MLB Player News

Smith threw a scoreless ninth inning and struck out one batter to earn the save in Tuesday's 4-1 victory over the Orioles.

Smith surrendered four runs in one inning during his season debut Saturday, but he was able to shake it off and turn in a flawless outing Tuesday to pick up his first save of the new campaign. The 34-year-old seems to still be the Royals' preferred choice to handle the ninth inning, but John Schreiber, who threw a scoreless eighth inning Tuesday for his second hold of the year, and James McArthur remain in the conversation for save opportunities.

Marsh (1-0) earned the win Tuesday against Baltimore, surrendering one earned run on two hits and a walk while striking out five batters across seven innings.

Marsh has been known to struggle with command throughout his career, so allowing just one walk and three total baserunners against one of the better lineups in the AL is certainly noteworthy. Tuesday marks the first time the 25-year-old has earned a win as a starter in his MLB career, and he's lined up for a chance to repeat his performance over the weekend against the White Sox.

Brebbia allowed two walks over one-third of an inning in Tuesday's win over Atlanta.

Brebbia entered the game in the eighth inning and was tasked with protecting a one-run lead. He retired the first batter he faced before surrendering two free passes, after which he was pulled. Brebbia didn't help himself with the performance, but regardless of the results, his usage suggested he'll serve as the White Sox's primary setup man with Michael Kopech getting the chance to close.

Wood did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over five innings in a 5-4 loss to Boston. He struck out seven.

Wood dealt with a lot of traffic Tuesday, though he was able to limit the damage by striking out seven, matching last year's season high. Overall, it was a decent bounce-back outing from Wood after he was tagged for six runs in 3.1 innings in a loss to Cleveland on Opening Day. The left-hander's currently lined up for a tough road matchup with the Rangers in his next outing.

Alcala threw two scoreless innings with two walks and two strikeouts in Tuesday's loss to Milwaukee. He's thrown 2.2 scoreless innings in two games this season.

Alcala hurt his hand late in spring training (struck in the right hand by a line drive) but it has not been an issue during the regular season. After two injury-plagued seasons, Alcala could move into a higher-leverage role later this season. He features a plus fastball, but control as been a recent problem (5.2 BB/9 last season), so keep an eye on his walk rate.

Hader (0-2) blew the save and took the loss Tuesday against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning.

Heading into the ninth with a 1-0 lead, Hader had Toronto down to its final out with the bases empty. However, Justin Turner drew a two-out walk before Davis Schneider launched a two-run homer, saddling Hader with a blown save en route to his second loss this season. The 29-year-old left-hander has allowed three runs on four hits and two walks through his first four innings this season, but while it's been a rough start to his tenure in Houston, Hader figures to have a firm grasp on the Astros' closing job after racking up 33 saves with a 1.28 ERA over 56.1 innings with the Padres last year.

Romano (elbow) threw a successful side session Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

It represents Romano's first mound work since he was diagnosed with elbow inflammation late in spring training, so it's a significant step in his throwing program. The right-hander will likely need a few more sessions before advancing to facing live hitters.

Coleman was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday.

Coleman is getting recalled with J.P. France being placed on the Paternity Leave list. The pitcher was optioned to Triple-A in mid-March after struggles in spring training. He also scuffled last season, posting an 8.84 ERA in 18.1 innings with the Royals.

Brentz (hamstring) thew a bullpen session Tuesday and remains on schedule, Byron Kerr of MLB.com reports.

Brentz was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain in mid-March. In the bullpen session Tuesday, he threw 20-30 pitches without any apparent setbacks. Brentz may soon be ready to face live hitters, although the Royals may opt to have him attempt at least one more bullpen before progressing to that next step.

The Mariners claimed Peralta off waivers from the White Sox on Tuesday.

Peralta notched a 4.05 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 18:11 K:BB over 20 innings out of the White Sox bullpen last season. He has two minor-league options remaining, so the Mariners will send him to Triple-A Tacoma to begin his tenure with the organization, per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com.