MLB Player News

Jansen gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning to collect his second save of the season in Wednesday's 2-0 win over the Cubs.

While his 5.40 ERA through 3.1 innings still bears the scars of last weekend's visit to Coors Field, Jansen is otherwise off to a typical start to the season with a 3:0 K:BB. Given his overpowering stuff and a team around him that should provide him with plenty of leads to protect, the 29-year-old remains in the conversation as the most valuable fantasy closer around.

Miller (1-1) gave up three runs on seven hits and two walks across 5.1 innings of work en route to his first loss of the season Wednesday. He also struck out five.

The right-hander was dominant for the first four innings of the game, but things fell apart after opposing starter Matt Cain drilled a one-out double to spark a three-run fifth inning for San Francisco. Miller displayed solid accuracy (60 out of his 101 pitches went for strikes) and showed flashes of what made him such an appealing trade target a while back, but he ultimately faltered and was unable to get Arizona into the win column. Miller's next opportunity to right the ship will come Tuesday against the Padres.

Manager Bruce Bochy said he wants to keep Blach ready for a start, Andrew Baggarly of Bay Area News Group reports.

Blach made the Giants as a reliever out of spring training, though his impressive track record has kept him on Bochy's radar in the event that San Francisco would need an extra starter. He'll stick in the bullpen for now -- where he's allowed three runs through two innings this season -- but he could eventually be called upon for a spot start if the opportunity arises.

Minter (forearm) struck out two batters and didn't allow a hit in a scoreless inning of work for High-A Florida on Tuesday.

Minter made his first appearance after being shut down with radial tunnel syndrome near the end of spring. He's expected to pitch at Double-A Mississippi once he's healthy enough, with his first start coming in Florida due to weather. The 23-year-old is making his way back from Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2015, and he could be in line for a late season promotion if he continues to impress in the minors (combined 1.30 ERA through 34.2 innings between Double-A and Single-A last season).

Garcia was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

Garcia will take the spot on the 25-man roster previously occupied by Adam Morgan, who was demoted to Triple-A on Tuesday. It's expected that Garcia will work in low-leverage scenarios out of the Phillies bullpen after turning in a 6.46 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 15.1 innings with the big club a season ago.

Rodney gave up two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out a pair Tuesday in San Francisco, leading to his third save of the year.

The veteran closer has given up at least a run in three of his four outings, posting an unappealing 6:4 K:BB in the process. With no one pushing him for ninth-inning duties, Rodney has some leash, but he'll need to get better in a hurry.

Iglesias allowed one hit over 1.2 innings Tuesday to pick up his third save of the season in a 6-2 win over the Pirates.

Reds manager Bryan Price continues to have no problems using Iglesias to get more than the standard three outs, which might be as much a reflection on the right-hander's setup crew as it is Price's confidence in him. He's locked in as Cinci's closer, and the additional innings he seems set to compile will give a slight boost to Iglesias' fantasy value if he can repeat last season's strong rate stats.

Szapucki was held back in extended spring training as he works his way back from a shoulder impingement, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo reports.

With the graduation of Robert Gsellman, Szapucki is the Mets' top pitching prospect, and while injuries have been his primary wart to this point, it had been back and neck injuries that plagued him in the past, so this is the first arm-related concern. Szapucki has the potential for a plus fastball and plus curveball from the left side, but the risk is also through the roof. He is expected to report to Low-A Columbia when healthy.

Arano is on the 7-day DL at Double-A Reading due to biceps tendinitis, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo reports.

After getting moved to the bullpen, Arano lost much of his dynasty-league intrigue. He should ride his fastball/curveball combo to a middle-relief role by the middle of next season.

Howard is rehabbing an undisclosed injury at extended spring training, MLB.com's William Boor reports.

A third-round pick in 2014, Howard split time between High-A and Double-A last year, posting a 3.35 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 140 strikeouts in 156 innings. He profiles as either a middle reliever or back-end starter, depending on the development of his changeup.