MLB Player News

Gilbert (knee) has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Gilbert began the season on the injured list with left knee bursitis but is ready to pitch in games again. He is eligible for activation April 11 and should be ready to serve in a long relief role at that time, barring setbacks.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Monday that he's hopeful Suarez's (shoulder) stint on the 15-day injured list won't be long, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Hyde revealed that Suarez first began experiencing right shoulder discomfort toward the end of spring training and was having trouble getting loose, necessitating placement on the IL Sunday. Suarez is receiving treatment and it sounds like he could be back when first eligible or close to it.

Bender (1-0) walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday to secure the win in a 3-2 victory over the Pirates.

The right-hander entered the game with the score tied 2-2, putting him in the right place at the right time when a David Bednar wild pitch brought home Derek Hill in the bottom of the frame. Calvin Faucher worked the eighth and is still the presumed favorite for saves, but Miami hasn't actually had a ninth-inning lead to protect yet this season -- all three of their wins have been walkoffs. With Jesus Tinoco (back) on the shelf until at least mid-April, there should at least be more high-leverage work available for Bender after he recorded five wins and 15 holds, both career highs, in 2024.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said the team is hoping to get 80 pitches out of Rodriguez during Monday's start against the Royals, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez got stretched out to 3.2 innings and 62 pitches during spring training and did not make an appearance during the Brewers' season-opening series against the Yankees, so around 80 pitches would seem to be attainable. He could be needed for additional starts as Milwaukee navigates a multitude of pitching injuries.

The Brewers recalled Anderson from Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

The Brewers are deploying Elvin Rodriguez as an opening pitcher in Monday's game against the Royals and aren't counting on him working deep into the contest, so Anderson will provide an extra option out of a bullpen that was worked heavily in the three-game series with the Yankees over the weekend. With the Rangers a season ago, Anderson made 23 appearances and turned in an 8.10 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 26.2 innings.

The Twins designated Dobnak for assignment Monday, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Dobnak tossed a bullpen-saving 5.1 innings of one-run ball in relief of an ineffective Bailey Ober in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals. His reward is an exit from the 26-man active roster and 40-man roster in favor of a fresh arm in Darren McCaughan, who was called up from Triple-A St. Paul.

Reds manager Terry Francona indicated recently that he prefers to use Santillan "when we need to put the fire out" earlier in games, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Santillan pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Opening Day versus the Giants and a scoreless seventh inning Saturday, protecting a one-run lead on both occasions. While the 27-year-old looks to be Francona's most trusted reliever right now, Santillan looks like a better bet for holds than saves. Emilio Pagan appears to be the top closer option while Alexis Diaz (hamstring) is shelved.

Pagan was warming up in the bullpen in the bottom of the eighth inning of Sunday's loss to the Giants and appeared poised for a save chance had the Reds taken the lead, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

The Reds did not take the lead and Pagan did not make an appearance. However, the fact that Pagan recorded a save Saturday and was warming for a potential save Sunday suggests he is currently at the top of the team's closer hierarchy while Alexis Diaz (hamstring) is out. Tony Santillan looks to be manager Terry Francona's most trusted reliever, but Francona prefers to use Santillan "when we need to put the fire out" earlier in games.

Altavilla re-signed Sunday with the White Sox on a minor-league contract.

Chicago granted Altavilla his release last Tuesday after informing him he wouldn't be included on the Opening Day roster, and after briefly exploring his options in free agency, the right-hander ultimately decided to return to the White Sox organization. He reported to Triple-A Charlotte and struck out a batter over 1.2 perfect innings of relief Sunday in the affiliate's 9-6 win over Gwinnett.

Diaz (hamstring) is working with coaches on his mechanics, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Apparently, the hamstring injury impacted the reliever's mechanics, which led to command and control issues. "Stability with his front leg is probably the biggest thing," Cincinnati manager Terry Francona said of Diaz. "Then, incorporating that into his delivery, where that becomes comfortable and almost second nature." It's uncertain when Diaz will be ready to rejoin the team, or if he'll automatically resume his role as the team's closer.