MLB Player News

Burdi struck out three batters in a scoreless ninth inning Thursday against Cincinnati.

The Rule 5 pickup mixed a high-90s fastball with a sharp-breaking slider, setting the Reds down in order. Burdi took one of the team's last bullpen spots out of spring training, but he could find himself pitching in more meaningful situations with continued success. For the time being, Burdi will simply try to establish himself in the majors after totaling only three big-league appearances.

Diaz struck out one in a perfect ninth inning and picked up his first save of the season Thursday against Washington.

Diaz had little trouble slamming the door against the Nationals on Opening Day, as he faced the minimum and fanned the final batter of the ballgame. The 25-year-old was an elite closer for the Mariners a season ago (57 saves) and the Mets are hopeful they'll have plenty of opportunities to use Diaz during the 2019 campaign.

Hader struck out four across two perfect innings to pick up the save in Thursday's season opener against the Cardinals.

Hader faced the minimum through two innings and managed to survive a scare with the help of Lorenzo Cain, who robbed what would've been a game-tying home run for the final out of the ballgame. Hader picked up right where he left off last season in the strikeout department and figures to see plenty of save opportunities with Corey Knebel (elbow) out of commission for the foreseeable future.

Iglesias allowed a solo home run and issued two walks while striking out one batter in 1.1 innings against the Pirates on Opening Day.

New manager David Bell turned to Iglesias with the Reds leading 5-2 after seven and the middle of the Pirates' order due up. Corey Dickerson immediately homered, but Iglesias escaped the eighth without any further damage. Iglesias went on to walk two of the three batters he faced in the ninth before giving way to Amir Garrett and ultimately David Hernandez, who slammed the door for the save. Bell gave fair warning, saying in February that Iglesias wouldn't be used strictly in the traditional closer role this season.

Yates earned his first save of the season and posted two strikeouts in a 2-0 victory against the Giants on Opening Day.

The 32-year-old pitched well with the opportunity to close at the end of last season after the Padres traded away Brad Hand to the Indians. Yates opens this season in firm control of the closer role on an up-and-coming team. Including Thursday, Yates has converted his last eight save opportunities dating back to Aug. 28.

Hernandez earned a one-out save in a 5-3 victory against the Pirates on Opening Day.

The veteran right-hander came on to face pinch hitter Pablo Reyes and promptly walked Reyes on four pitches. The Reds walked three batters in the frame. Then with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth, Corey Dickerson fouled off seven pitches, but Hernandez eventually induced a ground out to record the save. While there could be some fluidity to the Reds' closer situation this season, Raisel Iglesias is still believed to be the primary option.

The Brewers placed Nelson (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

The transaction confirmed what was already known -- that Nelson wouldn't be ready to go for the start of the season. Nelson's surgically repaired shoulder has checked out fine this spring, but the right-hander experienced elbow soreness last week and has since had his throwing program temporarily shut down. It's not believed to be a major concern for Nelson, but he'll likely need to make multiple starts in the minors or at extended spring training before coming off the IL.

The Padres optioned Reyes to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

Reyes was one of nine players assigned to the minors or placed on the injured list as the Padres trimmed down their active roster to 25 men ahead of Opening Day. The 25-year-old will move up a level to begin 2019 after tallying 49 strikeouts and a 3.00 ERA in 39 innings at Double-A San Antonio last season.

Jackson will be included on the Braves' Opening Day roster, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The Braves made no late additions to their roster leading up to Thursday's season opener against the Phillies, allowing Jackson to snag one of the last two available bullpen jobs. The right-hander owns a career 5.19 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in the majors, making it unlikely he sees much usage in key late-inning spots initially.

Manager Bruce Bochy stated Thursday that Smith is his closer heading into the season, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

There was not much debate in fantasy drafts regarding who the top option in the Giants' bullpen would be, but it's still nice to get the skipper's confirmation heading into the season. If something should happen to Smith, Mark Melancon is the veteran fill-in option while Reyes Moronta is the young, high-upside arm waiting in the wings.