MLB Player News

Sands struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Red Sox.

Jhoan Duran surprisingly worked the eighth and got the hold against the heart of Boston's order, leaving Sands to face the 7-8-9 hitters. With Brock Stewart (shoulder) on the shelf, Sands could be moving up in the bullpen pecking order for the Twins, but Griffin Jax and Caleb Thielbar had also both pitched Friday and were likely only available in an emergency. Sands has pitched well enough to earn a high-leverage role, posting a 2.93 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 22:2 K:BB through 15.1 innings.

Duran gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning Saturday to record his first hold of the season in a 3-1 win over the Red Sox.

The right-hander got the call to face the heart of Boston's order in the eighth rather than being held back for the save chance, and he got the job done without issue. Cole Sands then worked the ninth inning for the save. Duran had only one hold last season along with his 27 saves, and Twins manager Rocco Baldelli typically favors set roles in his bullpen over playing matchups in high-leverage spots, so there's no reason yet to assume this is a sign Duran will see less ninth-inning work than expected. He's appeared in three games since making his season debut Tuesday, posting a 5:0 K:BB over three scoreless frames and collecting saves in the other two contests.

Cano allowed one walk but retired the final two batters of Saturday's game against the Reds to earn his first save of the season.

Craig Kimbrel was pulled from the game after allowing two hits and a walk in the bottom of the ninth. Cano entered and walked the first batter he faced to load the bases, but the 30-year-old ultimately worked his way out of it with a strikeout and a flyout. Kimbrel earned the save in Friday's game but had back-to-back blown saves to end April and has been nursing a back issue recently. If Kimbrel needs some time to get right, Cano would presumably step into the closer's role after he recorded eight saves and 31 holds a season ago.

Holmes gave up a hit and struck out two in 1.1 scoreless innings Saturday to record his 11th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Tigers.

The right-hander is tied with the Cardinals' Ryan Helsley for the league lead in saves. Holmes kept his ERA a pristine 0.00 with Saturday's performance, although he did give up three unearned runs in his one blown save, and through 15 innings he's delivered a 0.92 WHIP and 18:1 K:BB.

Kimbrel was pulled from a save situation in the ninth inning of Saturday's game against the Reds. He allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one batter in one-third of an inning.

The Cincinnati offense had been quiet all night until Kimbrel gave the home team some life in the bottom of the ninth. He allowed three of the four batters he faced to reach base, prompting the hook from manager Brandon Hyde. Yennier Cano took over and closed the door to earn his first save of the season. Kimbrel earned the save Friday in his return following a brief absence due to back tightness, but he had squandered back-to-back save chances before that and Saturday's slip-up puts him on notice with a high-end arm in Cano representing a viable alternative to Kimbrel in the ninth.

Liberatore will start Sunday's game against the White Sox, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

All 12 of Liberatore's appearances this season have come in relief, so while he did throw three innings in an April 28 appearance, the Cardinals are most likely treating Sunday's contest as a bullpen day. However, it's possible Liberatore could fill a more traditional starting role moving forward if he pitches well Sunday, as the Cardinals have an opening while Steven Matz (back) is on the 15-day injured list.

Leone was removed from Saturday's game against the Cardinals due to lower-back tightness, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Leone entered the game in the eighth inning and was only able to face one batter -- a five-pitch walk to Nolan Arenado -- before coming out of the game. The team officially labeled Leone as day-to-day, so his injury doesn't seem to be too severe, but the 32-year-old righty may take a few days off before pitching again.

The Marlins optioned Go to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday.

Go was part of the Padres' trade package to acquire Luis Arraez on Friday. Before the trade, Go was demoted to Double-A San Antonio, where he has posted a 4.38 ERA and 1.49 WHIP over 12.1 frames. He'll start his career in the Marlins' system with Triple-A Jacksonville and look to work his way to the big club.

The Mets optioned Nunez to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Nunez appeared in three games with the Mets after being called up April 27. Over that span, he allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out seven over 4.1 innings. Nunez will join Danny Young in being sent down to Triple-A Syracuse, while Christian Scott and Cole Sulser head to the big club.

The Mets optioned Young to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Young was called up by the Mets on April 28. He appeared in two games, including May 2 against the Cubs when he earned his first major-league win after allowing one unearned run on two hits and a walk while striking out one batter over one frame. Young and right-hander Dedniel Nunez will head down to Triple-A Syracuse, while right-handers Christian Scott and Cole Sulser move up to the big club in corresponding moves.