MLB Player News

Reyes gave up one hit in a scoreless ninth inning Monday to record his first save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Marlins.

After Jordan Hicks tossed a perfect sixth inning and Giovanny Gallegos shut down Miami in the seventh and eighth, Reyes got the call and needed 13 pitches (seven strikes) to collect the third save of his career. The 26-year-old may not have the ninth exclusively to himself in the early part of the season, especially if the Cards don't use him on back-to-back days to try and keep him healthy. but if Reyes continues to deliver results he'll make it hard for manager Mike Shildt to take him out of the closer role.

Ponce de Leon (1-0) picked up the win Monday as the Cards downed the Marlins, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out three.

The right-hander wasn't particularly efficient, tossing 57 of 93 pitches for strikes and hitting two batters before getting the hook, but Ponce de Leon was able to minimize the damage against him in a 4-1 victory. He sets up to take the mound again Sunday at home against the Brewers.

De Leon allowed two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings in Monday's win over the Pirates. He struck out nine batters but did not factor in the decision.

De Leon got off to a rocky start, coughing up a pair of solo homers to Phillip Evans and Colin Moran in the first inning. He settled in and threw 54-of-81 pitches for strikes on the night. As long as Sonny Gray (back) is unavailable, De Leon should continue seeing action in the rotation. Expect him to face the Diamondbacks in Arizona on Sunday.

Hernandez landed on the 10-day injured list with right biceps tendon inflammation Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

It's a disappointing start to the season for the 25-year-old, who was an interesting sleeper over the offseason after producing some very strong numbers in six starts last year. His velocity dropped by nearly six ticks over the course of his season debut Saturday against the Rays, and he exited in the third inning with what initially appeared to be a potential blister. As it turns out, the issue could be far more serious. He'll visit a doctor Monday, after which a clearer timeline for his return should emerge.

Guerra (elbow) was moved to the 60-day injured list Monday.

Guerra doesn't have a clear timeline for his return from a sprained UCL, but he'll now be out until at least late May. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the Padres to add James Norwood, who was acquired in a trade from the Cubs on Monday.

Atlanta doesn't plan to send Martin in for an MRI after he experienced numbness in the fingers of his pitching hand during his appearance in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Phillies, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The club doesn't seem too concerned about Martin, who gave up a run on three hits while recording two outs before exiting the relief outing. He showed improvement upon being checked out by team trainers following his departure, and the fact that he won't be sent in for an MRI suggests he'll likely avoid a stint on the injured list. Martin should be viewed as day-to-day ahead of Tuesday's series opener versus the Nationals.

Helsley allowed four earned runs on two hits, two walks and a wild pitch over just one-third of an inning in a loss to the Reds on Sunday.

Sunday's nightmarish outing, which saw Helsley get just 12 of 26 pitches into the strike zone, was in contrast to a one-inning scoreless appearance Opening Day when he worked around three hits. The fact he's been very hittable over the first two outings is a bit concerning, however, considering Helsley also allowed a hit per inning in spring training and pitched to a 5.25 ERA while posting unsightly 6.0 BB/9 and 2.3 HR/9 ratios across his 12 appearances last season.

Kimbrel recorded his first save of the season, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning Sunday against the Pirates.

Kimbrel entered in the ninth inning for his first save opportunity of the year and retired all three batters he faced. The Cubs have Kimbrel set up to receive the majority of save situations this season. The veteran reliever was shaky in 2020 and will have to close games more consistently, as he did Sunday, in order to keep his role.

Hoffman (1-0) allowed one run on three hits over five innings in a win over the Cardinals on Sunday. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Hoffman, who had a 9.28 ERA in 16 appearances out of the Rockies' bullpen last season, turned in a gem in his first start in a Reds uniform. He filled up the strike zone and was effective before running into a bit of trouble in his final frame. The right-hander was lifted after 77 pitches and manager David Bell will likely continue to have a short hook when Hoffman is on the mound given the 28-year-old's career third-time-through-the-order numbers. Up next is a road start in Arizona.

Devenski allowed a run on one hit and struck out one to pick up the save in Sunday's 3-1 win over San Diego.

Perceived closer Joakim Soria came on to start the eighth inning and exited early with a calf injury, so what was a murky closer situation prior to Sunday became even less clear following the game. It would appear a group of Devenski, Kevin Ginkel, who closed out the eighth inning, and Stefan Crichton could get work in the final third of games.