MLB Player News

Alcala threw 1.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk in Sunday's win over Seattle. He hasn't given up a run in 2.1 innings and has notched two strikeouts and two walks. He hasn't appeared after the 7th inning in either of his outings.

After the trade of Taylor Rogers to San Diego, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has said the team will use a committee approach initially. It was thought Alcala could be the leading option to close games, but he hasn't been used late in games or in high-leverage spots so far.

Howard allowed six runs on six hits -- including four home runs -- over three innings in a no-decision against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

To his credit, the 25-year-old Howard was willing to attack the strike zone against one of the best lineups in baseball. He lived in the zone a little too much and George Springer, Matt Chapman, Danny Jansen and Vladimir Guerrero all made him pay with long balls. The matchups will get easier and Howard has some prospect pedigree, but it will be difficult to trust him in fantasy until he proves more at the big-league level. Up next is a home start against the Angels.

Yarbrough is dealing with a minor groin injury and will be placed on the 10-day injured list as a precautionary measure, John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The southpaw hadn't yet made his 2022 debut and will have to wait to do so as a result of his injury. Tommy Romero will be recalled from Triple-A Durham to fill in while Yarbrough is sidelined. It's not yet clear whether the 30-year-old Yarbrough will be forced to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the shelf.

Pressly picked up the save in Sunday's 4-1 victory over the Angels, striking out one in a clean ninth inning.

Pressly struck out Jo Adell on five pitches before retiring the next two Angels on consecutive pitches for an easy save. If he stays healthy, the 33-year-old is well on his way to surpassing a career-high 26 saves from 2021 as the clear-cut best option for saves on a Houston team with high expectations.

Barnes (back) threw with no issues Sunday but isn't expected to be available for the series finale against the Yankees, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Barnes previously hoped to be available for Saturday's contest but didn't take the mound, and he isn't expected to make his season debut Sunday. The 31-year-old's back is apparently feeling better, and manager Alex Cora expects the right-hander to be available for Monday's matchup with the Tigers.

Manager Tony La Russa said Sunday that Lopez will work out of the bullpen for the time being, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Vince Velasquez is Chicago's No. 5 starter to open the campaign with Lance Lynn (knee) out, and Lopez will remain in relief for now despite the fact Lucas Giolito is headed to the injured list after suffering an abdominal strain Opening Day. Lopez is likely to receive some starts at some point this season, but they apparently won't be coming in the immediate future.

Quijada was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday with a strained right oblique. The move is retroactive to April 8.

Quijada apparently picked up the injury Opening Day against the Astros when he retired the only batter he faced on two pitches. It's unclear how long the left-hander will be sidelined, but he'll be eligible to return from the injured list April 18.

Bazardo was outrighted to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Bazardo was designated for assignment on Opening Day to make room on the 40-man roster for Travis Shaw. Bazardo made his big-league debut in 2020 with Boston and threw three shutout innings.

Iglesias earned the save Saturday against the Astros after tossing a scoreless inning, striking out one.

Iglesias was almost perfect when called upon for duty, as he tossed seven of his eight pitches for strikes and got the job done quickly to protect Los Angeles' two-run lead in the top of the ninth. Iglesias has posted an ERA below the 2.75 threshold in each of the last two seasons and is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he recorded 34 saves while posting a 2.57 ERA.

Munoz was credited with the win in a victory over the Twins on Saturday despite allowing two earned runs on a hit and a walk over one inning. He struck out two.

Munoz yielded a leadoff walk to Nick Gordon in the eighth inning before surrendering a go-ahead two-run home run to Byron Buxton. The flamethrowing right-hander settled down after that, retiring Luis Arraez, Carlos Correa and Jorge Polanco in order, the latter two on swinging strikes. His ability to limit the damage would prove critical, as the Mariners were able to mount their own rally in the ninth that would lead to the one-run win. Munoz's ability to focus following his rocky start is likely to help build trust with manager Scott Servais with respect to additional higher-leverage assignments early in the season.