MLB Player News

Latz is starting for the Rangers against the Phillies on Saturday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Jacob deGrom was initially slated to take the mound Saturday, but the veteran right-hander was scratched due to neck stiffness. Latz was unsuccessful in earning a spot in the Rangers' rotation this spring, but the 29-year-old will open things up in deGrom's absence. Latz started in eight regular-season games for the Rangers in 2025 and posted a 2.72 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 39.2 innings.

Walker allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one across one-third of an inning in Friday's 3-0 loss to the Yankees.

Walker entered in the eighth inning and struck out Aaron Judge, walked Cody Bellinger and gave up a single to Giancarlo Stanton before being pulled for left-hander Ryan Borucki. According to Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle, Walker is a candidate to pitch high-leverage innings this season along with Matt Gage, Erik Miller and Jose Butto, all of whom made appearances Friday. Over 68 regular-season outings in 2025, Walker posted a 4.11 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 60:18 K:BB across 61.1 innings. He began last season as the Giants' closer before losing the role to Camilo Doval. However, Walker later regained closing duties after Doval was traded and Randy Rodriguez suffered an elbow injury in late August that ultimately led to Tommy John surgery in September.

Gage allowed one walk in a scoreless inning during Friday's 3-0 loss to the Yankees.

Gage entered in the ninth inning and threw eight of his 14 pitches for strikes. According to Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle, the left-hander is a candidate to pitch high-leverage innings this season along with Ryan Walker, Erik Miller and Jose Butto, all of whom made appearances Friday. Gage appeared in 27 regular-season games for San Francisco last season, recording a 3.91 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 24:10 K:BB across 25.1 innings.

The White Sox optioned Gilbert to Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.

The move corresponds with the addition of left-hander Bryan Hudson, whom the White Sox claimed off waivers from the Mets on Friday. Gilbert struggled against the Brewers on Opening Day on Thursday, when he allowed two runs on two hits and one walk across one inning of work. He'll get more reps in Triple-A and could return to the majors later this season when the White Sox require additional depth out of the bullpen.

Nardi gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless two-thirds of an inning to record his first hold of the season in Friday's win over the Rockies.

Entering the game to begin the eighth inning and tasked with protecting a 2-1 lead, Nardi gave up a single to Kyle Karros but fanned Braxton Fulford and Ryan Ritter before ceding the mound to Anthony Bender. It was Nardi's first big-league game action since August 2024, as back trouble cost him all of 2025, but it looks like the 27-year-old will be the top left-handed setup option in the Marlins' bullpen to kick off the current campaign.

Kahnle remained in Florida to build up for the regular season in a more controlled environment, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Kahnle was a late addition to Boston's training camp, signing just seven days before the regular-season opener, and failed to secure a roster spot before the Red Sox headed north. He will eventually go to Triple-A Worcester, but he is listed as on the "development list," meaning he's not yet on the WooSox's active roster. Kahnle is locked into his deal through at least May 1, when an upward-mobility clause kicks in that allows him to pursue other opportunities. If he pitches well at Triple-A, Kahnle is expected to be part of Boston's bullpen before then.

Romano struck out two in a perfect ninth inning during Friday's 6-2 win over the Astros.

While it wasn't a save situation, Romano was nearly back in the form he displayed as the Blue Jays' closer a few years ago, topping out at 95.7 mph with his fastball and fanning Joey Loperfido and Yordan Alvarez to secure the win. The right-hander has worked back-to-back days to begin the season, posting a 3:1 K:BB over two scoreless frames with one save, and he appears to be the clear top high-leverage option for manager Kurt Suzuki, at least until Kirby Yates (knee) is healthy. Romano likely won't be available Saturday if the Angels have another late lead to protect, however.

Loaisiga struck out one over 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Loaisiga retired all four batters faced in his Arizona debut. He finished out the fifth inning by striking out Kyle Tucker and induced an infield pop out and two groundouts in a 1-2-3 sixth. There's room to move in a bullpen that doesn't have a set closer, and Loaisiga could emerge as a late-inning option.

Ragans (0-1) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on six hits -- including three home runs -- and four walks over four innings as the Royals were downed 6-0 by Atlanta. He struck out five.

It was a rough beginning to 2026 for the southpaw, as Ragans got taken deep by Ozzie Albies, Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris before getting the hook after 90 pitches (52 strikes). Ragans' first priority this season is just to stay healthy after he managed only 13 starts last season, and on that front his workload was encouraging, even if his command and control aren't yet in peak form. Ragans will look to bounce back in his next start, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Twins.

Finnegan worked around a walk to toss a scoreless inning of relief and earn a hold in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres. He struck out two.

Finnegan followed starter Framber Valdez, who covered six innings, and reliever Enmanuel De Jesus, who worked the seventh. While Finnegan labored a bit, needing 20 pitches to get out of the eighth, he still managed his first hold of the season in front of new closer Kenley Jansen. Finnegan recorded 24 total regular-season saves pitching for the Nationals and Tigers last year, but it looks like he'll be in a traditional setup role this season now that the veteran Jansen is around.