MLB Player News

Boxberger worked around a walk to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Padres.

Outside of allowing three runs in a rough appearance Saturday, Boxberger has been pretty solid, and he now has a 3.60 ERA and a team-leading two saves. Michael Fulmer has struggled with a 7.84 ERA and 1.84 WHIP, so it seems like Boxberger could be pulling away in the battle for closing duties. The veteran righty is certainly the Chicago reliever to target in fantasy at the moment, and he gets a boost with the Cubs playing well at 14-10.

Floro picked up the save in Thursday's 5-4 win over Atlanta, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

A.J. Puk, the Marlins' regular closer, pitched the eighth inning Wednesday, giving Floro the opportunity in the ninth. He responded by setting down Atlanta in order, sealing Miami's comeback victory. It was a strong bounce-back outing for Floro after he allowed four runs (three earned) in one-third of an inning Wednesday. He's now 1-for-2 in save opportunities this season with a 2.31 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB. Puk seems to have a fairly firm grasp on the closing job, though Floro appears to be the next man up.

Minter (1-3) took the loss in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Marlins. He allowed five runs on five hits while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning.

Minter entered the ninth inning with a 4-0 lead. He'd ultimately surrender five runs on five hits en route to a 5-4 loss. Minter has struggled mightily recently, allowing 10 earned runs in his last 3.2 innings. His ERA is up to 8.53 with a 1.42 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB while going 5-for-7 in save opportunities. Minter was likely to lose the closing role with Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) nearing a return, though his recent performance may force Atlanta to expedite a change in the back of their bullpen.

Nolin was outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville by the Marlins on Thursday.

Miami designated Nolin for assignment Tuesday, and he passed through waivers unclaimed. The 33-year-old left-hander owns a career 6.34 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 37:28 K:BB across 61 innings at the major-league level.

Kimbrel struck out two in an inning Thursday, earning the save against the Mariners in a 1-0 victory.

Kimbrel capped the Phillies' shutout win with a perfect ninth inning, earning his third save of the season. After a rocky start to the season, Kimbrel has gone eight straight appearances without allowing a run, lowering his ERA to 4.09 with a 1.27 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB. Still, it's hard to rely on Kimbrel as a source of saves, despite his recent success, while he splits ninth-inning duties with Jose Alvarado.

Strahm (2-2) earned the win Thursday, allowing no runs on two hits over 5.1 innings against the Mariners. He struck out five.

The Mariners couldn't get anything going against Strahm, mustering just two hits, as the Phillies picked up a 1-0 win. It's already the third scoreless outing for Strahm this season as he lowers his ERA to 2.31 with a 0.81 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB in 23.1 innings this season. The 31-year-old left-hander has done an impressive job stabilizing the back of Philadelphia's rotation early this year. Strahm tentatively lines up to face the Dodgers on the road in his next start.

Reyes was recalled Thursday from Triple-A Syracuse, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Reyes will join the Mets' bullpen ahead of Thursday night's game against the Nationals with Adam Ottavino going on paternity leave. Reyes had been getting stretched out as a starter at Syracuse but figures to work in long relief for the big club.

Ottavino was placed on the paternity list Thursday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Ottavino will miss the Mets' series finale against the Nationals on Thursday and probably at least a portion of the team's four-game set against Atlanta that runs from Friday to Monday. Denyi Reyes is up from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.

Legumina was recalled Thursday from Triple-A Louisville.

Legumina will rejoin the Reds' bullpen ahead of their three-game weekend series against the Athletics, which begins Friday. He's allowed just one earned run through 4.1 major-league innings this year.

Kilian threw a bullpen session Thursday and isn't listed among Triple-A Iowa probable starting pitchers this weekend, suggesting he could be called up to make a spot start for the Cubs on Saturday in Miami, Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register reports.

The Cubs require a new fifth starter this week with Jameson Taillon (groin) recently moving to the injured list, and all signs point to Kilian getting the first chance to replace him. After being lit up for eight earned runs in his 2023 debut for Iowa on April 2, Kilian rebounded nicely over his most recent two outings, logging a 1.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across nine innings. In lieu of a start, Kilian threw a simulated game at Iowa a few days ago to stay sharp, so he should be able to provide the Cubs with a decent amount of length if he does in fact get the call to the big leagues Saturday.