MLB Player News

Kimbrel pitched a perfect inning while recording a pair of strikeouts to earn his fourth save Saturday against the Rays.

Kimbrel was given a one-run lead to protect for Chris Sale, and he was able to close out the contest without an ounce of drama. He's successfully converted each of his four save opportunities this season, and the only run he allowed was in a non-save situation. He'll continue to be valued as one of the top closers in the game.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

He was up as a backup option in case Andrew Cashner (shoulder) was unable to come off the DL to start Saturday, but Cashner was activated from the DL, so Martinez will head back to Triple-A to serve as depth.

Saupold wasrecalled by the Tigers on Saturday.

Saupold returns to the Tigers after an impressive pair of starts with Triple-A Toledo to begin the season. The right-hander has allowed just two runs over 10.2 innings of action in the minors after throwing eight innings of shutout baseball in Grapefruit League action this spring. Saupold will likely join the bullpen as a low-leverage reliever, but certainly could prove useful in the long term for Detroit.

Chapman will not be available out of the bullpen Saturday after pitching three days in a row, the Associated Press reports.

Manager Joe Girardi conceded he normally doesn't like using relievers even three days in a row, but with the Yankees needing to protect a late lead in all three he made an exception for his closer. The definitive line seems to be drawn at four consecutive appearances though, as Girardi added "it will be an absolute no" regarding Chapman's availability for Saturday. Look for Dellin Betances to be first in line in the pecking order for a save should the need arise.

Robertson struck out two in a perfect inning to earn his second save of the season in Friday's 2-1 win over the Twins.

The White Sox bullpen has been stellar to start the season, ranking third with a 1.44 ERA. If Chicago's relievers keep this up, it will generate more save opportunities for Robertson.

Covey allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out one over 5.1 innings in Friday's 2-1 win over Minnesota.

Covey, a Rule 5 selection making his major league debut, allowed baserunners in five of six innings, but worked around it all to keep the White Sox in position to win. With Carlos Rodon (biceps) sidelined until mid-May, the White Sox need to cover several more turns of the rotation. Covey's performance Friday earned him another start, which is scheduled to come next Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

Graveman didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Astros, surrendering one earned run on five hits, two walks and a hit batsman over five innings.

Graveman was a bit spotty with his control, firing 74 pitches overall, only 40 of which found the strike zone. His one mistake ironically came with the No. 9 hitter, as he surrendered a 369-foot home run to Nori Aoki in the fifth. The 26-year-old has a nice 2.00 ERA over his first three starts, but he's given up three solo homers. Despite the disappointing team result Friday, Graveman has been all manager Bob Melvin could have hoped for as the staff's de facto ace while Sonny Gray (lat) is sidelined. Graveman will go for his third win in a home start against the Rangers next Wednesday.

Diaz worked around a hit with a pair of strikeouts to record his second save of the season Friday against the Rangers.

Diaz entered a one-run game and whiffed the first two batters he faced before allowing a single to Elvis Andrus. Andrus advanced to third after a wild pitch bounced off the plate and went all the way to the backstop, but Diaz then induced a weak grounder to end the game. The flamethrower allowed three runs in a meltdown that resulted in a blown save the last time out, but this was a strong bounce-back performance.

Norris (1-0) pitched six scoreless innings Friday, allowing two hits and issuing four walks while striking out five in a win over the Indians.

The left-hander struggled with his command for a second straight start, yet walked away unscathed and with his first victory of the season. Norris threw just 53 percent of his pitches for strikes, but it may have worked a bit to his advantage as the Tribe couldn't make solid contact throughout the evening. Norris will look to build off this one and improve his control when he takes the ball Thursday against the Rays.

Zych (biceps) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Friday.

The 26-year-old underwent surgery on his biceps back in October, but after a long and arduous process, Zych is ready to return to action. It's a little surprising that he'll head to Seattle, as prior reports stated that he'd likely begin the season in the minors, but he'll likely play a relatively small role in the big leagues nonetheless. To make room for him in the Mariners bullpen, Dillon Overton was sent back to Triple-A Tacoma.