MLB Player News

Abreu earned the save in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Red Sox, allowing a run on one hit while striking out three in the ninth inning.

Abreu got off to an inauspicious start in the ninth inning Wednesday, as he gave up a home run to Roman Anthony to lead off the frame. However, the right-hander rebounded to strike out Boston's subsequent three batters to close out a two-run victory and earn his first save of the year. While Abreu has given up at least one run in all three of his appearances this season, Wednesday's outing certainly looks like a step in the right direction. Notably, his fastball velocity reached 97.4 mph after topping out at just 93.2 mph in his last appearance Sunday versus the Angels. Abreu figures to retain the ninth-inning job in Houston until Josh Hader (biceps) is able to return from the IL.

The Royals recalled Cruz from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

He'll take the roster spot vacated by Carlos Estevez (foot), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. Cruz posted a 3.74 ERA and 38:18 K:BB over 45.2 frames for the Royals last season and should work low-leverage innings.

The Royals placed Estevez (foot) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Estevez suffered a left foot contusion during an appearance Saturday in Atlanta when he was struck by a line drive. The reliever has also been dealing with velocity and delivery issues that have affected his overall effectiveness, and he'll get a chance to get back on track while on the IL and when he presumably goes on a rehab assignment. Estevez will be eligible to be reinstated April 14, but his timetable to return is currently up in the air. Lucas Erceg has stepped in as closer for the Royals and should continue in that role indefinitely.

Yates (knee) threw an abbreviated bullpen session Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Yates said afterward that his knee felt healthy but that he still needs to sharpen his stuff before he's ready to pitch in a game. Sidelined by left knee inflammation, Yates is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list April 6. It's unclear whether he'll be back on that date, but if he isn't it shouldn't be long after. Jordan Romano has seized the Angels' closer job for the time being, but Yates could work his way back into that mix.

Sousa (oblique) will throw a live batting practice session next week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It will be his first time facing hitters since he suffered a Grade 1 left oblique strain in his final spring training appearance. He's eligible to be activated from the 15-day injured list next week and the Astros have been optimistic that Sousa won't need more than a minimum stay on the IL, so it's possible he skips a rehab assignment.

Pearson (elbow) has progressed to throwing a live batting practice session, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pearson developed soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow a month ago and has been brought along slowly since then. That he's now facing hitters suggests a rehab assignment could be right around the corner. Pearson signed with the Astros over the offseason with the intent to be a starting pitcher, but his best path to a role right now is as a reliever.

Ponce will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday to determine whether he needs surgery to repair a sprained right ACL, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Ponce suffered the injury during his first start of the season Monday against the Rockies. He will have an outside chance to return later this season if surgery is not required, but if he does need an operation, he'll be shelved until 2027. In either scenario, Ponce appears safe to drop in most redraft fantasy leagues.

Bowden (lat) struck out a batter and allowed one earned run on three hits over an inning of relief Monday in Triple-A Las Vegas' 13-8 loss to Oklahoma City.

After closing out the 2025 season on the Athletics' injured list while recovering from a left lat strain, Bowden re-signed with the franchise on a minor-league deal over the winter but didn't end up appearing in any games during the Cactus League. However, the veteran southpaw was evidently healthy enough to avoid a stint on Las Vegas' injured list to begin the season. He should serve as a key reliever for the Triple-A club while he awaits a potential call-up to the big-league bullpen.

The Orioles selected Suarez's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday.

Suarez joins the active roster as a replacement for Zach Eflin (elbow), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. The 36-year-old Suarez will provide some length out of the Orioles bullpen.

Bolton earned the save in Tuesday's 9-2 win over the Red Sox, allowing a run on three hits and a walk over three innings. He struck out five.

Making his first appearance with the Astros, Bolton earned his first career save, pitching the final three innings in Tuesday's decisive victory. The 27-year-old right-hander made Houston's Opening Day bullpen with numerous pitchers starting the year on the injured list. Bolton has a career ERA of 5.60 with a 1.78 WHIP over 45 innings across four seasons.