MLB Player News

Barlow (1-0) allowed one walk and struck out two over a scoreless 1.1 innings to earn the win over Seattle on Thursday.

Barlow was the pitcher warming in the bullpen when Matt Bush was attempting to protect a one-run lead in the eighth inning, but he was needed earlier than anticipated. After the Mariners tied the game against Bush, Barlow shut down the rally then benefited from Texas' two-run, ninth inning rally to pick up his first win of the season. The takeaway here is that Barlow was in position to pick up the save. The Rangers' closer situation has been unsettled, but it looks like Barlow is now in the mix to close games. This is a positive development after manager Chris Woodward indicated during spring training that he didn't want to put the pressure of closing games on a reliever with limited MLB experience.

Hearn completed three innings against Seattle on Thursday, allowing five runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four. He did not factor in the decision.

The southpaw struggled to get the ball over the plate Thursday, throwing only 41 of 78 pitches for strikes and issuing a season-high four walks. Hearn's command was also spotty, as three of the four hits against him went for extra bases, including two that left the park. The poor outing didn't result in a loss for Hearn, but it did push his ERA up to 7.59 on the campaign. He's notched 14 strikeouts over 10.2 frames, but otherwise it's been a rough ride for fantasy managers who roster him.

Jimenez pitched a scoreless ninth inning and recorded his second save while recording two strikeouts in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Orioles.

The A's needed Jimenez after a less-than-stellar performance from the team's set-up men allowed three runs after the exit of starterPaul Blackburn. Lou Trivino (COVID-19 list) will likely re-assume his role as the team's closer once he returns, but Jimenez isn't making the decision easy with six scoreless frames and a 9:2 K:BB to open the season.

Clase didn't allow a baserunner across an inning of work to earn the save Thursday against the White Sox.

Clase earned his second save of the season -- and in as many days -- by retiring the White Sox in order on 10 pitches. After allowing a run in each of his first two appearances of the season, Clase has turned in three consecutive scoreless innings while striking out two and allowing only one hit.

Soto pitched 1.2 scoreless innings to record the save in Thursday's win over the Yankees. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

Soto has now recorded three saves in three chances this season, and he's allowed just one earned run across 5.2 innings. The lefty is clearly the top closing option in Detroit, though Michael Fulmer will likely pick up a few saves here and there depending on the matchups, or when Soto isn't available.

Howard (finger) will now start Sunday's game against the Athletics, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Howard was expected to return from the 10-day injured list for Friday's series opener in Oakland, but he'll be pushed back two days since Jon Gray (knee) is expected to require a trip to the IL. Glenn Otto will now start Friday, while Howard will get a few extra days of rest. Howard allowed six runs on six hits and no walks while striking out five in three innings during his season debut against the Blue Jays.

Otto is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to start Friday's game against the Athletics, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Otto began the year in the minors and struck out nine in seven scoreless frames in his first two starts in Round Rock. He made his last start April 15, so he'll be fully rested while filling in for Jon Gray (knee) as the starter in Friday's series opener in Oakland. Otto made six starts for the Rangers last year and posted a 9.26 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in 23.1 innings.

Romano earned the save after allowing one run on one hit during the ninth inning of Thursday's 3-2 win over the Red Sox. He walked one and didn't record a strikeout.

Romano came on in the ninth inning in relief of starter Kevin Gausman, who allowed a leadoff single to Trevor Story. Romano proceeded to walk the first batter he faced and allowed an RBI double to the subsequent hitter Xander Bogaerts. However, the closer was able to lock down his seventh straight save to start the season after getting three consecutive groundouts to end the game.

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.