MLB Player News

Leclerc (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco on Wednesday.

Leclerc has spent the start of the season continuing his rehab from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in March 2021. The Rangers are hopeful that the right-hander will be cleared to rejoin the major-league club by late June, and he'll likely require a fairly lengthy rehab assignment before he's in the mix to be activated from the injured list.

Moll (2-0) recorded the win in a victory over the Mariners on Tuesday, firing 1.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts.

Moll continues to roll along as the Athletics' most effective reliever not named Dany Jimenez, as he's allowed just a single run across 17 appearances. The southpaw is working on a four-appearance scoreless streak during which he's posted an 8:1 K:BB over four innings.

Akin threw 2.1 hitless innings Tuesday versus the Yankees. He struck out six and walked three.

Akin has typically had better control, but the six strikeouts marked a season high for the southpaw. He's been excellent since making the move full-time to the bullpen this year, posting a 1.23 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB across 29.1 innings. The southpaw is also carrying a 13-inning scoreless streak across his last five appearances.

Baker (1-2) took the loss Tuesday versus the Yankees. He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits while recording only one out.

Baker couldn't protect a one-run lead as the Yankees' offense got RBI singles from Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Jose Trevino to walk it off. It's been a rough May for Baker, who has allowed seven runs (five earned) in nine innings. The right-hander has a 5.00 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 20:5 K:BB while adding a hold and a blown save in 17 appearances spanning 18 innings this season.

The Twins recalled Smeltzer from Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday.

The southpaw started Friday's game against the Royals but was sent down afterward. However, he'll rejoin the major-league club after Joe Ryan (illness) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday. Smeltzer will step in to take Ryan's place as the scheduled starter for Thursday's game against the Royals. Over Smeltzer's first two big-league starts in 2022, he's posted a 1.74 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 10.1 innings.

Zimmermann didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 7-6 extra-innings loss to the Yankees, giving up four runs on four solo home runs over 6.1 innings. He allowed six hits in total and struck out five without walking a batter.

The southpaw filled up the zone as 65 of his 85 pitches went for strikes, but his command wasn't sharp enough to avoid a lot of hard contact. After serving up only one homer through his first six starts and 30.1 innings this season, Zimmermann has been tagged for seven long balls in his last three outings. He'll carry a 3.78 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 39:10 K:BB through 47.2 frames into his next start.

Jimenez saved Tuesday's 7-5 win against the Mariners, allowing one walk while striking out two in the ninth inning.

Jimenez retired the first two Mariners in the ninth inning before walking Adam Frazier on four pitches, but he was able to strike out Julio Rodriguez to end the game. The 28-year-old rookie only tossed seven of 14 pitches for strikes, but an impressive four were of the swinging variety as Jimenez has now recorded 19 strikeouts in 17.2 innings and has converted all of his save chances.

Clarke (1-1) allowed three runs on three hits and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Tuesday versus the Diamondbacks.

Clarke allowed two inherited runners to score on a Jordan Luplow three-run home run, then surrendered a two-run blast to Pavin Smith two batters later. What started off as a good season has quickly fallen apart for Clarke, who has allowed a stunning 12 runs (10 earned) in his last five outings. He's seen his ratios balloon to a 6.46 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with a 12:0 K:BB, three holds, a save and a pair of blown saves in 17 appearances.

Morgan struck out two in a perfect inning in Tuesday's 7-3 loss to the Astros.

Morgan has often been tasked to get more than three outings in a bulk-relief role this season. He's given up runs in four of his nine appearances, but he's pitched to a solid 3.18 ERA, 0.65 WHIP and 21:3 K:BB across 17 innings. Limiting walks and keeping the ball in the yard -- he's allowed just two home runs -- have been contributing factors in his success, but he's still working in mostly low-leverage situations.

Iglesias pitched one-third inning Tuesday, allowing one hit while striking out a batter on his way to a save in the 5-3 win over the Rangers.

After Aaron Loup surrendered a solo homer and walked a batter with two outs in the ninth, Iglesias was called upon to get the Angels to the finish line with a 5-2 lead. The closer allowed an RBI double to Adolis Garcia, but he ultimately struck out Jonah Heim to end the contest. It was the right-hander's 11th save of the year in 12 opportunities and he has now produced three consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run. On the season, Iglesias owns a 3.94 ERA and 0.88 WHIP with 23 punchouts over 16 innings in 19 appearances.