MLB Player News

The Twins placed Funderburk on the paternity list Tuesday.

The left-hander is stepping away from the team for a few days to spend some time with his growing family, and he'll likely be gone for the entirety of the three-games series against the Mets that begins Tuesday. Funderburk is one of five Twins pitchers with a single save this season, and he's given up just two earned runs over nine innings despite an underwhelming 1.56 WHIP and 8:7 K:BB.

Scholtens (1-1) took the loss Monday versus the Reds after allowing five runs on seven hits and no walks across 5.2 innings. He struck out six.

After surrendering two runs during the opening frame, Scholtens settled down pretty well with just one run allowed over the next four innings, but he was unable to make it through the sixth and gave up two more runs on two hits and a hit-by-pitch. The right-hander entered Monday's contest with 9.2 scoreless frames though his first two outings of the campaign, so he should have a decent chance of sticking in Tampa Bay's banged-up rotation. Scholtens has a 2.93 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB through three appearances and tentatively lines up to pitch against the Twins this weekend.

Kuhnel picked up a save against the Mariners on Monday, allowing one run on two hits over one inning.

Kuhnel was called upon in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead. He gave up a single and a double to allow a run to score but was ultimately able to finish off the A's victory. The run was the first charged to Kuhnel this season, and the pair of hits were as many as he'd given up across his first six appearances. With four saves over his past five outings and no blown saves on the season, Kuhnel appears to have a solid grasp on the team's closer role despite fanning just three batters over seven total innings.

Hoffman notched a save against the Angels on Monday, allowing one hit and striking out three batters over a scoreless inning of work.

Hoffman entered with a three-run lead in the ninth inning and gave up a single to the first batter he faced. However, the right-hander proceeded to strike out the following three hitters to close out the contest. This was a much-needed performance for Hoffman after he picked up a loss and a blown save while yielding six runs over 1.2 innings across his previous two appearances. Manager John Schneider has expressed confidence in Hoffman as the team's closer, and at least for Monday, that confidence appeared justified.

Erceg blew the save in Monday's 7-5 loss against the Orioles. He allowed one run on a hit and three walks with no strikeouts over one inning.

Erceg entered the ninth inning with a one-run lead but was unable to secure the save, struggling with control and allowing an RBI single to Samuel Basallo that sent the game to extra innings. It marked the right-hander's second blown save in as many appearances after converting each of his first five opportunities this season. Now sporting a 6.48 ERA and 1.80 WHIP across 8.1 innings, Erceg will look to get back on track while incumbent closer Carlos Estevez (foot) remains on the injured list.

Nunez (1-0) recorded the win Monday against the Royals, allowing one unearned run on one hit and one walk in two innings of relief. He struck out one.

The rookie right-hander is emerging as a multi-inning weapon out of the Baltimore bullpen, producing a 1.59 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB over his first 11.1 frames. Nunez has three holds and one save opportunity so far, and he's making a serious case for more high-leverage work going forward.

Garcia (elbow) will throw live batting practice Wednesday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Garcia will take another step forward in his rehab Wednesday by going up against live batters for the first time since undergoing surgery to clean up scar tissue around his right elbow. If all goes well in his first live BP session, he could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment in the minors shortly after.

Hiraldo is scheduled to meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday to receive a second opinion on his inflamed right shoulder, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Though the Orioles are still labeling Hiraldo's shoulder injury as inflammation, the team's decision to move him from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL last week would seem to suggest that he could be dealing with something more significant. After he receives a second opinion from Dr. ElAttrache, Hiraldo will decide on a treatment plan for his injury. The righty reliever made just three appearances for Baltimore before landing on the shelf.

The Red Sox will recall Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester prior to Tuesday's game versus the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Samaniego will absorb the roster spot vacated by the injured Sonny Gray (hamstring). The left-handed Samaniego turned in three scoreless appearances during an earlier stint with Boston, collecting a 4:3 K:BB in 3.2 innings.

Bolton (back) will throw a live batting practice session Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bolton landed on the 15-day injured list last week with mid-back inflammation. He's eligible for activation April 28 and has a good chance to be back by that date, given that he's already been cleared to face hitters.