MLB Player News

Nelson was recalled by the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Nelson was claimed off waivers by Arizona during the offseason, and he was set to begin the season at Triple-A Reno. However, he'll now have the chance to improve on his past big-league opportunities, during which he's posted a 12.19 ERA across 10.1 innings. Nelson will be limited to low-leverage outings.

Rogers earned the save Saturday against the Diamondbacks after tossing a scoreless inning,

The southpaw was named closer following his trade from the Twins by manager Bob Melvin and the approach has worked quite well so far, as he has gone perfect in save chances through his first two appearances. He recorded nine saves in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but that figure is likely to be surpassed easily considering his role to start the campaign.

Brebbia was placed on the bereavement list Sunday.

Brebbia will miss a minimum of three games, meaning he won't be eligible to return until Wednesday's game versus the Padres. The right-hander has allowed just one walk in 1.2 scorless and hitless innings in two appearances this season. Outfield prospect Heliot Ramos was called up to take Brebbia's spot on the roster.

Wilson (1-0) earned the win Saturday against the Diamondbacks after tossing a scoreless inning, fanning one and walking one.

Wilson pitched the seventh inning and needed just 16 pitches to get the job done in his MLB debut. He posted a 3.43 ERA in the minors last season and is not expected to have a big role out of the bullpen, at least in the first few weeks of the season.

Coonrod (shoulder) is throwing from up to 90 feet, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Coonrod suffered the injury late in spring training, and he was shut down entirely for a week. However, he's begun his throwing progression, which is a positive sign in his recovery. He'll look to continue to ramp up the intensity of his work and could be in line for a return by late April.

Thompson (biceps) was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Thompson exited Saturday's game in the eighth inning with an apparent arm injury. He was officially diagnosed with a biceps strain, and he will now miss at least the next 10 days -- and perhaps more. Hunter Harvey was recalled to take Thompson's spot in the bullpen.

Harvey was recalled by the Nationals on Sunday.

Harvey was unable to secure a roster spot out of spring training after joining the Nationals on March 21. However, with Mason Thompson (arm) hitting the injured list, the team has a need in its bullpen. Harvey is not likely to immediately contend for saves, though he could move his way towards the role with multiple strong outings.

Smith recorded his first save of the season in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Reds, giving up a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one in one inning of relief.

Kenley Jansen threw 30 pitches in his Atlanta debut Friday and wasn't available, leaving closing duties in the hands of Smith. The southpaw wasn't exactly sharp, but he did get the job done, which is not a surprising outcome after he racked up 37 saves in 2021. As long as Jansen is healthy, however, Smith will mostly be relegated to setup duties and high-leverage spots earlier in games, limiting his fantasy appeal to leagues that score holds as well as saves.

Bender gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Giants.

After blowing his first save chance of the year Friday, Bender was right back on the mound with a lead on the line the next day, and this time he came through. It's reassuring that manager Don Mattingly didn't lose faith in the right-hander after one outing, and if Bender can keep getting the job done through the first couple weeks of the season, he could wind up keeping the closer role even after Dylan Floro (shoulder) comes off the injured list.

Okert (1-0) picked up the win in Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Giants, striking out all four batters he faced.

Facing the team that drafted him back in 2012, Okert took over from Pablo Lopez to begin the sixth inning and put together an outstanding first appearance of the season, getting rewarded with a win when Jesus Sanchez brought home the winning run in the top of the seventh. Okert is coming off his best MLB season in 2021, but his low 90s fastball-slider combination plays best in a situational or middle-relief role, so the 30-year-old southpaw isn't likely to see much high-leverage work.