MLB Player News

Fulmer worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless inning and record a hold in Friday's win over the Marlins.

Fulmer worked the eighth in the eventual 4-1 victory for his third hold of the season, and he's been pitching better lately. Since allowing six earned runs combined in consecutive outings on April 20 and 23, the veteran has now logged four straight scoreless appearances. Fulmer now has a 6.08 ERA and should continue to see high-leverage work for the Cubs if he looks like this version.

Suero pitched an inning against San Diego on Friday, allowing one run on three walks. He struck out one batter.

Suero made his first appearance as a Dodger after signing with the organization on a minor-league deal in January. The right-hander allowed just two earned runs over 10.2 frames at the Triple-A level before getting called up, but he walked five batters over that span. The lack of control was evident again in Suero's first big-league outing of the campaign, as he threw just 13 of 29 pitches for a strike and walked a trio of Padres. Suero will likely need to show much better command of the strike zone to keep his spot on the big-league roster.

Doval picked up the save in Friday's 6-4 victory over the Brewers. He allowed one walk while striking out two over one scoreless inning.

Doval has now tossed three straight scoreless outings since blowing his first save of the year against the Padres. The right-hander has decent numbers, sporting a 2.57 ERA and 1.21 WHIP on the year. However, he does have a blown save and two losses.

Manaea (1-1) earned the win Friday, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks over five innings in a 6-4 victory over Milwaukee. He struck out six.

Manaea finally earned a victory amid his nightmarish start to the season. The former Athletic now has a 7.33 ERA on the year as well as a hefty 1.63 WHIP. The southpaw should not be considered a reliable option until he strings together some quality starts. Friday was just the second time all season that Manaea hasn't given up a home run.

Leiter gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his first save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Marlins.

Brad Boxberger had worked the day before and taken his first loss of the season, but he also threw only one pitch -- which turned into a walkoff homer by the Nationals' Alex Call. Michael Fulmer handled the eighth inning Friday, so for now it looks like Leiter has jumped up to second in the pecking order for save opportunities. The 32-year-old has earned the spot with a 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 23:6 K:BB through 14 innings, as increased usage of his nasty splitter has paid big dividends so far in 2023.

Chafin picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 victory over Washington. He struck out two over a perfect inning.

Chafin has now tossed scoreless outings in 12 of his 13 appearances this year. The southpaw sports a 1.03 WHIP on the season, and he is averaging nearly two strikeouts per inning (21 K's over 12.2 innings). The 32-year-old is a more than serviceable closer option for fantasy managers.

Hader allowed a walk and struck out two in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-2 win over the Dodgers.

Hader needed 18 pitches (nine strikes), but he was able to go unscathed for his 10th straight appearance. He has a 10:3 K:BB in 10 innings while adding seven saves over that span. After a rough second half of 2022, Hader has looked locked in to start 2023, posting a 0.60 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 20:6 K:BB through 15 innings overall. His 11 saves lead the majors.

Hicks (0-3) took the loss and a blown save Friday versus the Tigers, allowing three runs on a hit and two walks with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning. He also hit a batter.

Hicks had shown improvements over recent weeks, allowing just one unearned run -- which led to a loss -- in his last 6.2 innings. That was all gone in a messy seventh inning Friday, which saw him throw just 14 of 26 pitches for strikes. His control issues have cropped up again with five walks over his last three appearances. Hicks is at a 7.62 ERA, 2.38 WHIP and 22:14 K:BB through 13 innings this season.

Ottavino allowed a hit in a scoreless inning and picked up a save over the Rockies on Friday.

Ottavino was charged with his first blown save Wednesday but was quickly given the reigns in the ninth inning again. This time, he needed just 10 pitches to lock down the 1-0 win despite yielding a leadoff single to Randal Grichuk. Ottavino turned in his first scoreless appearance since April 25 and lowered his season ERA to 3.75 through 12 innings. He's converted four of his five save chances while adding in two holds.

The Dodgers selected the contract of Suero from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Suero will have a chance to make his debut with the Dodgers after joining the club on a minor-league deal in January. The right-hander is likely a low-leverage option in the middle innings while he remains with the big-league club.