MLB Player News

Leclerc gave up one hit and struck out two over 1.2 innings to notch his first career major-league save in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Angels.

The back of the Rangers' bullpen may be in turmoil right now, but Leclerc's save doesn't necessarily suggest he'll be in the closer mix going forward. He came on in the eighth inning to face Mike Trout and Albert Pujols and protect a three-run lead, then saw the Rangers tack on two insurance runs in the top of the ninth to remove the need for a closer in the ninth. That said, the fact that manager Jeff Banister entrusted the 23-year-old with that assignment at all is a sign that he's moving into more of a high-leverage role. Leclerc's numbers through four appearances certainly warrant a promotion, as he has a 0.00 ERA and 7:0 K:BB in 5.1 innings.

Robertson pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Cleveland.

He delivered a stress-free night in his first save chance of the year. After going unused for four straight games to open the year, Robertson has now appeared three times in four nights, as has top setup man Nate Jones, so manager Rick Renteria may need to get creative if a save chance comes up Thursday.

Martinez was called up Wednesday, MLB.com's TR Sullivan reports.

Martinez arrives to bolster the bullpen and potentially start Saturday against the Mariners. In five starts last season, he posted a 7.61 ERA and gave up seven home runs in 23.2 innings, with just eight strikeouts. Drew Robinson was sent down in a corresponding move.

Puk was dominant over four innings in his debut for High-A Stockton in Monday night's win over Modesto, Meghan Camino of MiLB.com reports.

The 2016 first-round pick notched six strikeouts and allowed just two hits and one walk over his four frames, throwing 43 of his 59 pitches for strikes. Five of those whiffs came in succession, and the 22-year-old did not allow a hit after surrendering back-to-back singles in the first. Puk was impressive during his brief time with the A's this spring as well, striking out the side on nine pitches in his Feb. 28 debut versus the Indians before giving up a solo home run over one inning against the Mariners on March 5. The promising prospect was reassigned to minor-league camp later that day, but he could be headed for a relatively quick ascension through the organizational ranks if the admittedly early returns are any indication.

Fulmer allowed three runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven batters over six innings during Wednesday's 5-3 win over Minnesota.

After turning heads as a rookie last year, Fulmer has picked up where he left off with two strong outings to start 2017. He sports a 2.25 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with 11 punchouts through 13 innings, and the sophomore lines up for two starts next week with road dates against the Rays and Twins. Fulmer's fantasy stock could climb another tier sooner than later, and he also has the added benefit of a strong offense providing him run support.

Junis was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old pitched well in his season debut at Omaha, allowing just two runs across 6.1 innings while fanning seven batters, so he'll get the chance to make his inaugural major-league appearance. Junis will add some length to the Royals bullpen, but likely will be limited to relatively low-leverage situations.

Alexander was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

After optioning Matt Strahm back to Omaha, the Royals needed bullpen depth, which is just what Alexander can provide. The 27-year-old hasn't allowed a run in two minor league appearances thus far, so he'll look to carry that success into a middle-relief role in Kansas City.

Loup will serve as the Jays' primary left-hander out of the bullpen until J.P. Howell (shoulder) returns from the 10-day DL, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

Howell's placement on the DL was retroactive to his last appearance on April 7, meaning he'll be eligible to return on April 18. In the meantime, Loup should have a chance to pick up a couple holds in Howell's stead. Through three games (2.2 innings), Loup has allowed one run on five hits and one walk while notching six strikeouts.

Diekman (abdomen) underwent surgery on his colon Tuesday and is recovering well, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

This second operation was expected to occur sometime during April, and it seems at this time like everything went off without a hitch. As long as no extraneous circumstances occur, Diekman is still slated to return to action sometime around the All-Star break.

Colome credits his cutter as one of the primary reasons for his success as a closer over the last few years, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

In July 2015, a struggling Colome was booted from the Rays' starting rotation to the bullpen, a move that would initiate a makeover of the hard-throwing right-hander's career. The 28-year-old posted an 0.29 ERA over 21 relief appearances over a two-month period late that season and then became the closer at the beginning of 2016 after Brad Boxberger began the season on the disabled list. He's never looked back, and a pared-down arsenal that now mainly consists of a fastball and cutter has been key to his success. Colome actually shows a preference for the latter, which was taught to him by roving pitching instructor Dick Bosman. The Rays closer has used the pitch 44 percent of the time since the beginning of last season and has the fourth-lowest BAA in the majors over that span when his cutter has been put in play. Colome has also notched a majors-best 25 percent swinging strike rate when deploying it, helping him quickly rise in stature as one of the most effective ninth-inning options in baseball. "Maybe our confidence has grown for good reason, because he's been so successful," manager Kevin Cash said. "Every time he's out, it's a pretty calming effect on the dugout and the players that are playing out there. He's just got a tremendous demeanor."