MLB Player News

Barnes struck out one and did not allowed a baserunner over a scoreless relief inning in Wednesday's 9-7 win over the Tigers.

Barnes, who entered to pitch the sixth inning with Boston up 7-2, made his second appearance of the season, working the sixth inning for the second time in as many outings. He set down the side on 14 pitches, and more notably, Barnes sustained his velocity, averaging 94.3 mph on five four-seamers. While Boston's closer situation remains unsettled, this could be a situation where manager Alex Cora is building up the right-hander's confidence in low-leverage spots before moving him into a higher-stakes role.

Fleming will start Thursday's game against the Athletics, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 25-year-old is will replace Luis Patino (oblique) in Tampa Bay's rotation, and he'll work as a traditional starter Thursday rather than follow an opener. Fleming picked up the win Saturday with 3.1 scoreless innings, so he's already stretched out as a long reliever. The left-hander threw 38 pitches in that contest and should be able to extend his workload in the range of 50-to-60 pitches against Oakland, which could make it difficult for him to reach the five necessary innings to qualify for a potential win.

Robles struck out one while not allowing a baserunner across 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save Wednesday against the Tigers.

Robles was called upon to end an ugly eighth inning for the Boston bullpen, during which Kutter Crawford and Jake Diekman combined to allow three earned runs. Robles induced a pop fly to end the frame, and he remained in the game for the ninth inning and retired the Tigers in order. Boston doesn't seem to have a defined closer early on this season, as Diekman earned the first save of the campaign. Meanwhile, Garrett Whitlock pitched the final four innings of Tuesday's win over Detroit, though he was credited with a win rather than a save.

Koch's contract was selected by the Mariners on Wednesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Koch began the regular season at Triple-A Tacoma and struck out five in two innings during a pair of relief appearances. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2019 and should serve mainly in a low-leverage role out of the Mariners' bullpen.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said Wednesday that Giles (finger) is still about two weeks away from throwing, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Giles was fully healthy early in spring training after missing nearly two years due to Tommy John surgery, but he's been shut down due to a tendon strain in his middle finger. He's unlikely to be ready to throw until close to the end of the month and will need to go through a progression once he ultimately resumes throwing. It's not yet clear when Giles will be able to return to game action.

Borucki (hamstring) played light catch Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki threw 30 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday, and he was able to throw once again a day later. The Blue Jays haven't yet determined the southpaw's next step in his recovery. If Borucki feels good following Wednesday's throwing session, he'll have a chance to join the major-league bullpen if the team needs relief help.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said that Kelly (biceps) could soon face hitters at extended spring training before heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment before the end of April, Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Kelly hasn't experienced any setbacks from the strained right biceps he sustained while pitching with the Dodgers in the NLCS last year, but the slow progression in his recovery over the offseason resulted in him being placed on the White Sox's 10-day injured list to begin the season. Since joining Chicago in spring training, Kelly has gradually been advancing through his throwing program, and he appears close to reaching the final phase of his rehab. If he continues to avoid setbacks, Kelly looks like he could be ready to return from the IL by early May, if not the final week of April.

Jimenez fired 1.1 scoreless innings in a loss to the Rays on Tuesday, allowing a hit and recording two strikeouts.

The strong showing follows a scoreless two-thirds of an inning against the Phillies in Jimenez's season debut on Saturday. The right-hander earned his way onto the big-league roster after a strong spring, and he's offered encouraging results over his first pair of appearances.

Bautista (0-1) took the loss Tuesday versus the Brewers, allowing a run on two hits with two strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning.

Bautista pitched 1.1 scoreless innings Sunday versus the Rays in his major-league debut, but he couldn't replicate the effort Tuesday. He surrendered a Willy Adames double in the seventh inning, and Cionel Perez allowed the inherited runner to score on Andrew McCutchen's single. Bautista is expected to begin in a low-leverage role out of the bullpen, though he has limited experience as a closer in the minors -- he racked up 11 saves in 40 appearances across three levels last year.

Patino (oblique) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Patino started Monday's game against the Athletics but was removed with an oblique strain after throwing just 13 pitches. The right-hander is in line for a significant absence and won't be eligible to return until at least mid-June. Josh Fleming will take Patino's place in the rotation, while Tommy Romero is also a candidate to make additional starts for the Rays' short-handed pitching staff.