MLB Player News

Junk (2-3) took the loss Monday against the Phillies, allowing one run on five hits while striking out six over 5.1 innings.

Junk delivered another strong outing but was saddled with the loss, as he allowed the only run of the night -- a Bryce Harper solo homer in the third inning. The right-hander filled the zone effectively, throwing 64 of his 92 pitches for strikes. He has been excellent of late, allowing just one run across his last 16.1 innings, and he's now gone at least five innings in six consecutive starts. Junk owns a 2.82 ERA and 1.04 WHIP so far, though his 27 strikeouts in 38.1 innings highlight a less appealing fantasy profile. He will look to continue his recent success in his next scheduled outing against Washington.

O'Brien picked up the save in Monday's 6-3 victory over Milwaukee. He allowed no hits or walks with no strikeouts over two-thirds of a perfect inning.

With Gordon Graceffo surrendering a two-run homer to Brice Turang in the ninth inning to make it a three-run game and allowing another batter to reach, O'Brien entered with one out and closed the frame without issue to secure a victory for St. Louis. The lanky right-hander has been reliable in the closer role in 2026, allowing an earned run in just two of 17 appearances while posting a 2.12 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with a 19:1 K:BB across 17 innings. His 10 saves rank second in MLB, trailing only Mason Miller (11).

Leahy (4-3) earned the win Monday, allowing one run on six hits, two walks and a hit-by-pitch over 5.1 innings against Milwaukee. He struck out five.

The right-hander allowed some traffic but was charged with just one run, which scored after George Soriano allowed an inherited runner to cross following Leahy's exit with two runners on and one out in the sixth inning. Monday marked the first time the 28-year-old exceeded five innings this season, and while his 4.93 ERA and 1.64 WHIP with a 27:13 K:BB across 34.2 innings aren't anything special, he's now picked up four wins and has factored into the decision in all seven starts in 2026. Leahy's next start is tentatively scheduled for Saturday against San Diego.

Pagan (2-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Monday against the Cubs, allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in two-thirds of an inning. He struck out one.

Summoned to protect a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, Pagan gave up a leadoff triple to Pete Crow-Armstrong before eventually serving up a walk-off solo home run to Michael Conforto. It was Pagan's third blown save of the season, which perhaps leaves the door open for someone like Tony Santillan or Graham Ashcraft to see more save chances for the Reds going forward. Through 14 innings, Pagan owns a rough 6.43 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB with six saves.

Mercado was activated from the 7-day injured list Saturday.

Mercado failed to make an appearance during spring training due to a shoulder injury, but he looked sharp during his rehab assignment in April, posting a 1.23 ERA and 0.68 WHIP over 7.1 innings (five appearances). He looked a little shaky during his first appearance for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, surrendering two runs on three walks while striking out one over two frames.

Williams picked up the save Monday against Colorado. He allowed no hits or walks while striking out one over a perfect inning.

Williams entered in the ninth inning with a two-run cushion and made quick work of the Rockies, retiring the side in order on just eight pitches to secure his fourth save of the season. It has been a rocky start to his tenure with the Mets, as the right-hander owns a 6.55 ERA and 1.91 WHIP, though he's still striking batters out at a prolific rate (14.7 K/9) and has strung together four consecutive outings without allowing an earned run.

Matsui (groin) is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan San Diegoreports.

Matsui is nearing his 2026 debut after suffering a left groin strain in February. He was a solid reliever for the Padres a year ago, collecting a 3.98 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with a 61:33 K:BB and one save across 63.1 regular-season innings.

The Giants placed Miller on the 15-day injured list Monday due to a lower-back strain.

Miller may have tweaked his back during his last appearance against the Phillies on Thursday, when he tossed a scoreless inning in relief. The 28-year-old southpaw dealt with a back issue in spring training, so he may need a longer stint on the IL than the 15-day minimum. Right-hander Trevor McDonald was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move and will start Monday's game versus the Padres.

Stewart (shoulder) joined the Dodgers in Houston on Monday and is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list during their series against the Astros, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Stewart won't be reinstated Monday after making his final rehab appearance Sunday, but he will return to the active roster as soon as Tuesday. Working his way back from a right shoulder debridement procedure last September, Stewart spun 6.1 scoreless innings with a 13:3 K:BB covering eight rehab outings.

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said Monday that Duran (oblique) will be activated from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, "unless something weird happens," Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Duran looked like himself during a bullpen session over the weekend and is poised to skip a rehab assignment and go directly back on the active roster Tuesday. The 28-year-old notched five saves while posting a 1.35 ERA and 8:0 K:BB over 6.2 innings before straining in left oblique a little over three weeks ago.