MLB Player News

Walker walked one and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning during Monday's 7-2 win over the Astros.

It wasn't a save situation, but it was still reassuring to see Walker on the mound after back tightness had him shut down over the weekend. Camilo Doval picked up a save Sunday in his absence, but Walker should get the bulk of the ninth-inning work for the Giants after a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him post a 1.91 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 99:18 K:BB over 80 innings.

Romano allowed one hit during a scoreless ninth inning in Monday's 6-1 win over the Rockies. He struck out two.

Although it was not a save situation, it's worth noting Romano was warming up when it was a 4-1 game in the eighth inning before Max Kepler and Nick Castellanos both homered to add some insurance runs. Monday was a strong bounce-back performance for Romano, who gave up two runs while blowing a save on Opening Day against the Nationals. The hard-throwing right-hander's usage also suggests he remains first in line in Philadelphia's bullpen at the moment when it comes to save opportunities.

Mlodzinski (0-1) took the loss after giving up three runs on seven hits and two walks in 3.2 innings Monday against the Rays. He struck out four.

Mlodzinski got through three innings without allowing a run, but the Rays tagged him for four runs in the fourth inning. Before he got a chance to record the final out of the frame, the right-hander was lifted after throwing 66 pitches. Mlodzinski is filling in for the injured Jared Jones (lat) in Pittsburgh's rotation, so he could have some streaming appeal in deep leagues in favorable matchups as long as he hangs onto a starting role.

Rodriguez (0-1) allowed four runs on six hits and one walk over four innings Monday, striking out three and taking the loss against the Royals.

Rodriguez got roughed up right out of the gate with three first-inning runs, and he gave up a fourth in the second frame when he gave up a solo home run to Maikel Garcia. Rodriguez was able to retire eight of the next 10 batters faced, but he wasn't able to get enough run support from the Brewers hitters to avoid the loss. He'll look to get off to a better start in his next outing, which is slated for this upcoming weekend against the Reds at home.

McGowan will miss the remainder of the season following Tommy John surgery, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

It's the second Tommy John operation in McGowan's career, which means his absence will probably extend well beyond a year. Despite being used mostly as a starting pitcher, McGowan has not thrown more than 40.1 innings in a season since being taken in the seventh round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft.

Nardi (back) began a throwing program Monday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

He'll likely gradually increase his throwing distance off flat ground over the next week or two before moving on to mound work. Nardi was shut down in early March due to lower back inflammation and was placed on the 60-day injured list, so he won't be eligible to make his 2025 debut with the Marlins until at least late May.

The Marlins announced Monday that Cronin (hip) has resumed throwing, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Cronin sustained a left hip strain late in spring training, resulting in him opening the season on the injured list. While the fact that he's no longer shut down from activity is encouraging, he'll likely need at least a few more weeks to complete his throwing progression, which will eventually include some minor-league rehab appearances.

Atlanta transferred Jimenez (knee) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

Jimenez is expected to be sidelined until the second half of the season while he remains on the mend from November surgery on his left knee, so his move to the 60-day IL won't affect his timeline for a return. The transaction will free up a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Stuart Fairchild, whom Atlanta acquired from Cincinnati on Monday.

Atlanta selected Chavez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Chavez has seen action with nine different teams over parts of 17 seasons in the big leagues, but Atlanta has been a familiar stop for the 41-year-old. Currently in the midst of his fourth stint in the Atlanta organization, Chavez didn't break camp with the big club but didn't have to wait long for an opening in the bullpen to emerge after right-hander Hector Neris was designated for assignment Monday. Chavez is likely to work in middle relief after he turned in a 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 55:19 K:BB across 63.1 innings with Atlanta in 2024.

Atlanta designated Neris for assignment Monday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Neris had a disastrous first series of the season in San Diego, giving up five runs over two appearances while recording just three outs. The 35-year-old should get an opportunity in another organization, but he might have to go to the minor leagues first to get straightened out.