MLB Player News

Chapman struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Monday to record his first save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Tigers.

His first pitch of the night clocked in at 95 mph, but by the time an overmatched Mikie Mahtook got to the plate, Chapman was humming at 97-98 mph and ended the game with a four-pitch strikeout. That's still a step back from the 99 mph he averaged last season, but it's progress, and there's no reason to think his velocity will pick up further as the weather gets warmer. Chapman's collected at least 30 saves in six of the last seven seasons, and is now on his way to making it seven of eight.

Yarbrough (1-0) allowed one run on three hits in 4.1 innings during Monday's 7-1 victory over Colorado. He struck out three and earned the win.

Yarbrough started the second frame after Ryne Stanek tossed a scoreless first. His offense spotted him a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning before he allowed his lone run on a Nolan Arenado double in the sixth. Like in 2018, the 6-foot-5 lefty will likely be the primary pitcher after an opener starts for most of the season. Yarbrough should next face San Francisco on Sunday.

Stanek struck out three batters and allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to open Monday's 7-1 win over the Rockies.

Stanek was arguably the most successful opener for Tampa Bay last season and it's working well so far in 2019. He won't see many win or save opportunities, but he could be useful in the ERA and strikeout categories in deeper leagues.

Hand pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts to post his second save of the season Monday.

The 29-year-old allowed two walks and a hit in his first two outings, so it was nice to see Hand pitch his first perfect frame of the year Monday. Hand posted a career-high 32 saves with the Padres and Indians last season, but closing for a contending team over all of 2019, Hand could easily set another high-water mark in the category. He's certainly off to a good start with two saves in the first four games.

Sadzeck was traded to the Mariners from the Rangers in exchange for Grant Anderson on Monday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Sadzeck will join Seattle's active roster following the trade, and he figures to slot into a bullpen role. He posted a 0.96 ERA with a 7:11 K:BB over 9.1 innings a season ago through 13 appearances (two starts).

Borucki (elbow) will throw a side session Wednesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki's season debut has been delayed by elbow inflammation, but he's making progress. Toronto is tentatively targeting a two-game series against the Giants on April 23 and 24 for his return.

Yarbrough will serve as the Rays' primary pitcher out of the bullpen in Monday's game against the Rockies, Rodney Page of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

As he often did throughout the 2018 campaign, Yarbrough will enter the game after Ryne Stanek, who is expected to cover an inning or two as the opener before departing. Yarbrough covered four innings in his final exhibition appearance, so that probably represents the lower end of what kind of workload he'll receive in his 2019 regular-season debut.

Gonsalves will open the season on the injured list at Triple-A Rochester due to a left elbow flexor/pronator strain, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

The severity of the injury is not yet clear, but it's never good to see a pitcher dealing with elbow issues. If he gets healthy, Gonsalves has a chance to return to the big leagues at some point this season but will need to do much better than last year if he's to stick around, as he stumbled to a 6.57 ERA in 24.2 innings in his debut last year.

Stanek will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Monday's game against the Rockies.

Stanek made his season debut as a setup man in Saturday's win over the Astros, tossing two scoreless innings while picking up his first hold. The right-hander drew 29 starts as an opener a season ago and should continue leading off games regularly in 2019, likely covering no more than two frames on any occasion. Ryan Yarbrough is expected to enter Monday's contest after Stanek and cover the bulk of the innings.

Moore gave up no runs on two hits with one walk over seven innings in a no-decision against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He struck out six.

Moore was exceptional, striking out six batters on his way to his first quality start of the season. It was a welcome sight for the left-hander, who struggled through a disastrous 6.79 ERA last year. The southpaw will look to keep rolling in his next start against Kansas City on Saturday at Comerica Park.