MLB Player News

Kopech allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two across a scoreless ninth inning Saturday against the Red Sox.

Kopech was called upon to protect a five-run lead. He did so successfully, though he allowed three hitters to reach base -- he hit a batter in addition to the walk and hit he surrendered -- and required 33 pitches to retire the side. Though it was shaky, the outing was still positive for Kopech as he had allowed at least one run in three of his last four appearances entering Saturday.

Avila struck out six and walked two over three scoreless and hitless innings to earn the save in Saturday's 8-0 win over the Marlins.

Avila was scored on in nine of his first 12 outings, but he's settled down lately. He's currently on an 8.2-inning scoreless streak, during which he has a 12:2 K:BB. His save Saturday was the first of his major-league career, though it was his multi-inning abilities in a blowout win that allowed him to pick it up. He's now at a 4.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 37:11 K:BB through 31.1 innings between the Padres and the Guardians this year. He's trimmed his ratios to a 3.09 ERA and 1.07 WHIP since he was traded to Cleveland in mid-April. Avila is no threat to challenge for consistent high-leverage work.

Francis will start Sunday's game against the Athletics, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Francis will make his first start since being activated from the 15-day IL on Tuesday. The 28-year-old surrendered four runs and tossed 57 pitches in long relief Tuesday and has yielded 12 runs over 8.1 innings during his only two starts this season. However, he'll have the luxury of facing an Athletics lineup that is scoring just 3.6 runs per game in 2024.

The Rangers optioned Garabito to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

After posting a 2.05 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 30:8 K:BB over 26.1 innings in Triple-A, Garabito was called up by the Rangers on May 26. Since the promotion, the 28-year-old right-hander has appeared in three games for the big club, allowing one run on four hits and five walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings. The move corresponds with the Rangers activating right-hander Jon Gray from the injured list.

The Rays placed Lovelady on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to a left forearm flexor strain.

Lovelady has been with the Rays since May 18 after being traded by the Cubs. He's appeared in eight games for Tampa Bay since the trade, registering a 7.36 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 7.1 innings. The Rays reinstated left-hander Colin Poche (back) from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.

The Rays reinstated Poche (back) from the 15-day injured list Saturday.

Poche landed on the injured list April 26 due to mid-back tightness. He began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sunday, and over three appearances he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out one over 2.2 innings. Southpaw Richard Lovelady was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm flexor strain in a corresponding move.

Munoz (back) threw a light bullpen session before Friday's game against the Royals, per Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, but the reliever did not appear in the contest.

Divish had noted there was a possibility Munoz would be available for the first time since exiting Tuesday's game against the Athletics, but it was Ryne Stanek who got the ninth-inning call and ultimately failed to protect a 9-7 lead. With Stanek having appeared in three of the last four games and having thrown 39 pitches in the last two nights, Munoz would certainly be in line for any high-leverage work Saturday if he's healthy enough to handle it.

Erceg (forearm) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Thursday and could complete another one Sunday, the Associated Press reports.

The right-hander has had a productive last few days on the recovery front, as he began playing catch at the beginning of the week and now has a bullpen session under his belt. Erceg is expected to be evaluated after Sunday's activity, when a determination is likely to be made on whether he'll require a brief rehab assignment before activation.

Brieske allowed two runs on three hits across two innings of relief in Friday's 10-0 loss to the Brewers. He walked two and struck out two.

The game was already essentially over after Detroit starter Reese Olson allowed eight runs over four innings, but Brieske didn't help matters. Even after the rough appearance, the righty still has a 2.70 ERA, and he's only been scored upon twice in seven appearances this season. Brieske should stick in a long-relief role for the Tigers, giving him limited fantasy appeal at the moment despite his good play.

Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 14th save of the season in a 6-3 win over the Rays. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The veteran closer let his defense do the work, getting outs on a flyball, a groundball and a popup in foul territory. Kimbrel hasn't been tagged with an earned run in 10 straight appearances, converting all six of his save chances during that stretch with a 10:0 K:BB as he puts his early season struggles behind him.