MLB Player News

Garcia allowed two hits over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn a save in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Rangers. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Garcia had allowed a run in each of his last three appearances entering Sunday. He flirted with danger, allowing a hit after relieving Jose Soriano in the eighth inning and another knock in the ninth, which he erased with a double play. Garcia likely got the save chance Sunday because regular closer Carlos Estevez pitched two innings in Saturday's 13-inning loss. Garcia has two saves and five holds to go with a 5.03 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 19:6 K:BB over 19.2 innings this season.

Bednar walked one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Cubs.

Bednar took the loss in Saturday's game versus the Cubs, but he bounced back with a scoreless inning for his 10th save of the season. The right-hander has given up three runs on seven hits and three walks over 8.1 innings in May, but he also has five saves in nine appearances this month. Overall, he's at a 7.85 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB through 18.1 innings, though he's settled down after a brutal April.

Liberatore (1-2) suffered the loss Sunday against the Red Sox, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over three innings. He struck out three.

Liberatore struggled through three-plus innings Sunday, allowing a first inning solo homer to former teammate Tyler O'Neill. Liberatore started the fourth with the game still at 2-0 , but he was pulled after allowing a run-scoring double to Romy Gonzalez, who later scored to add a fourth run to Liberatore's line. The 24-year-old lefty has struggled over his last four appearances, including three starts, allowing 11 runs over 10.1 innings. With the return of Steven Matz looming, Liberatore's stay in the Cardinals' rotation appears to be coming to an end.

Leone (back) appears set to be activated from the 15-day injured list Monday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Leone has been on the shelf since May 6 with lower-back tightness, but he looks primed to be back in Chicago's bullpen after the minimum 15-day stay on the injured list. Right-hander Brad Keller was designated for assignment Sunday, opening a spot on the major-league roster for Leone once he's activated.

Pagan (undisclosed) was removed from his appearance in the ninth inning versus the Dodgers on Sunday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Pagan entered the game with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, ultimately escaping the frame when Teoscar Hernandez was caught stealing second. The right-hander returned for the bottom of the ninth, recording two outs before being removed with an apparent injury. More information on his status will likely be provided following Sunday's contest.

Garrett cleared outright waivers Sunday and elected free agency.

The veteran left-hander was designated for assignment by the Angels on Wednesday, and he'll head to the open market rather than report to Triple-A Salt Lake. Garrett made just six appearances for the Halos and gave up three earned runs with an 11:5 K:BB over 5.1 innings.

The Rockies selected Koch's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette reports.

The right-hander missed Colorado's Opening Day roster but will join the big-league club after making 18 appearances for Albuquerque. Koch has posted a 2.53 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB across 21.1 innings in the minors this season.

Bird was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with right elbow inflammation, Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette reports.

It's unclear when the injury first surfaced for Bird, but he struggled in his past three outings with six walks and four runs allowed. The 28-year-old will be eligible to return in early June, but a longer absence wouldn't be surprising given it's an elbow injury.

Garrett will likely be in the mix for save chances going forward after manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that closer Edwin Diaz will shift to a "fluid" role, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

It's not a full demotion, but Diaz is now slated for lower-leverage work to help get his confidence back after giving up seven runs in his past three outings. Garrett entered 2024 with a 7.11 ERA in 31 career appearances in the big leagues, but he's turned into a major bullpen piece for the Mets with a 0.78 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 37:11 K:BB in 23 innings. Adam Ottavino should also be an option for saves until Diaz is back on track.

Ottavino should be in the mix for save opportunities going forward after manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that closer Edwin Diaz will shift to a "fluid" role, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

Diaz had a strong start to the season after missing all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon, but his confidence is off after a period where he's given up seven runs in his past three outings. Ottavino has a 2.95 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB across 18.1 innings this season and has recorded eight holds and a save in a setup role. Reed Garrett should also be in the mix for the ninth inning until Diaz rediscovers his form.