MLB Player News

Kolarek (1-0) picked up an Opening Day win against the Giants on Thursday after tossing 1.2 perfect innings with a pair of strikeouts.

Kolarek did not allow any hits or walks while throwing 10 of 14 pitches for strikes en route to his first win of the season. Formerly a left-handed specialist, the southpaw had no trouble retiring both sides of the plate despite MLB's new rule requiring pitchers to face at least three batters or pitch to the end of the half-inning.

Melancon is still expected to serve as the Braves' primary closer to begin the season, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

O'Brien reiterated that the Braves always intended for Melancon to start the season as the primary closer, even before Will Smith was placed on the COVID-19 IL earlier this month. "They said that from the day they signed Smith," O'Brien said. Smith was not part of the announced Opening Day roster and the Braves don't know when they will get the lefty back, so Melancon could take on an even larger share of the ninth-inning duties early on.

Neris (illness) was activated from the injured list Wednesday.

The Phillies placed Neris on the injured list early in summer camp and it was later revealed that he was on the COVID-19 list, specifically. It was never revealed whether Neris contracted the virus himself, but Neris was cleared to join camp July 6 and faced hitters last week, so it seems he should be fine to return to the closer role for Philadelphia to begin the 2020 campaign.

Bednar is included on the Padres' 30-man roster.

Bednar had been on the bubble for a spot on the active roster, and the Padres confirmed his spot with the big-league club Thursday. The right-hander posted a 6.55 ERA and 1.36 ERA over 11 innings in his first major-league stint last season, though five of the eight earned runs he allowed came in his final outing.

Reyes did not make the cut for the Padres' 30-man roster.

Reyes was never in serious contention for a spot in San Diego's exceptionally deep bullpen. He'll open the season at the team's alternate training site, though it's not out of the question that he could pitch in the majors this year.

Miller was not included on the Cubs' 30-man Opening Day roster.

Miller is on the Cubs' 40-man roster, though he had been working out at the team's alternate site in South Bend during summer camp and was not a serious candidate to make the Opening Day roster. The 24-year-old righty will look to continue his development after advancing to Triple-A for the first time in his career last year.

Alzolay was not included on the Cubs' 30-man Opening Day roster.

Alzolay is on the 40-man roster but will have to settle for working at the team's alternate site in South Bend for now. The 25-year-old appeared in four games for the Cubs last season and could be an option at some point in 2020 if a need arises in the rotation or in long relief.

Morejon did not make the cut for a spot on the Padres' 30-man roster.

Morejon was said to be making a push for a roster spot after looking good in intrasquad action, but the southpaw will instead begin the season at the team's alternate training site. He could be among the primary candidates for a move to the big-league club if the need for a multi-inning reliever or spot starter arises during the season.

Sborz is not included on the Dodgers' 30-man roster.

Sborz struggled in his first major-league stint last season and was never a serious contender for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. The 26-year-old will instead begin the season at the team's alternate training site.

Santana is part of the Dodgers' Opening Day roster.

Santana struggled in the minors last season but rode a strong spring to a spot on the big-league roster. He'll likely fill a low-leverage role for the Dodgers this season.