MLB Player News

Helsley (1-0) blew a save but earned the win over the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out two batters over one inning.

The Cardinals turned the ball over to Helsley while holding a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, but the closer couldn't slam the door on the Dodgers. He gave up a one-out solo homer to Mookie Betts, then surrendered three straight two-out singles to allow the tying run to cross the plate. Helsley did manage to move the game to extra innings by striking out Teoscar Hernandez for the third out, and he ended up as the winning pitcher when the Cardinals pulled out the victory in the 10th frame. Helsley has pitched well enough in a closing role over the past two campaigns to have some grace despite Saturday's blown save, but it's worth noting that Giovanny Gallegos -- who has also worked as a closer for the Cardinals in recent years -- eventually secured the save Saturday and looms as a viable ninth-inning alternative should Helsley struggle early.

Kinley allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one across a scoreless eighth inning in Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Kinley pitched with a five-run lead in a setup role for Justin Lawrence. It was his second appearance of the season, with the first coming in Friday's loss to Arizona. Though the team hasn't yet had a save chance, Kinley appears more likely to be in line for holds rather than saves to begin the new year.

Lawrence allowed one walk and no hits across a scoreless ninth inning Saturday against the Diamondbacks.

Lawrence was called in to protect a five-run lead in the ninth inning. He allowed a leadoff walk but immediately erased the runner by inducing a double-play ball. The Rockies have yet to have a save chance this season, but Lawrence's usage suggests he will be first in line.

Uribe gave up a solo home run and struck out two in the ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 7-6 win over the Mets.

The 23-year-old right-hander was handed a two-run cushion when he took the mound, and he needed it after serving up Pete Alonso's first homer of the year. Uribe has gotten the first two save chances for the Brewers to begin the campaign, and Saturday's long ball was only the fifth he's allowed in his career across all levels in 101.2 innings. He's making a strong early claim to hold down the closer role until Devin Williams (back) gets healthy.

Hall didn't factor into the decision Saturday, giving up two runs on six hits and a walk over four innings in a 7-6 win over the Mets. He struck out one.

Making only his second career big-league start, Hall tossed 45 of 73 pitches for strikes before exiting with the Brewers ahead 5-2, as he fell short of qualifying for the win. The 25-year-old southpaw is being counted on by Milwaukee to fill a rotation spot after being part of the package the team received from Baltimore for Corbin Burnes, but he has a lot to prove before he can be considered a reliable fantasy option. Hall lines up to make his next start at home next weekend against the Mariners.

Hicks (1-0) picked up the victory Saturday in San Diego, yielding three hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch over five frames. He struck out six.

It was Hicks' first-ever win as a starting pitcher (in his ninth career start), as he carried over his strong spring with a terrific season debut. All three of the hits the Padres tallied off the hard-throwing righty were singles, and Hicks also enjoyed some stellar infield defense behind him. It will be a real test for Hicks holding up over a full season as he converts to being a starter, but the early returns are promising.

Bednar (lat) didn't allow a baserunner and struck out one across a scoreless inning Saturday against Miami.

Bednar was unavailable to pitch on Opening Day in a save situation due to ongoing recovery from a lat injury. However, he entered Saturday's game in the ninth inning with a six-run lead. Though it wasn't a save situation, Bednar had no issues recording the final three outs of the game and should be available as Pittsburgh's closer moving forward.

Finnegan allowed one walk and struck out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning against the Reds on Saturday en route to his first save of the season.

Finnegan faced a late challenge to his Opening Day availability in the form of back tightness, and he just so happened to take a comebacker off his ankle in his return to Grapefruit League action March 21. Despite those setbacks, Finnegan managed to start the season on time, and he now has his first save of the new campaign. Hunter Harvey allowed two runs in the eighth inning but was credited with the win after Alexis Diaz squandered the lead for Cincinnati in the top of the ninth.

Diaz (0-1) was charged with the blown save and the loss Saturday against the Nationals. He allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one batter in one-third of an inning.

Diaz had some calls go against him and the game-tying run came across on a hit-by-pitch that just grazed Keibert Ruiz's uniform. Still, it was a rather uninspiring performance as Diaz's stuff looked flat and his command was off. Diaz ran out of steam down the stretch last year, but he should still have a decent leash in the closer role early in 2024. Emilio Pagan, Lucas Sims and Brent Suter represent the top options behind Diaz should he fail to get on track.

Ortiz was removed from Saturday's game against Atlanta with a left ankle sprain, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Ortiz made made a leaping attempt to catch a ball during the fifth inning and appeared to land awkwardly on his left foot. He came back out to pitch in the sixth but was quickly pulled after giving up two consecutive singles. Further imaging will help determine the severity of Ortiz's injury, but for now he should be considered day-to-day.