MLB Player News

Varland allowed one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning Thursday against the Royals.

Varland moved to the bullpen this spring, and the returns have been encouraging so far, as he has a 3.86 ERA and 10:3 K:BB in seven innings. He could be used in higher-leverage spots if he continues his early success. The right-hander struggled last season as a starter in Triple-A with a 4.75 ERA, but he showed promise as a reliever in the majors in 2023 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings and a 17:1 K:BB.

Estevez earned the save in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Twins, allowing a hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Estevez found himself in trouble, allowing a one-out single before hitting Harrison Bader with a pitch to put the tying and go-ahead runs on base. However, the right-hander struck out Matt Wallner before inducing a groundout from Willi Castro to seal the Royals' one-run victory. While it hasn't always come easily, Estevez has converted four of Kansas City's five save chances this year while allowing one earned run on three hits and four walks in his first six innings.

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre reinstated Matzek from its 7-day injured list Wednesday.

Matzek made his debut for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to Rochester, striking out three and allowing two hits over two scoreless innings. The left-hander opened the season on the IL after sustaining an oblique strain in early March, but he was cleared to join the Triple-A bullpen after making a one-inning rehab appearance for Single-A Tampa on Sunday. The 34-year-old will look to string together more quality appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as he aims to earn a call-up to the Yankees. His contract contains a May 1 opt out if he isn't promoted to the big leagues before then.

The Angels designated Dashwood for assignment Thursday.

With the Angels needing extra corner-infield depth at the big-league level after Yoan Moncada (thumb) landed on the injured list, Dashwood will give up his spot on the 40-man roster to J.D. Davis, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Salt Lake. Dashwood earned a spot on the Angels' 40-man roster this winter after turning in a 2.70 ERA and 0.70 WHIP while striking out 15 over 10 innings in 2024, but he struggled mightily through his first three appearances at Salt Lake this season, giving up 12 earned runs on 11 hits and three walks over two innings. As a 27-year-old relief prospect who has yet to reach the big leagues, Dashwood has a good chance of clearing waivers and remaining in the Angels organization.

Gusto is slated to start Saturday's game against the Angels in Houston, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old right-hander will be making his first MLB start this weekend, filling the rotation spot that belonged to Spencer Arrighetti (thumb), who was placed on the injured list Tuesday. Gusto turned in a 3.70 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 148.1 innings in 2024 as a full-time starter at Triple-A Sugar Land, and he's been magnificent so far this season after winning a spot in Houston's Opening Day bullpen coming out of spring training. After working a scoreless frame in relief en route to scooping up his first career win in Wednesday's 2-1 victory over the Mariners, Gusto now owns a 1.13 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB across eight innings with the Astros. Gusto didn't throw more than 50 pitches in any of his four relief appearances this season nor in his four appearances in the Grapefruit League, so he could be slightly limited from a workload standpoint in his start Saturday.

Ellard struck out two and walked one while not allowing a hit across a scoreless eighth inning in Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

Ellard has pitched well overall this season, as this marked his fourth scoreless appearance in five chances. His last outing came Sunday in a save situation, though he pitched with the White Sox down by two runs in the eighth inning Wednesday. Mike Clevinger pitched in a more traditional closer role Tuesday, but it's unclear which pitcher will claim save chances moving forward.

Fairbanks earned the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Angels. He allowed one walk while striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

After taking the loss against the Angels on Tuesday, Fairbanks was called from the bullpen for a second straight game and was able to log his second save of the season on 15 pitches (seven strikes). Through five outings, Fairbanks has allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out seven across five innings.

Sandlin earned his first save of the 2025 season in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-innings win against the Red Sox, striking out one batter in a scoreless 11th frame.

Sandlin got the call for the save opportunity in the bottom of the 11th inning after Jeff Hoffman tossed two scoreless frames. Sandlin was able to get the job done in just nine pitches (seven strikes) to earn his first save of 2025 and second in his major-league career. Across his first five outings of the season, Sandlin has given up one run on two hits and four walks while striking out six in five frames.

Holton (1-1) allowed two runs on three hits across 1.2 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Yankees. He struck out two.

Holton relieved Jack Flaherty, who blanked New York across 5.1 innings, and the former allowed a two-run home run to Ben Rice that broke a 0-0 tie. Despite the hiccup, Holton has been dependable for the Tigers so far, as this was his first time allowing a run through five appearances. The lefty now has a 2.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and six strikeouts across 6.1 innings, and he should remain a key reliever in Detroit moving forward.

Clase earned his first save of the season in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the White Sox. He gave up one run on three hits and one walk while striking out two in the ninth inning.

Clase came into the ninth inning Wednesday for his first save opportunity since Opening Day against the Royals, but he put himself in hot water by loading the bases after yielding two singles and a walk. Clase gave up a run on a Miguel Vargas RBI single, but it ended up being the final play of the game after Mike Tauchman came up hobbling while rounding third base and was tagged out by Austin Hedges. It took six outings for Clase to earn his first save of 2025 after registering 47 saves in 2024, which led the American League and ranked second in the majors behind Ryan Helsley (49).