MLB Player News

Scott (0-2) took the loss Monday against the Angels, giving up a run on three walks in one inning without striking out a batter.

The control issues that beset Scott during spring training haven't gone away to begin the regular season. The southpaw entered a 4-4 tie in the top of the eighth inning and immediately walked the first three batters he faced, tossing only 14 of 27 pitches for strikes. Through his first three appearances of 2024, Scott has stumbled to a 5:6 K:BB in 3.0 innings -- when the 0-5 Marlins eventually do start building late leads to protect, he may have a very short leash as the closer. Anthony Bender, who has a 5:1 K:BB through his first 2.2 innings this season, might be the top candidate to replace him in the ninth inning at the moment given Andrew Nardi's early 20.25 ERA.

Diaz (1-1) struck out two over 1.2 hitless and scoreless innings to pick up the win over Philadelphia on Monday.

Diaz entered the eighth inning with one out and two inherited runners on and promptly picked off the lead runner. He went one to retire all four batters faced before Spencer Steer won it with a grand slam in the 10th inning. It was a nice bounce-back performance by Diaz, who blew a save his first time out. He only threw 14 pitches to get those five outs and presumably would be ready for a save opportunity Tuesday.

Nelson allowed one hit and struck out one over two scoreless innings in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Yankees.

Arizona starter Ryne Nelson was chased after five runs allowed in 2.2 innings, and the Diamondbacks got stellar relief beginning with Kyle Nelson's two frames. The lefty reliever has thrown four scoreless innings to open the season.

Manaea yielded a hit and two walks over six shutout frames but did not factor into the decision Monday. He struck out eight during the Mets' loss to the Tigers.

Manaea was dominant Monday, retiring the first 12 batters he faced. The Mets offense couldn't get anything going, preventing the veteran southpaw from picking up a win in his team debut. Manaea threw 55 of 88 pitches for strikes and forced 13 whiffs on 41 swings. He's currently lined up to start in Cincinnati this weekend.

Diaz struck out two in a perfect ninth inning during the Mets' loss to Detroit on Monday.

Diaz kept the game tied in the ninth inning to force the game into the 10th but the Mets ultimately fell to 0-4. The star closer has yet to see a save attempt in 2024 but he's fanned three batters in two scoreless frames. He's locked into his closing role with the Mets and should begin to see the save chances rolling in soon.

Chapman picked up the save Monday against Washington. He pitched one-third of an inning with no strikeouts.

Chapman entered the ninth inning with two outs and runners on first and second after Ryder Ryan already allowed a run in the inning. The veteran lefty induced a flyball from Lane Thomas to secure the Pirates' fifth straight win and his first save in black and gold. Chapman is the fourth different Pittsburgh reliever to collect a save this season, but the closer's job still belongs to David Bednar currently.

Graterol (shoulder) will throw off a mound Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Graterol continues to make progress in his recovery from right shoulder inflammation, and he's in line to take another important step Tuesday. The team will likely re-evaluate the right-hander Wednesday to ensure he bounces back from his throwing session before determining his next hurdle.

Weems wasn't available to pitch Monday due to illness, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Weems tossed a scoreless frame Saturday against the Reds but was unavailable in a close ballgame Monday afternoon. He'll be considered day-to-day until further notice. Matt Barnes and Robert Garcia were turned to in a high-leverage situation Monday and could continue to see chances until Weems is back at full strength.

Imanaga (1-0) tossed six scoreless innings to earn the win Monday against the Rockies. He allowed two hits and struck out nine.

Making his first regular-season start in the majors, Imanaga looked right at home as he cruised through the Colorado lineup on 92 pitches and didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning. The lefty, who came over from Japan in the offseason on a four-year, $53 million deal, could be relied on even more heavily in the early going with Justin Steele (hamstring) likely out until May. The early indication is that Imanaga is up to the task and could be a strong fantasy asset. He'll look to build on his promising debut in his next start, which is tentatively set for Sunday against the Dodgers, a decidedly tougher opponent.

O'Brien (forearm) underwent an MRI on his right flexor tendon Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

O'Brien does not have any structural damage in his right forearm according to manager Oliver Marmol, though he will be shut down for a time being before returning to throwing down the road. The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday, but it sounds like he'll likely miss more than the minimum time. For the time being, southpaw John King was called up Sunday to replace O'Brien in the Cardinals' bullpen.