MLB Player News

Slaten gave up the game-winning single to Julio Rodriguez in the 10th inning of Saturday's loss to the Mariners.

With Kenley Jansen (back) unavailable to pitch, the Red Sox turned to Joely Rodriguez and Slaten to finish off the game, but they weren't up to the task. Chris Martin had already pitched earlier in the game, and Josh Winckowski covered two innings Friday night.

Rodriguez (0-1) took the loss and blew the save Saturday in the 10th inning of the Red Sox's loss to the Mariners, as he allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits while recording just one out, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Closer Kenley Jansen was unavailable due to back tightness, which allowed Rodriguez to step in for the save chance. Teammates Chris Martin, Greg Weissert and Isaiah Campbell had already pitched in the game. If Jansen goes on the IL, Martin would likely get first dibs on closing duties.

Jansen was unavailable to pitch Saturday night against the Mariners due to a tight back, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

With Jansen unavailable to pitch, the combination of Joely Rodriguez and Justin Slaten were unable to hold a two-run lead, with the Mariners walking it off in the bottom of the 10th.

Holmes tossed a scoreless inning Saturday in Houston to record a save in the Yankees' 5-3 victory.

Holmes failed to record a strikeout for the second time in as many save chances. He disposed of the Astros relatively easy in this one, though, pitching around a two-out hit-by-pitch as he induced his third groundout of the frame. Holmes has plenty of job security as the Yankees' closer in the early stages of the season.

Bradford (1-0) earned a victory Saturday versus the Cubs, permitting two runs on three hits and a walk over five frames. He struck out six.

Bradford left a fastball up in the second inning to Dansby Swanson, who deposited it over the left-field wall for a two-run homer. That wound up being the only damage against the left-hander, as he needed just 76 pitches to cruise through his five frames. Bradford is expected to lose his spot in the Rangers' rotation once Michael Lorenzen (neck) is deemed ready, but he should get at least one more turn.

Perez's removal from Saturday's appearance against the Angels was due to lower-back discomfort, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

It sounds like a day-to-day situation, but Perez will be reevaluated Sunday before more is known. The left-handed reliever was charged with two runs and didn't record an out before exiting Saturday.

Armstrong will be used as an opener in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's not an unfamiliar role for Armstrong, who has been an opener on nine occasions for the Rays over the last two seasons. Tyler Alexander is poised to follow Armstrong as the bulk reliever.

Alexander will serve as a bulk reliever for the Rays in Sunday's game versus the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Shawn Armstrong will open things for Tampa Bay before Alexander takes over. Alexander won the final spot in the Rays' rotation with a solid spring, but him being used as a bulk reliever rather than a traditional starter could be a regular occurrence.

Swanson (forearm) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Swanson felt "really good" after his session Saturday, and the right-hander will likely throw another bullpen before progressing to facing live hitters. Swanson has been battling forearm inflammation since mid-March but seems to be trending toward a short stay on the injured list.

Perez was removed from Saturday's game against the Angels due to an apparent injury, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Perez looked to be grabbing at his right side near his hip/lower back before leaving the game with a trainer in the ninth inning. The Orioles will take a closer look at him and should offer more information in the near future.