MLB Player News

Kelly pitched the final two innings of Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Pirates. He allowed one run without a walk or a strikeout to pick up the win.

Kelly has fallen out of the eighth-inning role, perhaps temporarily, because of a subpar final two weeks of spring training. The right-hander threw a respectable 17 strikes in 27 pitches and didn't walk a batter Wednesday. That's a step in the right direction for Kelly, who needs to prove he's commanding consistently for manager John Farrell to entrust him as a lock-down eighth-inning reliever.

Devenski pitched four no-hit innings of relief Wednesday, striking out seven and walking one in Houston's 5-3 walk-off win over Seattle.

Before George Springer received his warm reception at home plate following a 13th-inning walk-off home run, it was Devenski who made such a celebration possible. He used his changeup to flummox righties and lefties in his debut this season. The Astros had stretched him out during spring training, but he'd never thrown more than two innings in any spring outing. Devenski will be used in 2017 much like he was last season when he finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. The 26-year-old should get the call in those prickly situations -- opponents threatening, men on base, tough hitter at the plate -- during the middle innings.

Martinez signed a minor-league contract with Houston and was assigned to Triple-A Fresno on Wednesday, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Martinez spent spring training with Detroit and became available when released over the past weekend. The right-hander returns to the organization that originally signed him as an international free agent out of Venezuela back in 2005. In two minor-league stops last season, for the Twins and Tigers, the 29-year-old Martinez had a combined 5.96 ERA in 92.2 innings. He should serve as nothing more than starting depth with the Astros this season.

Colome gave up two hits in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to notch his second save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Yankees.

After saving 37 games last year, Colome has picked up right where he left off to begin 2017. The right-hander was the subject of trade rumors in the offseason, but unless Brad Boxberger (back) gets healthy, the Rays have no obvious successor to him in the closer role, which should give Colome plenty of job security -- especially if Tampa Bay can remain competitive in the AL East.

Shaw pitched a spotless ninth with a strikeout for his first save of the year Wednesday in Texas.

Fresh off picking up a hold Tuesday, Shaw got right back out there in the ninth inning Wednesday because Cody Allen and Andrew Miller had both pitched Monday and Tuesday. He's the clear third option for saves in the Cleveland bullpen, which means Shaw won't record too many unless injuries strike both Allen and Miller. He's a quality source of holds, though.

Barnes will miss Boston's next three games due to bereavement leave, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Barnes will be away attending his grandmother's funeral. The 26-year-old has pitched a scoreless 1.2 innings this season, recording two strikeouts and a walk. He should be back with the team for Sunday's game against the Tigers in Detroit.

Axford (shoulder) will undergo an MRI on Wednesday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Axford was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, though it can be backdated a few days because he didn't appear in either of the Athletics' first two games. He apparently felt shoulder discomfort while warming up Tuesday. Manager Bob Melvin is hopeful the 34-year-old can return next week, though more should be known after his test results are revealed.

Santiago (1-0) allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings in Wednesday's 9-1 win over the Royals.

It wasn't the most efficient outing, as Santiago needed 88 pitches to get through five innings, but despite falling behind in the count most of the day he was able to induce weak contact or get a strikeout when it mattered. The left-hander has consistently out-performed his FIP throughout his career, but after managing an ugly 5.58 ERA in 11 starts after being acquired by Minnesota last season, Santiago will be looking to get his ERA back under 4.00 as it was in 2013-15. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday in Detroit.

Strahm was hit hard once again Wednesday, giving up a walk and a home run to Eduardo Escobar while recording only one out in a 9-1 loss to the Twins.

The young lefty has now given up six runs in his first two appearances, saddling him with an 81.00 ERA, while Strahm's 0:3 K:BB in 0.2 innings is just as disconcerting. The trendy sleeper pick could merely be experiencing some early-season jitters after breaking camp with the big club for the first time, but if he doesn't right the ship soon, the Royals may have little choice but to send him back to the minors.

Giles will get the day off after pitching two straight days, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After earning his second save in as many days, it appears manager A.J. Hinch will give his ninth-inning man a day off. Giles has been stellar so far this year, striking out five of eight batters while allowing just two baserunners through two innings. Hinch will likely turn to Will Harris if an opportunity arises in the ninth inning Wednesday.