MLB Player News

Floro has yet to give an earned run in 3.1 innings over four appearances this season, recording a 4:1 K:BB and one hold.

The right-hander has arguably been Miami's best reliever through the first week of the year. Floro's effectiveness stands in stark contrast to the struggles of closer Anthony Bass, and while manager Don Mattingly doesn't seem inclined to make a change in the ninth inning just yet, Floro is positioning himself to be in the saves mix if Bass does lose the job. Yimi Garcia (2.25 ERA, 3:2 K:BB in 4.0 IP) has been the Marlins' primary eighth-inning arm, however, and could be ahead of Floro in the pecking order for closer duties.

Garcia struck out one in a perfect eighth inning Thursday to record his second hold of the season.

Unfortunately for the Marlins, Anthony Bass blew his second save in the ninth. Garcia's been solid so far, posting a 2.25 ERA and 3:2 K:BB through four innings in four appearances, and his usage suggests he would be the next man up at closer if Bass gets removed from the role. Dylan Floro (0.00 ERA, 4:1 in 3.1 IP) has been more effective in the early going than Garcia, however, and could also be in the mix if the team looks for another ninth-inning option.

Bass received a vote of confidence from Marlins manager Don Mattingly after blowing his second save of the season Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. "I definitely think it's too early to make a judgment on that [changing closers]," Mattingly said after Thursday's loss. "Anthony's got good stuff. He's going to be fine."

While the right-hander's second loss of the season came in controversial fashion after Michael Conforto allowed himself to be hit by a pitch in the strike zone to force in the winning run, Bass had already blown the save by serving up a Jeff McNeil solo homer, not to mention loading the bases to set the stage for Conforto's walkoff HBP. Despite Mattingly's patience, Bass doesn't have the kind of track record that would give him plenty of leeway, and he'll need to turn things around quickly to hang onto ninth-inning duties.

Ginkel (illness) allowed one hit over a scoreless inning in Thursday's 7-4 loss to Colorado.

Ginkel was unavailable for a game earlier this week with manager Torey Lovullo saying the reliever was "under the weather." Arizona's unsettled bullpen could use some stability, and Ginkel has not yet been scored upon in four appearances, spanning 3.1 innings.

Bass (0-2) allowed two earned runs on three hits and a walk while also hitting a batter to blow the save and take the loss Thursday against the Mets.

Bass entered the game in the bottom of the ninth inning and was tasked with protecting a 2-1 lead. He quickly squandered that, surrendering a leadoff home run to Jeff McNeil. After recording one out, Bass allowed the next three batters to reach base before he hit Michael Conforto with a pitch to force in the winning run. Though there was controversy surrounding Conforto's plate appearance -- he appeared to lean into the strike zone to ensure he was hit by the ball -- Bass pitched poorly for the second time in three appearances this season. While a change at closer may not occur yet, Yimi Garcia or Dylan Floro could start to see save chances if Bass continues to struggle.

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.