MLB Player News

Pivetta (1-0) allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits with four strikeouts and one walk to pick up the victory over the Twins on Friday.

The Twins averaged two baserunners per inning, and three of the four runs they scored against Pivetta came via the home run, but the Phillies pitching staff held the Twins to 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Pivetta could easily have two wins this season, but he has a lot of work to do in the other categories. He has a 6.52 ERA, 1.97 WHIP and eight strikeouts in 9.2 innings. His next start will likely come against the Nationals.

Kelly's X-rays on his right wrist came back negative, and he'll test the wrist prior to Saturday's game against Colorado to determine his availability, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Initial indications are positive for the Dodgers' top setup man, though he'll be re-evaluated Saturday to determine his status moving forward.

Rodriguez (1-1) allowed four runs on seven hits and struck out five with no walks across 5.1 innings during a loss to the Rays on Friday.

The right-hander yielded all four runs in the first inning, three of which came on two home runs. Rodriguez was a good first-inning pitcher as a rookie last year, and he posted a 0.7 HR/9, so it's not likely that this will becoming a reoccurring issue. He simply wasn't good out of the gate Friday. Rodriguez is 1-1 with a 5.23 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and seven strikeouts in 10.1 innings this season. His next start will probably come against the Padres.

Kelly was removed from Friday's game against the Rockies after knocking down a comebacker, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. He retired one batter prior to exiting.

Kelly didn't appear to injure his pitching hand on the play, as the ball looked to glance off his glove. Upon further examination, the Dodgers' training staff decided it was best to take him out of the ballgame. Kelly will be considered day-to-day until the details surrounding his injury are revealed.

Yates picked up the save against the Cardinals on Friday, striking out one without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to lock down a 5-3 victory for the Padres.

The right-hander breezed to his fourth save of the season, needing just seven pitches to set down the side in order and close out the victory for San Diego. He's off to a great start, with just one earned run in his five appearances to go along with an 8:1 K:BB, and is firmly entrenched as the go-to option at closer for the Padres.

Dominguez's velocity is down through his first two outings of the season, Matt Gelb of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.

Dominguez's fastball averaged 98.6 mph in 2018 but has averaged 97.1 mph so far this season. He didn't throw a pitch harder than 97.9 mph in his latest appearance Wednesday, his slowest max speed in any of his 55 career outings. He's bumped up his slider percentage from 27.0 percent to 36.2 percent to compensate. The 24-year-old still throws hard, and velocity is often down for many pitchers early in the season, but the drop remains at least moderately worrisome.

Grace struck out the only batter he faced in Thursday's win over the Mets to record his first hold of the season.

The southpaw has appeared in five games already, but four of those outings lasted less than an inning. Grace's 10.13 ERA and 2.63 WHIP are ugly, but his 4:1 K:BB in 2.2 frames suggests there's little cause for concern. His role in the Nats' bullpen, however, doesn't provide for much fantasy value.

Munoz is opening the year back at Double-A Amarillo, Mike Rosenbaum of MLB.com reports.

The best relief-pitching prospect in the minors, Munoz has the upside to someday be a top-five closer, thanks largely to a 103-mph fastball. However, he has plenty of work to do with his breaking ball and his command. Look for him to spend most of the year at Triple-A.

Sierra (shoulder) will begin the season at extended spring training, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Sierra is working his way back from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss all of last season. Farm directer Will Rhymes said the 27-year-old is "coming along," though he declined to offer up a timetable for Sierra's return. Once healthy, Sierra will likely report to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Alexander (1-0) picked up the win against the Giants on Wednesday, retiring both batters he faced in relief, striking out one of them as the Dodgers prevailed 5-3.

Coming on in relief of Ross Stripling, Alexander ended up getting credited with the Wednesday win after his teammates got to Reyes Moronta for a pair of runs. The left-hander hasn't given up a run in any of his four appearances so far this year and should see plenty of opportunities in setup duty for Kenley Jansen this season coming off a 2018 campaign that saw him post 21 holds in 73 appearances.