MLB Player News

Maton (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Maton was cleared to pitch in games after getting through a live batting practice session with no issues. Working his way back from right knee tendinitis, Maton could require just the one rehab appearance before rejoining the Cubs' bullpen. When Maton does return, he might be considered for save chances while Daniel Palencia (oblique) is out, though a 13.50 ERA before getting hurt could point to easing the former into such situations.

The Rockies placed Herget on the paternity list Thursday.

Herget will be away from the club for a few days while welcoming a new addition to the family. Seth Halvorsen has taken his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

The Phillies optioned Rangel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

Rangel helped save the bullpen in Wednesday's loss to the Cubs, striking out five over three innings of one-run ball. His reward is a trip back to Lehigh Valley, where he will reenter the rotation. Rangel holds a 1.66 ERA and 18:10 K:BB over 21.2 frames with Lehigh Valley in 2026.

Peralta tossed 1.2 relief innings against Colorado on Wednesday, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one batter.

The run Peralta allowed came on a Hunter Goodman homer. It was just the third run surrendered by Peralta this season over 11.2 frames, with two of the tallies coming via solo home runs. The southpaw's fantasy relevance is minimal since he has only one hold and zero saves so far, but he's been effective with a 2.31 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB across 11 outings.

Soto (1-0) earned the win in relief Wednesday against the Rangers despite allowing two runs on three hits over an inning while striking out three.

Soto entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning when the Pirates had a 4-2 lead, but he surrendered that advantage after allowing a two-RBI single to Jake Burger, scoring Andrew McCutchen and Brandon Nimmo. However, the Pirates responded with four runs in the top of the ninth -- headlined by a three-run homer from Oneil Cruz -- which allowed Soto to walk away with the win. That said, this was far from his finest outing. It also ended a streak of seven scoreless appearances for the veteran, who nonetheless should continue to have an important role in the Pirates' bullpen going forward.

Holmes didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Twins after allowing two runs on five hits and a walk across seven innings. He struck out three.

Holmes didn't look dominant by any means, as he tossed just 56 of his 88 pitches for strikes and only struck out three, but he got the job done en route to posting his second quality start of the campaign. Holmes has done a good job of limiting the damage every time he's on the mound, as he's allowed two or fewer earned runs while pitching at least five frames in each of his five starts in 2026. That translates to a strong 2.10 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP, although his 5.7 K/9 is below average. Holmes is in line to make his next start at home against the Nationals next week.

Backhus allowed one run on two hits across one inning of work as an opener Wednesday against the Cubs. He struck out one.

Backhus needed 15 pitches (12 strikes) to get the job done in the first inning, but the Cubs, who have boasted one of the best offenses in the majors over the last 10 days, still found a way to score against him. Backhus should return to his regular role in the bullpen moving forward and has been pitching well of late, tossing four scoreless outings over six appearances this month, with a 2.45 ERA across 7.1 innings.

Walker walked one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers. He didn't record a strikeout.

Walker picked up his second save in as many days, a good rebound after he blew a save chance against the Nationals on Saturday. This was his third save of the season, though he's also added a pair of holds, which indicates Walker isn't operating as a traditional closer. Over 11 innings this season, he has a 3.27 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB.

Suarez picked up the save Wednesday against the Nationals, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in the ninth inning.

Though he did allow the potential tying run to get to the plate, Suarez quickly shut down any possible Washington rally while throwing seven of his eight pitches for strikes. The hard-throwing right-hander looks to be assuming closing duties in Raisel Iglesias' (shoulder) stead and now has major fantasy upside, though likely temporary, given that he was one of the top closers in baseball for the Padres in 2024 and 2025. Through 11 outings this season, Suarez has a 0.84 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 11:1 K:BB through 10.2 innings while converting each of his two save chances.

Graterol's velocity during recent bullpen sessions has reached the high-90s as he rehabs from right shoulder surgery, per MLB.com.

Graterol isn't yet ready for a rehab assignment, but he seems to be inching closer to a return to game action. The righty reliever hasn't pitched at all since 2025, so he'll presumably need a lengthy rehab assignment before he's ready to be activated off the injured list. Graterol likely won't be a factor in the big-league bullpen until at least late May.