MLB Player News

Helsley fired 1.2 scoreless innings in a loss to the Twins on Wednesday, allowing no hits or walks and recording two strikeouts.

The 26-year-old has picked up right where he left off during spring training and summer camp, as Wednesday marked his second scoreless effort in as many regular-season appearances thus far. Helsley should be a constant presence in the late innings thanks to an impressive repertoire that includes a high-90s fastball.

Venditte signed a minor-league contract with the Marlins on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Venditte joined the Marlins as a non-roster invitee earlier in the year but elected free agency in July after he was left out of the team's 60-man player pool. Now with the Marlins dealing with multiple absences related to COVID-19, it sounds like the veteran reliever could be summoned to the majors in short order. Venditte made just two appearances in 2019 and allowed six runs over 3.1 innings, though he also posted a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 15 outings (14 innings) in 2018.

Webb, who fired a scoreless one-third of inning in which he allowed a hit during a loss to the Twins on Wednesday, has started the 2020 season with three consecutive scoreless appearances overall.

The left-hander had put together an excellent spring training before play was suspended, and he's replicating that caliber of performance thus far in the new season. Webb's first two outings were an inning apiece, appearances during which he didn't allow a hit and recorded a strikeout apiece. The 30-year-old settled in well during his first full Cardinals campaign in 2019, notching eight holds, a 3.76 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 65 appearances.

Hader tossed a scoreless ninth inning and picked up his first save of the season in Wednesday's victory over the Pirates.

Hader did not allow a ball out of the infield and finished off what was a stellar pitching performance by the Brewers. He allowed just one runner to reach base over his first two appearances of the season and has picked up two punchouts.

Hudson (1-0) struck out three over 1.2 perfect innings of relief to pick up the win in Wednesday's extra-inning victory over the Blue Jays.

Facing the team that dealt him to the eventual world champs last July, Hudson was lights out to finish off the eighth inning and breezed through the ninth in a scoreless game, before the Nats were able to break it open in the top of the 10th. The veteran right-hander has a 4:0 K:BB through his first 2.2 innings on the year without giving up a run, and his spot as one of the team's key high-leverage arms is secure.

Raley was unable to retire any of the four batters he faced Wednesday in relief of Sonny Gray, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks.

When the Reds have to cut down from 30 to 28 and eventually 26 players on the roster, Raley is a good bet to not make the cut.

Ponce de Leon (0-1) took the loss against Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out eight in 3.2 innings.

Ponce de Leon was far from efficient in his first start of the campaign, tossing 85 pitches (52 for strikes) in his 3.2 innings. Part of that can be attributed to Minnesota's knack for fouling off pitches -- they racked up 19 foul balls against Ponce de Leon -- though the right-hander's three free passes didn't help. Despite the loss, Ponce de Leon gave up only two hits while racking up an impressive eight strikeouts, so he could stick in the rotation with Miles Mikolas (forearm) out for the season.

Melancon picked up the save in Wednesday's win over Tampa Bay, needing only nine pitches to toss a perfect ninth inning.

Melancon was held out of Saturday's contest against the Mets with a back issue, but he looked fully healthy Wednesday, retiring the Rays in order on a pair of groundouts and a popout. The right-hander appears to have a firm grasp on the closer role to start the season with Will Smith (illness) not yet to ready to pitch.

Chafin (0-1) was credited with the loss to the Rangers on Wednesday when he gave up three runs on two hits and a walk without retiring a batter.

After racking up two holds in his first three appearances, the left-handed Chafin was brought in to protect another lead with dangerous lefties due up. However, he walked the first batter, Rougned Odor, then served up a game-tying home run to Joey Gallo. Under new rules, the reliever had to stay in the game to face a third batter, and Chafin gave up a double to Todd Frazier, who later came around to score.

Kelly has been suspended eight games for his role in Tuesday's benches clearing altercation with the Astros, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. He will appeal the suspension.

He threw behind Alex Bregman in a 3-0 count and then threw at Carlos Correa's head in an ensuing plate appearance, so it's not surprising it led to a suspension. Manager Dave Roberts also received a one-game suspension. Per, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com, Kelly is appealing the suspension, so he is technically available for Wednesday's game.