MLB Player News

Finnegan struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Marlins.

He needed only six pitches, all strikes, to dispatch the middle of Miami's order. Finnegan hasn't allowed an earned run yet in April, converting all seven of his save chances on the month with a 9:4 K:BB through 9.2 innings. Hunter Harvey, who collected his eighth hold Friday with a clean eighth inning, has been more dominant to begin the season and has a 19:2 K:BB through 13 innings. For now, though, Nats manager Dave Martinez is content to let him handle highest-leverage spots while Finnegan takes care of business in the ninth.

Thompson tossed 2.2 scoreless innings of relief in Friday's 7-1 win over the Red Sox. He allowed two hits and a walk, while striking out two.

Thompson has still yet to allow an earned run this season across 9.2 innings out of the bullpen. The righty has tossed multiple innings in four of his five appearances this season, making him an effective long-relief weapon for the Cubs. His fantasy value is capped in the role, but Thompson figures to have some occasional appeal whenever he vultures a win or scoops up a save.

Helsley struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Mets.

The right-hander needed only nine pitches (seven strikes) to convert his eighth straight chance after blowing a save March 30. Helsley hasn't allowed an earned run in seven straight appearances, and he sports a 1.93 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 16:1 K:BB through 14 innings on the season. The 29-year-old's career high is 19 saves, but he's tracking to blow past that mark by the All-Star break.

McGough allowed three runs on two hits and two walks over one inning in Friday's 6-1 loss to the Mariners.

McGough entered the game on short notice in the sixth inning, inheriting one runner after starter Zac Gallen was removed with a hamstring injury. The reliever allowed a single, walk then a grand slam to Mitch Haniger, the second consecutive appearance in which McGough has ceded a home run. It was the fourth time in the last six outings he's allowed earned runs, and his ERA spiked to 7.30 following Friday's effort.

Sewald (oblique) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Sewald threw 21 pitches (14 strikes) in a rehab appearance earlier in the week and felt the right kind of soreness a day later. Following Saturday's session and presuming all goes well, the reliever is likely to head out for a second rehab outing.

Bednar (1-2) took the loss Friday against the Giants after he allowed three runs on two hits and a walk without recording an out.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton turned to his closer in the bottom of the ninth of a scoreless tie, but Bednar gave up a walk and a single before serving up a walk-off, three-run homer to Patrick Bailey. Bednar entered the contest with three straight scoreless appearances, but he has now allowed at least three runs in three separate outings and has a 12.00 ERA across nine innings overall. The right-hander is 4-for-7 in save opportunities and has seen his job security decline significantly after beginning the campaign as one of the top closers in MLB with 58 saves and a 2.27 ERA in the previous two seasons.

The Pirates recalled Nicolas from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Nicolas ended the 2023 season as part of the Pirates' bullpen. He struggled in his four outings, giving up seven runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out seven over 5.1 frames. Nicolas has looked better in Triple-A this season, posting a 0.84 ERA and 2.06 WHIP over 10.2 innings, and he'll get another shot in the majors. The move corresponds with Ryder Ryan being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

The Padres recalled Estrada from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Estrada was sent down to Triple-A following the two-game Korea Series against the Dodgers. He's appeared in eight games with El Paso, registering a 2.08 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 20:3 K:BB and three saves over 8.2 frames, and the right-hander is set to bolster the Padres' bullpen. Estrada's move to the majors corresponds with right-hander Randy Vasquez being optioned to Triple-A El Paso.

The Marlins recalled Maldonado from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Maldonado will make his major-league debut Friday as the opener against the Nationals. The 26-year-old has a 2.31 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB over 11.2 innings with Jacksonville this season.

Maldonado will be recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville to serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher for Friday's game against the Nationals.

Maldonado will be making his major-league debut after posting a 2.31 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB over 11.2 innings with Jacksonville this season. Since Maldonado hasn't covered more than two innings in any of his eight appearances this season, he's unlikely to stay in the game long. Kyle Tyler could be a candidate for the bulk role behind Maldonado.