MLB Player News

Williams picked up his first save of the year Saturday against the Cubs, striking out one and allowing two hits in a scoreless ninth inning.

It wasn't the cleanest of innings for Williams in his first outing of the year, but he got the job done. After allowing a pair of singles to start the inning (one of which deflected off him), he got Cody Bellinger to ground into a double play before striking out Miles Mastrobuoni to end the game. Williams is expected to serve as the closer full-time this season, relying on his "Airbender" changeup to deceive hitters in high-leverage moments.

Nelson (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Friday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Nelson missed the start of the season with a strained left hamstring but appears to be working his way back to a low-leverage role. He's scheduled for another bullpen session Monday.

Hughes (knee) will throw live batting practice Sunday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Hughes missed the start of the season due to left knee inflammation, but the issue doesn't seem likely to cost him too much time. He'll be eligible to return April 11.

Hoffman signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Saturday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Hoffman will make $1.3 million if he reaches the majors and can opt out at the start of May if not. The 30-year-old's 5.68 career ERA in parts of seven big-league seasons is poor even when considering he spent five years in Colorado and two in Cincinnati, but the Phillies might need him nonetheless. Philadelphia is currently without fourth starter Ranger Suarez (forearm) as well as likely sixth and seventh starters Andrew Painter (elbow) and Cristopher Sanchez (triceps). Even if Hoffman gets a call-up, however, he won't have much fantasy appeal.

Jackson (elbow) was moved to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Jackson is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and the move confirms he won't be ready to go for at least two months. His former spot on the 40-man roster will go to Bryce Johnson, whose contract was selected in a corresponding move.

Wilson (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

The move has no impact on Wilson's return timeline, as he isn't expected to be back from Tommy John surgery until the second half of the season. The transaction clears space on Milwaukee's 40-man roster for the team to select Joey Wiemer's contract.

Gallegos (back) won't pitch Saturday versus the Blue Jays, but his MRI came back clean and manager Oliver Marmol is optimistic the reliever will be available for Sunday's series finale, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Gallegos is still expected to avoid the injured list, which is the best sign this is a short-term issue. Once he's able to make his season debut, he'll likely serve in a high-leverage role.

Floro gave up a hit in a scoreless eighth inning Friday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the Mets.

The Mets had their 8-9-1 hitters due up in the eighth, so it's noteworthy that new Marlins manager Skip Schumaker elected to use Floro in that spot and save A.J. Puk for the heart of the New York order in the ninth. Schumaker has said he intends to use a closer committee and play matchups in high-leverage spots this season. If Puk is viewed as the top arm in the Miami bullpen -- he got the save Friday, although he served up a solo shot to Pete Alonso while doing it -- it could mean Floro winds up getting more work in the seventh and eighth innings, and collecting more holds than saves.

Chargois struck out one over 1.1 perfect innings of relief to record his first hold of the season in Friday's win over the Mets.

Jesus Luzardo blanked the Mets over 5.2 frames before handing things off to Chargois in the sixth, and the right-hander kept the goose eggs coming. The 32-year-old journeyman is on his fifth big-league team, but after posting strong numbers for the Rays and M's over the last two seasons, Chargois is expected to handle a high-leverage role for the Marlins in 2023.

Lamet struck out two and allowed two hits in a scoreless seventh inning Thursday and was not used in Friday's save situation against the Padres.

Pierce Johnson got the ball in the ninth inning Friday and successfully protected a 4-1 lead, allowing one hit while striking out two. It's unclear whether Lamet would have figured into the eighth or ninth inning if he hadn't already pitched Thursday. Regardless, for now, Johnson looks like the top Rockies reliever to roster with Daniel Bard on the 15-day injured list due to anxiety.