MLB Player News

Ottavino struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings to record his third hold of the season in Wednesday's win over the Cardinals.

The veteran righty got pressed into emergency duty in the sixth inning after Max Scherzer (side) removed himself from the game, and Ottavino was sharp in protecting the Mets' lead. A couple rough outings have left him with a 4.30 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through 14.2 innings on the season, but Ottavino has an impressive 34.8 percent strikeout rate -- his best mark since 2018 -- and a 9.1 percent walk rate that would be his lowest since 2016, if he can keep up the pace.

Finnegan struck out one in a perfect eighth inning Wednesday to record his fifth hold of the season in an extra-inning win over the Marlins.

While the right-hander did his job in a setup role, closer Tanner Rainey didn't, coughing up a run that sent the game to extras. Rainey has been tagged for runs in three straight appearances and blown two straight save chances, and if he continues to stumble, Finnegan could get another look in the ninth inning after he rung up 11 saves in 2021. The 30-year-old has had a couple shaky spells himself this season, but he carries a 3.77 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and career bests in strikeout rate (28.1 percent) and walk rate (8.8 percent) through 14.1 innings.

Martinez scattered two hits and struck out six over four scoreless innings of relief in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to the Phillies.

The 31-year-old lost his spot in the rotation after Blake Snell returned from a groin injury, but Martinez turned in his best performance of the season in his first relief stint. MacKenzie Gore is also in a similar situation, but if Martinez continues to excel as a long man it might actually hurt his chances of regaining a starting role should one open up, if the Padres decide they don't want to mess with a good thing. On the season, he sports a 3.89 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 36:15 K:BB through 34.2 innings.

Arano worked a perfect 10th inning Wednesday to record his first save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Marlins.

The right-hander didn't walk or strike out anyone and needed only nine pitches (six strikes) to get through the heart of Miami's order. Arano is having a solid comeback this season after not pitching in the majors since 2019, posting a 4.32 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 22:4 K:BB through 16.2 innings with two holds, and he could begin to see more consistent high-leverage work in a Nationals bullpen that remains unsettled.

Rainey (1-1) was charged with his second blown save of the season but picked up the win in Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning victory over the Marlins, giving up a run on a hit and two walks in one inning of relief. He struck out one.

With the Nationals ahead 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Rainey got the call but quickly loaded the bases with one out before a Jazz Chisholm sacrifice fly tied the game. Rainey has now blown his last two save opportunities and given up runs in three straight appearances after maintaining a 0.00 ERA through his first eight games. On the season, the right-hander now sports a 3.38 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB through 10.2 innings, and if he continues to struggle, it could open the door for someone like Kyle Finnegan to get a look in the closer role.

Hicks pitched four innings against the Mets on Wednesday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five. He did not factor in the decision.

Hicks struggled mightily with his control throughout the outing, as only 39 of his 82 pitches crossed the plate. He issued a season-high three walks and hit two batters, but he escaped substantial damage as the Mets left five runners on base during his four innings. Hicks has completed five innings only once this season and has issued multiple free passes in each of his past six appearances. Those numbers don't bode well for his fantasy outlook despite the fact that he has struck out over a batter per inning. Hicks' next start is tentatively slated to come at home against Toronto next week.

Crowe allowed one earned run on one hit and one walk while striking out three across two innings Wednesday against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

Crowe served as the opener and worked two fairly effective innings before giving way to Mitch Keller. Crowe served up a solo home run to Ian Happ but struck out three of the final four batters he faced. While he started the season strong, Crowe has allowed seven earned runs across his last eight appearances spanning 9.2 innings, which has inflated his overall ERA to 2.74 across 23 frames.

Kinley (1-0) allowed one hit but struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning to earn the win Wednesday against the Giants.

Kinley allowed a two-out single but was in command throughout his appearance. He has been excellent to start the season, allowing only one earned run across his first 14.1 frames while tallying a 15:5 K:BB. Kinley also has seven holds and has been the team's primary setup man. Though Daniel Bard has generally pitched well in the closer role to begin the season, he had allowed at least one earned run in each of his last three appearances prior to logging the save Wednesday against the Giants. If Bard's struggles continue, Kinley could begin to see work in save situations.

Bard didn't allow a baserunner and struck out one in the ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Giants.

Bard entered the game with a two-run lead and set down the Giants on only 11 pitches to tally his 10th save of the season. He was in need of a smooth outing, as he had allowed four earned runs across his last 2.1 innings while blowing a save and taking two losses. Despite the rough patch, Bard has largely been reliable this season, so he should continue to occupy the closer role. Overall, he maintains a 3.77 ERA, but that is paired with a strong 20:5 K:BB across 14.1 frames.

Bednar saved Wednesday's 3-2 win against the Cubs, allowing one hit with two strikeouts in two innings.

Bednar was brought in for the eighth to face the heart of Chicago's lineup and stayed in for the ninth, surrendering a Christopher Morel single with two out in the ninth for his only baserunner. The 27-year-old found the zone with 21 of his 28 pitches and induced an impressive tally of five swinging strikes while lowering his ERA to 0.90. Bednar has covered multiple innings in three of his six saves in May and appears to have earned manager Derek Shelton's full trust.