MLB Player News

Pagan earned the save Thursday against the Royals after not allowing a hit during a scoreless ninth inning. He walked one and didn't record a strikeout.

The veteran journeyman got the his first save opportunity of the season with a one-run lead after Tyler Duffey blew his second save earlier this week. Pagan walked Michael Taylor to lead off the inning, but he proceeded to retire the top of the Royals lineup in order on just four pitches. Pagan notched 20 saves in 2019 with Tampa Bay, but Tuesday's outing was just third since. For now, Pagan and Duffey appear to be in a timeshare for closing duties in Minnesota, but Pagan could earn more opportunities if Duffey continues to trend in the wrong direction.

Morgan is starting Friday's game against the Yankees, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Morgan's first three appearances of the year have come as a reliever, and he's posted a 4.50 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in six innings. However, he made 18 starts for Cleveland last year and will step in as a starter in Friday's series opener after Cal Quantrill was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday. Morgan is likely to be limited to about 60 pitches given his highest pitch count of the season so far is 46.

Gomez had elbow surgery last August and should return for Low-A Tampa sometime in the first half of this season, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

Given this timetable, we can rule out Tommy John surgery, so it may have been some kind of cleanup procedure. Gomez is already 22 and has not pitched above Low-A.

Brieske will have his contract selected by the Tigers on Saturday and start at home against the Rockies, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Brieske has made two appearances at Triple-A Toledo this year and has struck out nine while giving up five runs in 10 innings. The right-hander will make his major-league debut as Saturday's starter, but his status on the big-league roster following the outing will likely depend on when Matt Manning (shoulder) and Casey Mize (elbow) are cleared to return from the injured list.

Henriquez was held back in extended spring training, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

Henriquez, who was acquired from Texas in the Mitch Garver trade, logged 93.2 innings across High-A and Double-A last year, so there wouldn't be a workload reason to hold him back. With this in mind, he is likely either injured or working on his mechanics. He should eventually be assigned to Double-A Wichita.

Alcala (elbow) has been shut down from throwing, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Alcala made just two appearances this season before hitting the injured list with elbow inflammation. He resumed throwing Friday, just four days after being placed on the injured list, but he didn't feel right and will now back off again. Manager Rocco Baldelli said the Twins will have him "reset to zero," so this may be more than a brief pause. He'll still have to build back up once he's ready to go again, so it seems likely that he'll miss at least several more weeks.

Romero was designated for assignment by the Athletics on Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Romero began the year at Triple-A Las Vegas and allowed six runs in 5.2 innings during his first four relief appearances of the season. If he goes unclaimed on waivers, he'll likely remain in the organization.

Bolanos was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Bolanos failed to land a spot on the Royals' Opening Day roster this year, but he'll now join the major-league club after Kyle Isbel was sent down. The right-hander has made three minor-league starts this season and has posted a 3.38 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 13.1 innings.

Chapman secured his third save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning against the Tigers on Wednesday. He allowed one hit and did not record a strikeout.

Chapman is now 3-for-3 in save chances this season and his ERA is still spotless. The 34-year-old lefty is working with diminished velocity early on, with his average fastball down a couple ticks, and the strikeouts are down with it. It hasn't really mattered to this point as opponents are still having trouble squaring Chapman up, but it would be nice if he weren't walking such a fine line with the free passes, as he's issued four in 5.1 innings.

Kay was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

He has only made one appearance this season, giving up one earned run while striking out three over two innings against the Yankees on April 12. Kay will likely be shuttled between the majors and Triple-A all season.