MLB Player News

Loup struck out two in 1.2 perfect innings, recording his first hold of the season in Wednesday's 5-1 win over Philadelphia.

Wednesday's outing was the better of Loup's two thus far in 2021, with the first highlighted by a hit batter and two unearned runs. The 33-year-old had one of his best seasons in 2020 with Tampa Bay, posting a 2.52 ERA resemblant of his 2012-13 seasons in Toronto. Loup will be an essential change-of-pace reliever for the Mets this season as the only lefty -- and a sidearm-throwing one at that -- in a bullpen full of hard-throwing righties.

Jansen earned the save against Colorado on Wednesday, hurling a scoreless inning and allowing one walk while striking out three.

Jansen was called upon in the ninth inning to protect a two-run lead. The veteran closer began his outing by walking Dom Nunez, but he took control from there, striking out each of the subsequent three batters. Following a blown save against Oakland on April 7, Jansen has bounced back with saves in each of his following two appearances. He hasn't allowed a run or a hit while registering a 5:1 K:BB over two innings during that span.

Garcia struck out two in a perfect 10th inning Wednesday to record his second save of the season in a 6-5 win over Atlanta.

He fired 11 of 12 pitches for strikes and impressively fanned the red-hot Ronald Acuna and Marcell Ozuna to nail down the victory. Garcia has a 1.23 ERA and 7:3 K:BB through 7.1 innings to begin the year, and he quickly seems to be locking down the closer role in Miami.

Weathers will start Friday's game against the Dodgers, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 21-year-old has picked up a save and a win while allowing one run over six innings through his first three big-league appearances, and he's now set to make his first start in the majors Friday. Weathers threw 31 pitches over two innings Saturday and is unlikely to have the workload of a traditional starter, so it's difficult to see him being able to qualify for a victory. The young left-hander receives a tough draw versus the reigning World Series champions, and it will likely only be a spot start before a return to the bullpen with Dinelson Lamet (elbow) closing in on being activated from the injured list.

Miller allowed four earned runs on two hits and three walks without recording an out in Wednesday's loss to the Brewers.

After having his contract selected by the Cubs earlier in the day, this certainly wasn't the season debut Miller was hoping for. Adbert Alzolay was optioned to the team's alternate site to make room, but he should return over the weekend, which could bump Miller from the roster once again.

Rogers pitched a scoreless eighth inning with one walk to earn a hold in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Reds.

Rogers is flourishing as setup man to closer Jake McGee. The 30-year-old Rogers collected his fourth hold in the last five days, so he could see his workload managed in the near future. He's pitched to a 1.13 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 7:3 K:BB and six holds across eight innings overall. The sidearm pitcher won't blow batters away with velocity, but he's been effective nonetheless.

Alzolay will likely be recalled when the Cubs need a fifth starter next weekend against the Brewers, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

The Cubs have an odd setup at the moment, with the date of Kyle Hendricks' (illness) next start to be determined while Alec Mills hangs around the rotation picture, at least in the short term. Alzolay will pitch at the alternate site Sunday, so he would likely slot back into the rotation Friday or Saturday of next week at home against Milwaukee, if he does indeed get slotted back into the rotation. He has only faced the Brewers this season, so it will be a familiar matchup, but Milwaukee has gotten the better of him so far, scoring seven earned runs in 10.1 innings.

Johnson (groin) was reinstated from the injured list prior to Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Johnson broke out last season, logging a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 20 innings (24 appearances). Unfortunately, in this bullpen, he is closer to middle relief than the closer's role.

Martin (shoulder) has not begun throwing and does not have a timetable for return, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

He has been rehabbing his shoulder inflammation, but it is unclear when he will be able to start a throwing program. Will Smith hasn't necessarily been lights out as Atlanta's closer -- he is 2-for-2 on save chances but also has two losses and a 5.40 ERA through six appearances. Nobody appears ready to challenge Smith for saves at this juncture, however.

The Reds officially moved Jose De Leon to the bullpen Wednesday, which means that Hoffman will remain in the rotation, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Neither Hoffman nor De Leon pitched well over the weekend against the Diamondbacks, but the presumed favorite prior to the weekend was Hoffman. The decision was necessitated by the return of Sonny Gray from the IL. Hoffman could have some security in the role with Michael Lorenzen being placed on the 60-day DL, but it's still also possible that Tejay Antone, who threw 60 pitches in his last relief outing, could ultimately start.