MLB Player News

The Reds optioned Maxwell to Triple-A Louisville following Friday's game against the Pirates.

The move corresponds with the Reds activating right-hander Graham Ashcraft (personal) from the bereavement list Saturday. Maxwell was roughed up during Friday's outing against Pittsburgh, as he allowed four runs on three hits (including two homers) and two walks while striking out one batter in one inning of work. He'll return to Triple-A, where he has a 5.91 ERA, 1.96 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB across 10.2 innings this season.

Palencia (lat) returned to the Cubs from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Saturday and is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list in the coming days, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Palencia landed on the 15-day injured list in mid-April due to a left lat strain. He made his lone rehab outing Friday in Triple-A, striking out one batter while allowing one hit and zero walks in two-thirds of an inning. Palencia has not yielded a run across five major-league innings this season and will resume closing duties for the Cubs once activated from the IL.

Bernardino will serve as the Rockies' opening pitcher for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

The Rockies have typically used an opener in front of right-hander Chase Dollander this season, and the team will call upon Bernardino to handle those duties Saturday. The 34-year-old southpaw has been one of the most effective members of Colorado's entire pitching staff this season, turning in a 0.71 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 12.2 innings. He'll likely work just an inning or two before giving way to Dollander.

The Marlins selected Ekness's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Craig Mish of FanDuel Sports Network Florida reports.

Although he's logged an impressive 21:6 K:BB, Ekness has struggled to limit runs in Triple-A this year, turning in a 5.68 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 12.2 innings. He'll now join the major-league bullpen despite his difficulties and will be making his MLB debut whenever he gets into a game.

Brazoban (2-0) earned the win in relief Friday against the Angels after tossing a perfect sixth inning, striking out one.

Brazoban only needed 11 pitches to get through the sixth, and after the Mets' bullpen combined for four scoreless frames, the veteran right-hander was awarded his second win of the season. This scoreless outing represents a rebound after Brazoban allowed runs in his previous two outings, but those are the only two appearances in which he's allowed any damage. Through 13 appearances and 14.1 innings, Brazoban owns a 1.26 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with a strong 12:3 K:BB.

Williams earned his third save of the season Friday against the Angels, tossing a perfect ninth inning while striking out two.

Williams is trending in the right direction of late -- this was his third straight scoreless outing, and he is now 3-for-4 in save chances. Williams endured a rough stretch between April 15 and April 23, allowing eight runs on nine hits with a 6:4 K:BB across four appearances, but it looks like he's finding his groove again. Even with his struggles, Williams remains the Mets' ninth-inning arm until further notice, so he remains a valuable fantasy asset, especially considering his track record.

Mejia (0-3) was tagged with the loss in relief Friday against Atlanta, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one in one inning.

Mejia entered the game in the top of the ninth inning in a tie game, but he couldn't hold the score. Mejia walked Kyle Farmer and was later taken deep by Michael Harris, who launched his seventh homer of the campaign. This marks the fourth time Mejia has allowed multiple runs in his 13 outings this season. He owns a 5.87 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in 2026.

Holmes didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Rockies, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks across five innings. He struck out four.

This was far from Holmes' best outing, though the expectations weren't very high considering the disadvantage that Coors Field represents from a pitching perspective. The reality is that Holmes has been trending in the wrong direction, as he has just one quality start over his last four outings. During that stretch, the right-hander has a 5.95 ERA and 1.53 WHIP with a 15:9 K:BB across 19.2 innings. He's scheduled to make his next start on the road against the Mariners next week.

Suarez earned the save Friday against the Rockies, allowing one hit and striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Suarez entered the game with a two-run lead after Atlanta scored two runs in the top of the ninth, and he needed 17 pitches (12 strikes) to get the job done. Even though Suarez gave up a one-out single to Brenton Doyle, he closed the door by retiring Edouard Julien and Mickey Moniak. Suarez has gone 4-for-4 in save chances this season and should continue to have elite fantasy upside as long as Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) remains on the injured list. Suarez has a spotless 0.00 ERA and 0.67 WHIP with a 6:1 K:BB in his last six innings and six appearances.

Kerkering threw a clean seventh inning Friday against Miami. He struck out one.

Following a delayed start to the season due to a hamstring strain he sufferend during the spring, Kerkering is off to a solid start as one of Philadelphia's high-leverage arms. The right-hander has rattled off seven consecutive scoreless outings, and he has a 2.31 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 9:6 K:BB with one hold across his first 11.2 innings on the year.