MLB Player News

Karinchak pitched a perfect inning with three strikeouts to earn a hold in Saturday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Reds.

Karinchak was in full control Saturday, needing just 11 pitches to complete the eighth inning. He's been the most effective late-inning reliever for Cleveland lately -- he's allowed just four baserunners over six innings while racking up 11 strikeouts. The right-hander has three holds, a save and a blown save in seven appearances and could see some ninth-inning assignments if Emmanuel Clase struggles. Clase blew a save in the ninth Saturday.

Pressly threw a scoreless ninth inning with one strikeout Saturday against the Mariners to earn his first save of the season.

Fantasy managers no longer have to look at a goose egg from Pressly in the saves column after he closed out a 1-0 win on eight pitches (seven strikes). The Astros are currently down several star players, but Pressly is clearly fine and there will be plenty more save chances for him to come, especially when the team is back at full strength.

Clase was charged with a blown save against the Reds on Saturday. He pitched one inning and gave up an unearned run on three hits without collecting any walks or strikeouts.

Clase could have gotten out of the inning without allowing a baserunner, but a two-out error by first baseman Josh Naylor was followed by three straight Reds singles to tie the score. It was a tough-luck first blown save for the right-hander, who still hasn't given up an earned run this season. He's allowed an unearned run in each of his past three save opportunities, however, and it remains to be seen if he'll be able to hold off fellow fireballer James Karinchak for the ninth-inning role.

Solomon was recalled by the Astros on Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Solomon has yet to throw an inning above the High-A level, though he probably would have advanced beyond that point by now if not for 2019 Tommy John surgery and the canceled minor-league season last year. In just 109.1 total innings as a professional, he owns a 2.30 ERA and a 29.2 percent strikeout rate. Solomon takes the place of Blake Taylor (ankle), who landed on the injured list.

Taylor (ankle) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Taylor had to be carted off the field Friday against the Mariners due to an ankle that was "severely sprained" according to manager Dusty Baker, so the trip to the injured list isn't a surprise. It's unclear when he'll be able to return. Peter Solomon was called up in a corresponding move.

Smeltzer was recalled by the Twins on Saturday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

Smeltzer missed out on an Opening Day roster spot after he posted a 15.75 ERA and 2.50 WHIP in four innings during three appearances (one start) this spring. He'll join the major-league pitching staff after Lewis Thorpe was sent down in a corresponding move. Smeltzer should serve as a long reliever for the Twins but could also be an option to fill in as a starter if needed.

Kittredge will serve as the opener during Sunday's game against the Yankees, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Kittredge has made four relief appearances to begin the season and has posted a 1.69 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 5.1 innings during that time. Ryan Yarbrough will serve as the primary pitcher and pitch the bulk of the innings Sunday, but Kittredge will begin the game on the mound for the series finale against the Yankees.

Puk (biceps) hasn't yet thrown off a mound, Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Puk started throwing from 90 feet recently, but he still doesn't have a timetable for his return since he hasn't gotten back on the mound. Manager Bob Melvin said Saturday that the team should have a better idea of Puk's return timetable once he throws a bullpen session. The left-hander has been sidelined since April 7 due to a left biceps strain.

Diekman was credited with his second hold in a win over the Tigers on Friday, firing a perfect eighth inning in which he struck out the side.

Diekman was in vintage 2020 form for arguably the first time this season, mowing through a trio of Tigers on 17 pitches. The veteran left-hander has now put together three straight scoreless efforts, lowering his ERA from 10.13 to 4.26 in the process while recording his first two holds of the campaign.

Misiewicz (2-0) earned the win in Friday's 6-5 victory over the Astros, firing a perfect ninth inning while striking out two.

Misiewicz was busy in his return from the COVID-19 injured list as he was tasked with maintaining a 5-5 tie in the ninth inning and proceeded to dispatch the side with ease on 13 pitches (nine strikes). It wouldn't take long for the Mariners to score in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving Misiewicz his second win of the season. The 26-year-old has yet to surrender a run or walk a batter this season across five outings.