MLB Player News

Heuer (1-1) gave up three runs on three hits while striking out four across 1.2 innings Saturday against the Red Sox. He was tagged with the loss.

Heuer was coming off three straight scoreless outings and had allowed just one run across 6.2 innings before Saturday's contest, but the wheels came off and he was roughed up by Boston. As a result, his ERA spiked from 1.35 to 4.32, though one encouraging sign is the fact that he's now on a run of five straight outings while walking anyone.

Lakins (1-0) pitched a perfect seventh inning, striking out one to earn the win against the Rangers on Saturday.

The Orioles took the lead with Lakins on the mound and never looked back. After being called up April 13, Lakins provided three perfect innings in three different relief appearances, striking out three. The 26-year-old has done everything the Orioles have asked him to so far in the big leagues.

Wittgren pitched a scoreless seventh inning with one hit and one strikeout to earn a hold in Saturday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Reds.

Wittgren allowed a double to Jesse Winker, but Winker was caught attempting to stretch the hit into a triple. The 29-year-old Wittgren then retired the next two batters for his third hold of the year. He's posted a 7.71 ERA and 1.71 WHIP across 4.2 innings. Despite some shaky moments early in the season, Wittgren remains part of Cleveland's plans in the late innings.

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.