MLB Player News

Stanek walked one and recorded one strikeout in a scoreless seventh inning in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Mets.

Stanek handled the ninth inning in both of the Cardinals' previous two wins, picking up the save on Opening Day against the Rays before blowing the save in the second game of the season. Manager Oliver Marmol opted to use Stanek in a setup role Tuesday, and Stanek had his best inning of the young season. With Stanek used earlier in the game, the Cardinals went to Riley O'Brien for the ninth inning Tuesday, and he slammed the door shut on the Mets, setting them down in order on 11 pitches to pick up his first save of the season. All three of Stanek, O'Brien and JoJo Romero figure to get save chances for the Cardinals this season.

O'Brien picked up his first save of the season in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Mets. He didn't allow a hit or a walk with no strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

It's notable that manager Oliver Marmol went to O'Brien for the ninth inning after the Cardinals' first two save chances of the season were given to Ryne Stanek in the opening series against the Rays. Stanek pitched the seventh inning against the Mets on Tuesday, walking one and striking out one in a scoreless frame. Stanek's save chances have been a rollercoaster, as he walked three on Opening Day and blew the save the following game, only to pick up the win later. O'Brien was effective in the role last season after Ryan Helsley was dealt at the trade deadline. The 31-year-old O'Brien turned in a 2.06 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 45:22 K:BB across 48 innings last regular season and picked up all six of his saves following Helsley's departure. The Cardinals figure to give O'Brien, Stanek and JoJo Romero save opportunities this season.

Pallante (1-0) picked up the win against the Mets on Tuesday after throwing five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and three walks while striking out three.

Pallante didn't have his best stuff by any means, but the Mets' bats were quiet and couldn't find any holes in the St. Louis defense. Pallante is a back-of-the-rotation type who isn't going to miss many bats and needs his defense, making him an uninteresting mixed-league option ahead of next week's road date with the Nationals.

Zastryzny (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday, Jack Stern of BrewerFanatic.com reports.

Zastryzny has been shelved since mid-March due to a left shoulder strain, but he's been cleared to test things out in a game setting. The southpaw reliever is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list April 6, and he has a good shot to be ready to go on that date.

Henry gave up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning during Monday's win over the Phillies. He struck out one.

The right-hander entered the game with the Nationals cruising to a 13-2 rout. Henry's made two appearances so far, and both came in blowouts -- he also delivered a scoreless inning in Saturday's 10-2 loss to the Cubs. Henry was viewed as potentially part of the closing picture coming into the season alongside Clayton Beeter, but his early usage suggests he's a long way from a high-leverage role.

Suarez gave up a hit in a scoreless eighth inning Monday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the A's.

The veteran righty notched 76 saves over the prior two seasons for the Padres, but Suarez is beginning 2026 in a setup role for Atlanta after signing a three-year, $45 million deal in December. He's looked good so far for his new club, dealing two scoreless innings with a 1:0 K:BB, but he'll need Raisel Iglesias to stumble as closer before he'll get consistent ninth-inning work for Atlanta.

Iglesias worked a scoreless ninth inning in Monday's 4-0 win over the A's. He didn't record a walk or a strikeout.

Atlanta hasn't produce a save situation yet for Iglesias, but he looked good in his first action of 2026, tossing seven of eight pitches for strikes while reaching 94.5 mph with his fastball, and the only A's hitter to reach base against him did so thanks to a Mauricio Dubon error, which quickly got erased by a double play. Iglesias has averaged 32 saves for Atlanta over the last three seasons and should have plenty of job security as a closer, but if he does falter, Robert Suarez stands as a ready replacement in the ninth.

Pagan was one of three relief pitchers unavailable in Monday's 2-0 win over the Pirates, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

With the game on the line, Cincinnati manager Terry Francona turned to Connor Phillips, who walked the first two batters before converting the save. Pagan should be available if a closer is needed Tuesday.

Sewald earned a save against the Tigers on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

It didn't look like there would be any save opportunities after Arizona built an 8-0 lead through five frames, but Detroit made a late rally to get close. Sewald was summoned to protect a three-run lead in the ninth frame, and he avoided any drama by retiring the side in order on 12 pitches. Manager Torey Lovullo previously hinted that Sewald might be the favorite for early save chances, and that became a firmer scenario given Monday's bullpen usage. Sewald certainly has plenty of experience in the role, having racked up 81 regular-season saves between 2021 and 2024.

Walker earned a save against the Padres on Monday, allowing two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter over one inning.

Walker appeared to be in line for a relatively easy save when he entered with a 3-0 lead in the ninth inning, but the veteran reliever struggled to close things out. He issued an inning-opening walk and later served up a two-run blast to Jackson Merrill with two outs. Walker was ultimately able to end the game by getting Xander Bogaerts to ground out to shortstop. This was Walker's third appearance but first save chance of the season. Despite the uneven outing, he has a pretty strong hold on San Francisco's closer role for the time being.