MLB Player News

Diaz (1-0) worked around a walk and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the win Thursday against the Marlins.

Diaz made his season debut with the Mets down 2-1 in the ninth inning. He did his part, with the only blemish a two-out walk. His teammates proceeded to score two runs in the bottom of the frame, leaving him with the victory.

Reyes fired a scoreless ninth inning for his third save of the season Thursday against the Brewers, allowing one hit while striking out one.

Reyes was originally designated to be a long reliever with future plans to end up in the rotation. However, he's currently the Cardinals' primary closer, he's handled the role very well to start the season. Reyes has immense talent, but he's dealt with many injuries throughout his career. The 26-year-old has the potential to be one of the most valuable fantasy closers this season if the Cardinals decide to keep him in that role.

Gallegos (2-0) earned his second win of the season by firing a perfect eighth inning with a pair of strikeouts in Thursday's win over the Brewers.

Gallegos has earned either a win or a hold in all four of his relief appearances. The righty has pitched four scoreless innings with nine strikeouts to start the 2021 campaign. Gallegos may be in line to pick up some save opportunities behind Alex Reyes and Jordan Hicks as the season progresses.

Kimbrel pitched 1.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts to secure the save in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Pirates.

Kimbrel has yet to allow a baserunner in four appearances (4.2 innings) this season, and he has nine strikeouts and two saves as well. It's an encouraging start for the veteran reliever following two down seasons in Chicago, and he'll be a valuable fantasy asset as long as he's pitching well and closing out games for the Cubs.

Bard picked up a two-out save with one strikeout against the Diamondbacks on Thursday.

Bard was summoned in the ninth inning to put a halt to an rally, as the Diamondbacks had already scored two runs and had two men on with one out. The 35-year-old cleaned things up with ease, sending Josh Rojas down on strikes before forcing Tim Locastro to ground out for the final out of the game. He's now collected two saves in four appearances with a 0.00 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 6:2 K:BB to open the season.

Betances landed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement Thursday, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

Shoulder troubles wiped out almost the entirety of Betances' 2019 campaign, as he faced a total of just two batters. He also missed time last year with a lat injury. The severity of his latest injury is not yet clear, but it's hard to have much confidence in the 33-year-old's health given his recent history. Trevor Hildenberger was recalled in a corresponding move.

Hildenberger's contract was selected by the Mets on Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Hildenberger served as a non-roster invitee during spring training and posted a 2.70 ERA with nine strikeouts in 3.1 innings. He'll now join the major-league club after Dellin Betances (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday. Hildenberger last appeared in the majors in 2019, when he recorded a 10.47 ERA and 2.27 WHIP in 16.1 innings with the Twins.

Hernandez (biceps) could resume playing catch as early as Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Hernandez was placed on the 10-day injured list due to right biceps tendon inflammation Monday. However, manager Don Mattingly said Thursday that Hernandez has been feeling better every day. While the right-hander will still need to build back up and show increased velocity before he's cleared to return, it's encouraging that he'll begin a throwing program in the near future.

Rainey (0-1) allowed two hits -- including the game-winning two-run homer -- and a walk across one inning to take the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against Atlanta.

It was a rough 2021 debut for the right-hander, as Rainey needed 28 pitches, the worst of which was a middle fastball that pinch hitter Pablo Sandoval drove over the fence. Rainey's average fastball velocity Wednesday was 95 mph -- a decrease from 97.7 mph in 2019 and 96.6 last season. He consistently touched 100 mph with his heater in the 2019 postseason, and as his primary pitch, it must improve considerably if he's to keep a high-leverage role in Washington's bullpen.

Rogers gave up one run on one hit and struck out one in one inning in Wednesday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Padres. He was charged with a blown save.

Rogers allowed a game-tying solo home run to Wil Myers in the eighth inning. Through four outings, Rogers has produced mixed results -- he's got two holds and two blown saves. The right-hander carries a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 3:1 K:BB across 3.2 innings so far. Jake McGee's stellar start to the year has relegated Rogers to a setup role to begin 2021.