, surrendering four earned runs while striking out 10 batters over 11.2 innings. With Jalen Beeks slated to serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Monday's game in Cincinnati, Criswell makes for the most logical candidate to cover the bulk of the innings in long relief, potentially setting him up to claim a win if he enters the game while Tampa Bay is leading. A banged-up Rays rotation could return Zach Eflin (back) from the 15-day injured list as soon as this weekend, so Criswell may be in store for only a brief stay with the big club.

Tampa Bay optioned Kelley to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Kelley was recalled over the weekend and allowed two runs over two innings in his lone relief appearance. Cooper Criswell was promoted from Triple-A in a corresponding move and will take Kelley's spot in the bullpen.

Hernandez allowed one walk and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's 9-1 win over the Astros.

While the final score indicates a blowout, Hernandez and Will Smith provided expert high-leverage relief work in the seventh inning, as Houston loaded the bases with none out and Texas leading, 6-0. Hernandez struck out Martin Maldonado and Mauricio Dubon before walking in a run. It wasn't officially a hold, but it felt like one. Hernandez has allowed two runs, three hits and three walks while striking out eight over six innings. The right-hander will continue to pitch in late-game scenarios and could get an occasional save chance.

Smith allowed one walk over two-thirds of an inning to earn a hold in Sunday's 9-1 win over Houston.

Smith entered a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh and got former teammate Yordan Alvarez on a weak grounder to quell the threat. It was the fourth hold of the season for Smith, who finished off a good weekend against the club for whom he pitched in 2022 and received his World Series ring. Smith has allowed one run, two hits and three walks while striking out nine over 6.2 innings.

Jimenez was charged with a blown save in Sunday's loss to the Mets after allowing one run on one hit and three walks over just a third of an inning.

Jimenez was able to get Francsico Lindor to ground out to begin the ninth before Pete Alonso tied things up with a monstrous blast to center field. Jimenez then proceeded to implode, walking three straight batters before being replaced by Sam Moll who wound up bailing him out after getting Eduardo Escobar to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. The 29-year-old has just one save on the year with the A's having lost 10 of their last 11, but still seems to be in the late-inning mix. After Sunday's outing, Jimenez owns a 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 4:6 K:BB over 6.2 innings.

Barlow (0-2) took the loss Sunday versus Atlanta, allowing a run on two hits and striking out two over one inning.

Barlow has hit a bit of a rough patch over the last week, taking two losses and a blown save over his last three outings. Sunday's appearance wasn't in a save situation, but the right-hander gave up the tiebreaking RBI single to Vaughn Grissom in the ninth inning. Barlow has surrendered five runs (four earned) with a pedestrian 6:4 K:BB across 5.2 innings this season. He's also just 1-for-2 in save chances, though the Royals haven't given him many opportunities to function in a closer role.

Sandlin (1-1) allowed two runs on a hit and a walk over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Sunday versus the Nationals.

Sandlin also took a blown save, squandering a one-run lead. Lane Thomas generated a run on a sacrifice fly, and Trevor Stephan went on to allow an inherited runner to score the go-ahead run on a Joey Meneses single. Sandlin has given up at least one run in four of his seven outings this season. He has a 4.70 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB across 7.2 innings while mainly serving in a low-leverage role.

Sewald struck out the side in a perfect inning to pick up a save over Colorado on Sunday.

Sewald came in to protect a 1-0 lead in the ninth frame and struck out the top of the Rockies' lineup in order. He's now converted all four of his save chances, including two during this weekend's series against Colorado. Sewald has a 3.00 ERA with an 11:3 K:BB through nine innings.