MLB Player News

Diaz (0-1) took the loss in Saturday's 3-2 loss against the Phillies. He allowed three runs on two hits and one walk while striking out three over one-plus inning.

Manager David Bell called upon Diaz in the eighth inning with the top of the Phillies' order due up, and the right-hander struck out the side. However, Diaz looked like a completely different pitcher in the ninth as he went for the two-inning save, allowing two singles, a walk and uncorking a wild pitch before getting the hook. Technically, Ian Gibaut gets the blown save since he allowed the walkoff single. Diaz was well rested, having last pitched April 2. While this won't affect Diaz's standing in the Cincinnati bullpen, Bell may think twice next time about going to the 26-year-old for multiple frames.

Doval (0-1) took the loss Saturday against the Royals while allowing a run on a hit with one strikeout over an inning of work.

The run scored on a wild pitch in the top of the ninth inning, and it gives Doval his first loss of the season. The right-hander has struggled over his first three appearances, allowing a pair of runs in three innings. Doval should still continue to see the majority of save chances despite his slow start to the 2023 season, and it's important to note that Saturday's shaky outing was in a non-save situation.

Manaea did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over six innings in a 6-5 loss to the Royals. He struck out eight.

Manaea deserved better, but Ross Stripling and the San Francisco bullpen couldn't hold the lead after he exited. The only run Manaea allowed came in the sixth when he gave up a solo home run to Bobby Witt, and outside of that there was very little trouble for the 31-year-old southpaw. Manaea was making his first start of the year after throwing two ineffective innings of relief Monday against the White Sox, and he's forged a 4.50 ERA over his first eight frames of 2023.

Cabrera was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The 26-year-old missed out on the Cardinals' Opening Day roster but will join the MLB club Saturday with Packy Naughton (forearm) headed to the injured list. Cabrera made 39 appearances for St. Louis last season and had a 4.63 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 32:30 K:BB over 44.2 innings.

Naughton was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a left forearm strain, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Naughton exited Friday's loss to the Brewers due to the injury and will be sidelined for at least the next two weeks. Genesis Cabrera was recalled from Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move.

Tonkin (0-1) took the loss Friday as Atlanta fell 5-4 to the Padres, giving up one run on one hit and one walk over two innings while striking out one.

The 33-year-old righty hadn't pitched in the majors since 2017, but he won one of the final spots in the bullpen this spring and has been solid in a low-leverage role so far, posting a 3.38 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and 4:1 K:BB through 5.1 innings over three appearances. Tonkin has no minor-league options remaining, so he would be subject to waivers if Atlanta tried to send him down to Triple-A Gwinnett for a fresh arm.

Leiter tossed a perfect inning of relief with a strikeout to earn a hold in Friday's win over the Rangers.

Starter Marcus Stroman pitched six scoreless innings, followed by Leiter in the seventh, and then two more scoreless frames from Michael Fulmer to preserve a 2-0 win. The Cubs hadn't played since Tuesday, so they should have had a fresh bullpen but still decided to use Leiter in a key spot for his first hold of the season. That could be a good sign for the righty's future outlook, though Fulmer and Brad Boxberger still figure to be ahead of him in the bullpen pecking order.

Mantiply (shoulder) threw to live batters Friday at Salt River Fields, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Mantiply faced batters for the first time after hurling two bullpen sessions this week. The lefty threw 20 pitches and awaits the next step, which could be a rehab assignment.

Jameson (2-0) allowed one walk while striking out one over 2.1 scoreless relief innings to pick up the win in Friday's 6-3 victory over the Dodgers.

Jameson, who lost out on the fifth starter job in spring training, has thrived as a reliever. In three appearances, the right-hander earned two wins and a save while never pitching fewer than two innings. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo appears to have made a shrewd decision in moving him to the 'pen in a multi-inning role instead of having him start in the minors. The dark lining to this silver cloud are the two home runs and five walks allowed along with an unsustainable .158 BABIP, which project a 6.23 FIP. Fortunately for Jameson and the D-backs, both homers were solo shots and the free passes have not hurt.

Castro walked one and struck out two over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn his first hold in Friday's 6-3 comeback win over the Dodgers.

Castro gave the Diamondbacks four outs before giving way to Andrew Chafin for the save. Castro has yet to allow a run or hit in three outings while walking two and fanning five over 3.2 innings. As manager Torey Lovullo navigates end-game roles, he'll continue to mix and match relievers. Both Castro and Chafin have earned high-leverage opportunities late in games.