MLB Player News

Saucedo was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

He'll take the bullpen spot of Anthony Kay, who was optioned in a corresponding move. Saucedo didn't last long in the majors earlier this season after allowing four earned runs on five hits, including three home runs, in 2.1 innings during the first week of the year.

Beeks (1-0) struck out two and walked one while not allowing a hit or a run across two innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Cubs.

Beeks entered game in relief for the fourth inning and turned in two solid frames to earn the win in a rain-shortened game. Wednesday's appearance was his fourth of the season, and he's now held opponents scoreless across 7.1 frames while maintaining an 11:2 K:BB. Beeks has also recorded more than three outs in each of his outings this season, so he should be a decent source of strikeouts while also having the opportunity to pick up occasional wins.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora wants Barnes to be the closer and believes the pitcher is close to being able to fill the role, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "I've been saying all along, for me, if Matty (Barnes) gets to where we want to and we do believe he's very close, it will be great for him to get that ninth inning because he can get lefties and righties out," Cora said.

Cora has managed with a closer-by-committee for now, but he prefers the structure of set roles. Three relievers -- Jake Diekman, Hansel Robles and Garrett Whitlock -- have recorded saves thus far. Barnes made his fourth appearance of the season Wednesday, allowing a run on one hit and a wild pitch while striking out one. He's allowed three runs on three hits, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out three over four innings.

Pivetta (0-3) was charged with the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out four over four innings in Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Blue Jays.

Pivetta's ERA climbed to 10.03 following his third start, and none of have offered much promise. He's been fighting mechanics and reduced velocity, which reared itself early Wednesday, particularly in Toronto's five-run second inning. His final two innings were better after pitching coach Dave Bush talked to the right-hander about his mechanics, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "Honestly, I believe the last two innings were his best innings so far out of the three outings (this season)," manager Alex Cora said. "Velocity went up. There was some 95, 96 (mph). It seems like he was more aggressive with the fastball." Pivetta will get a chance for revenge in his next scheduled start, which lines up for Monday on the road in Toronto.

Santana (COVID-19 injured list) is symptom-free and will rejoin his teammates on the road in the next couple days, Doug Miller of MLB.com reports.

Rangers manager Chris Woodward was uncertain whether Santana would join the club Thursday in Seattle or Friday in Oakland. Santana, who registered holds in two consecutive outings before hitting the IL, is expected to return to a setup role in the Texas bullpen.

Howard (finger) will be activated off the injured list and start Friday's game in Oakland, Doug Miller of MLB.com reports.

Texas manager Chris Woodward confirmed the news that Howard would start barring any unforeseen circumstances. The right-hander has been on the 10-day IL with a blister after coughing up six runs and four home runs in three innings during his season debut against Toronto.

Shaw pitched a perfect inning in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the White Sox.

Shaw worked the seventh inning after starter Shane Bieber tossed six innings of one-run ball. This was the first time in five outings Shaw has been tasked with a full inning of work, and he's allowed just one run, two hits and three walks with two strikeouts across 2.2 innings this season. In 2021, he picked up a 6-7 record, 20 holds, two saves and six blown saves, but the 34-year-old's not currently part of the Guardians' late-inning mix.

Barlow earned a save against the Twins on Wednesday, pitching a scoreless inning during which he allowed one hit and did not walk or strike out any batters.

Barlow was tasked with protecting a two-run ninth-inning lead and preserving the Royals' combined shutout. He allowed a one-out single but got Gary Sanchez to ground into a double play to pick up his first save. Josh Staumont looked like Kansas City's primary closer coming into the contest, as he had notched a pair of saves in the previous four days, but he instead pitched the eighth inning Wednesday. Both Barlow and Staumont appear likely to get save opportunities moving forward.

Pressly (knee) was throwing in the bullpen prior to Houston's game Wednesday against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pressly was placed on the injured list April 16, though the move was retroactive to April 14. He has since had fluid drained from his right knee, but he is apparently feeling well enough to resume throwing. Though no firm timetable has been set, Houston has kept open the possibility that Pressly could be activated after being sidelined the minimum 10 days.

Yarbrough (groin) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham over the weekend, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Yarbrough threw a successful bullpen session Tuesday, but he will need some additional work prior to being activated. His outing with Triple-A Durham has not been set for an exact date, though Yarbrough would have the chance to enter the big-league rotation as early as April 27 if the team keeps him on regular rest.