MLB Player News

Duran struck out two batters in a scoreless eighth inning and earned a hold during Monday's win over Seattle.

Duran was called upon to face the Mariners' 9-1-2 hitters in a 3-1 contest. After earning a save in each of his first two appearances of 2024, he's picked up a hold in his last two games. Duran is the primary closing option in Minnesota but it appears there may be more of a committee than expected. Last season, he converted 27 of 32 saves and picked up only one hold.

Alexander did not factor into the decision Friday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over four innings. He struck out seven.

Alexander looked especially sharp Monday night against a weak White Sox team, striking out a season-high seven batters while generating 13 whiffs. The Rays left-hander has pitched to the tune of a 4.96 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 30:10 K:BB over 32.2 innings this season. However, his time in the starting rotation is likely over as Taj Bradley (pectoral) appears on track to return from the injured list this week.

Stratton allowed two walks in a scoreless inning and earned a save over the Brewers on Monday.

Stratton forced a double play after the first walk, so he didn't face a very threatening push from Milwaukee. It was his second save of the year and first since April 6, while it's worth noting that normal closer James MacArthur was likely unavailable after pitching two innings Sunday. Stratton blew his last opportunity when he was slammed for five runs against Detroit on April 27. He is sporting a 5.40 ERA with a shaky 12:12 K:BB through 15 frames.

Wilson allowed a hit and three walks over six shutout frames in a no-decision Monday. He struck out six while the Brewers lost to Kansas City.

Wilson was in line for a win before the Royals plated three runs in the seventh inning right after he left the contest. The lone hit he gave up was a single and Kansas City never posed much of a threat during his outing. He also generated a season-high 11 whiffs. Wilson dropped his ERA to 2.40 with a 27:10 K:BB through 30 innings. As things stand, he currently projects for a home matchup with St. Louis this weekend.

Kelly has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Kelly fought off a groin issue nearly one week ago, but he'll be shut down for at least the next 15 days after picking up a new injury. The club has yet to comment on the length of Kelly's stay on the IL, however, the right-hander "didn't believe it would keep him out too long," per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports. This move clears a roster spot for Walker Buehler, who is making his season debut Monday night against the Marlins.

Waguespack was recalled from Triple-A Durham and placed on the 15-day injured list Monday due to a shoulder injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Topkin notes that the club has elected to promote Waguespack and place him on the IL so that if he were to have a setback and require a longer shutdown period, Tampa Bay could shift him to the 60-day IL to clear up a spot on the 40-man roster. The club has yet to disclose any details on Waguespack's injury.

Wentz tossed two scoreless innings of relief in Monday's 2-1 loss to the Guardians. He allowed one hit and struck out four.

Wentz relieved starter Jack Flaherty and kept Detroit in the game, as the lefty continued his excellent start to the season. He lowered his ERA to 0.68 and now has 18 strikeouts across 13.1 innings. Wentz flopped as a starter last year but has reinvented himself as an effective long reliever. It's not the most fantasy-friendly role, but he could help with ratios, strikeouts and the occasional win in deeper formats.

Spence struck out five over 4.2 innings of relief in Sunday's 12-3 loss to the Marlins, giving up four earned runs on six hits and one walk.

Spence entered the game in the second inning after starter Joe Boyle was blasted for four runs in the opening frame before being pulled from the contest. Oakland placed Boyle on the 15-day injured list Monday with a back issue, so his absence will create an opening in the rotation. Given that he tossed a season-high 72 pitches in long relief Sunday, Spence should be reasonably stretched out for starting duty, though it's unclear if he'll rate as the Athletics' top option to take Boyle's next turn in the rotation, which comes up next weekend in Seattle.

The Brewers transferred Junis (shoulder/head) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

Junis initially went on the IL back in early April with a right shoulder impingement but had a more recent setback when he was struck in the head by a ball during batting practice. As a result of being transferred to the 60-day IL, Junis will be moved off the 40-man roster and won't be eligible for activation until June 2.

The Brewers optioned Junk to Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

Junk was roughed up for five runs on 13 hits and one walk over five relief innings in his three relief appearances with the Brewers. He had been mostly starting at Nashville prior to the promotion and could re-enter the Triple-A club's rotation.