MLB Player News

Brentz (0-1) allowed two runs on a hit and a walk with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Monday versus the Guardians.

Brentz was responsible for both runs the Guardians scored in the seventh inning to break a 4-4 tie, though Josh Staumont allowed an inherited runner to score. Brentz has issued three walks in 1.2 innings to open the season after a dominant spring, so it's a bit discouraging to see him having some trouble with command. The southpaw logged 15 holds and a pair of saves in 72 outings last season, so he should continue to see high-leverage work unless he gets stuck in a significant slump.

Baumann (1-0) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three in 2.1 innings to earn the win Monday versus the Brewers.

Baumann's outing followed four scoreless innings from starter Bruce Zimmermann. This was an expected relief appearance for Baumann, who has worked as a starter for many of his minor-league appearances. The right-hander could be in the mix for a starting role, as Dean Kremer (oblique) is expected to miss 3-to-4 weeks. Alexander Wells and Spenser Watkins are also candidates to join the rotation, though it's unlikely any of them stretched out enough to be in line for wins should they take on a starting role. Baumann threw 37 pitches (20 strikes) in his appearance Monday.

Hernandez allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in Monday's loss to Cleveland. He struck out one and did not factor in the decision.

The Guardians jumped on Hernandez early, plating two runs in the first inning. After two scoreless innings, the 25-year-old then coughed up a two-run shot to Oscar Mercado in the fourth. Hernandez posted an ugly 14.73 ERA through 7.1 frames during spring training, so this is a concerning start to the year for the young righty. He's projected to face the Tigers at home this weekend.

Barnes allowed one hit and struck out one over a scoreless sixth inning in Monday's 3-1 loss to Detroit.

Barnes made his season debut after missing the opening series against the Yankees with tightness in his back. He worked around a Miguel Cabrera double and punctuated the outing with an inning-ending strike out of Jonathan Schoop. The right-hander's fastball, which lived in the 92-93 mph range during spring training, maxed out at 95.3 and averaged 94 mph.

Clase coughed up a two-run homer in a non-save situation during Monday's win over the Royals. He walked one batter and struck out another.

Clase entered a 10-5 game and struggled initially. He walked Bobby Witt and then gave up a two-run shot to Andrew Benintendi before retiring the next three batters. Clase has yet to see a save opportunity but he's allowed three hits and three runs (two earned) through two appearances this season.

Zimmermann allowed three hits and two walks over four scoreless innings in Monday's win over the Brewers. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

The only time Zimmermann was in much danger Monday came during the third inning. He walked Christian Yelich to load the bases with two outs but escaped the jam unharmed. The 27-year-old southpaw played 14 games with the Orioles last season and never recorded a scoreless appearance. Zimmermann is expected to face the Yankees at home this weekend.

Lopez walked one batter and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning Monday. He earned a save over Milwaukee.

Lopez recorded the second save of his career and first since 2019 when he was with the Royals. He walked Kolten Wong with one out but finished the inning unscathed and preserved Baltimore's shutout win. The 29-year-old righty has now walked three batters through 1.2 innings this season.

Santana allowed one hit over a scoreless relief inning in Monday's 6-4 extra-inning loss to the Rockies.

Santana made his third appearance in four games, coming into the sixth inning after Albert Abreu plunked Randal Grichuk to start the inning. It was the second time that he entered with men on base and got the Rangers out of the inning. The right-hander should be used as a high-leverage arm, regardless of inning.

Fulmer (1-0) worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless inning of relief and earn the win Monday against the Red Sox. He struck out one.

Fulmer was second on the Tigers with 14 saves last season, but he also scooped up five wins out of the bullpen. Gregory Soto earned the save Monday and should see the bulk of the chances this year, so Fulmer will have to typically settle for holds and the occasional win while working in the eighth inning. That limits the righty's fantasy appeal a bit, though things could change if he overtook Soto for the closer role.

Soto worked around a hit to pitch a clean ninth inning and earn the save in Monday's win over the Red Sox.

Soto worked fairly quickly, as he only needed 11 pitches to retire three batters and pick up his first save of the season. The lefty led the Tigers with 18 saves in 2021, and with the closer role pretty securely his to start the year, Soto could surpass that figure in 2022 if he's able to stay healthy.