MLB Player News

Smith walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Monday to record his fifth save of the season in an 8-7 win over the Cubs.

The veteran southpaw continues to battle his control and has now walked seven batters in 10 innings, but he's only given up five hits and has fanned 15, helping to limit the damage. Smith is a perfect 5-for-5 on save chances to begin the season with a 3.60 ERA.

Bednar has registered a 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB in 7.2 innings.

He's kept opponents scoreless in nine of 10 outings, picking up a pair of holds. The righty's throwing his fastball hard (96.7 mph) and often (60.3 percent). Pittsburgh has developed a pecking order that typically features Kyle Crick in the eighth inning and Richard Rodriguez in the ninth, but Bednar is showing that his spring training effectiveness was no fluke. Should the team trade Crick or Rodriguez, the 26-year-old figures to get a late-inning look. He did pitch the ninth inning of Sunday's win in Minnesota in a four-run game.

Neris allowed one hit and a run while earning a save over the Phillies on Monday.

Neris came into the game with a runner already on first so he wasn't charged with the run that scored on Dylan Carlson's groundout. He's now 4-for-5 in save chances with a 1.86 ERA over 9.2 innings this season.

Cleavinger was optioned to the Dodgers' alternate training site Monday.

Cleavinger was handed the loss in his first outing of the season Sunday against the Padres, surrendering one unearned run in the 11th inning. Los Angeles recalled Mitch White and activated Gavin Lux (wrist) and Dennis Santana (COVID-19) from the 10-day injured list in corresponding moves. DJ Peters was also optioned and David Price (hamstring) was placed on the IL.

Beede (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Monday, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site reports.

Beede is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent back in March of last year. He appears to be progressing well in his recovery, but his placement on the 60-day injured list means he'll be ineligible to return until the last few days of May.

White was recalled by the Dodgers on Monday.

White will give the Dodgers an additional bullpen option with David Price (hamstring) landing on the injured list. He threw three scoreless innings over a pair of relief appearances in his major-league debut last year.

Guzman (elbow) resumed throwing from 60 feet Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Guzman has been out since the start of the regular season with elbow inflammation. He'd advanced to bullpen session in mid-April before suffering a setback last week. He's throwing again now, though it remains to be seen when he'll return to game action.

Santana was activated off the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

Santana spent just two days away from the team. His absence was never expected to be a long one, as he was merely on the injured list while experiencing the side effects of the coronavirus vaccine.

Hernandez (biceps) is expected to throw a bullpen session this week, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Hernandez exited his first start of the year with biceps inflammation. He's been out for over three weeks but appears to be making good progress in his throwing program, throwing from 105 feet without issues.

Martin (shoulder) threw a side session Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletice reports.

Martin hasn't pitched in over three weeks due to shoulder inflammation. He appears to be closing in on a return, though Atlanta has yet to specific exactly when that's expected to happen.