MLB Player News

Valdez gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his third save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Rangers.

The journeyman continues to get the job done as closer for the O's. Valdez has two wins through six appearances in addition to his saves, and his 1.23 ERA and 1.09 WHIP are backed up by a 7:1 K:BB through 7.1 innings. At some point the league might figure out his baffling changeup, but until that happens Valdez will handle a high-leverage role.

Lopez (1-2) picked up the win Friday, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk over five innings in a 5-2 victory over the Rangers. He struck out eight.

Both runs off the right-hander came on solo shots, but otherwise Lopez was sharp, throwing 49 of 75 pitches for strikes before exiting. Despite the strong outing and a 17:5 K:BB through 13.2 innings, he has a 8.56 ERA thanks to a 3.3 HR/9. With the O's having a couple off days coming up, it's not clear when Lopez will take the mound next.

Pressly allowed one hit to the lone batter faced in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Mariners.

Houston's bullpen made a mess over the final third of the game, and manager Dusty Baker turned to Pressly to bail out the team in the ninth inning with none out and two on. He made a poor pitch to Ty France, who crushed an opposite-field double to plate the winning run in walkoff fashion. Pressly has allowed at least one hit in all five appearances but has not surrendered a run over five innings.

Nelson (0-2) allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two in one inning as he was charged with the loss against the Rays on Friday.

Nelson made his first career start as the opener Friday, but the Rays got on the board with a walk and a pair of doubles to begin the game. The Yankees were unable to generate much run production offensively, resulting in Nelson's second loss in his first four appearances of the season. He's posted a 10.80 ERA and 10:3 K:BB in five innings this year.

Taylor was carted off the field after rolling his right ankle in Friday's game against the Mariners, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Taylor entered Friday's game in the bottom of the eighth inning and allowed one run on two hits while striking out one in two-thirds of an inning. However, he appeared to be in considerable pain after fielding a bunt from Taylor Trammell, and he was immediately carted off the field. The severity of the injury isn't yet clear.

Trivino allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning and picked up a save Friday against Detroit.

Trivino allowed a leadoff single to Willi Castro but quickly wiped it out with a double play. The 29-year-old has recorded six straight scoreless outings, lowering his season ERA to 0.93 with a hold and two saves.

King was optioned to the Yankees' alternate training site Friday.

King served as the primary pitcher in Friday's loss to the Rays and allowed two hits and three walks while striking out four in three scoreless frames. He didn't factor into the decision. The right-hander has now tossed nine scoreless frames in his first two appearances this year and could return to the majors at some point as a long reliever or as an option to serve as a starter.

Sborz was optioned to the Rangers' alternate training site Friday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Sborz led the Rangers with six relief appearances to begin the season but posted a 7.20 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in five innings. He'll attempt to work on things at the team's alternate training site after Joely Rodriguez (ankle) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Rodriguez (ankle) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Rodriguez was limited during spring training by a sprained ankle that forced him to miss the start of the regular season, but he'll now be available to make his 2021 debut. The southpaw could be in the mix for save chances along with Ian Kennedy.

Burdi was optioned to the White Sox's alternate training site Friday.

Burdi joined the major-league roster when Dylan Cease was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday, but he'll be sent back to the team's alternate camp after Cease was officially reinstated Friday. Burdi didn't make any appearances during his most recent stint in the big leagues.