MLB Player News

Kopech earned a save against the Guardians on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over 1.1 innings.

Kopech's save against Tampa Bay on Wednesday was relatively stress-free, as he entered with a three-run lead. That wasn't the case Thursday -- Kopech was asked to put out a fire in the bottom of the eighth frame after Cleveland slugged back-to-back homers to get to within a run. The right-hander retired David Fry in that inning to quell Cleveland's momentum, then worked around a one-out single in the ninth to finish off the save. The White Sox are among the worst teams in the majors this season, so Kopech may not have as many save opportunities as closers on contenders, but he's emerged the Chicago's clear go-to ninth-inning option with a save in consecutive contests.

Hader earned a save against the Yankees on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Hader was called upon with two outs and a runner on first with Houston protecting a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. He got Anthony Rizzo to pop out to end the frame, then completed the save with a scoreless ninth despite allowing a leadoff single. It was just the second time this season Hader was asked to get more than three outs, though he kept his workload relatively light by throwing 14 of his 18 pitches for strikes. The veteran closer's 5.63 ERA so far is well below his career standard, but he has converted four of his five save chances and has 25 punchouts over 16 frames.

Marinaccio was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes/Barre on Thursday.

Marinnacio made eight appearances in the majors since being recalled April 13 and posted a 1.42 ERA and 0.79 WHIP with an 10:5 K:BB across 12.2 innings. Despite being effective, he'll head back to the minors to make room for Nick Burdi (hip).

Sewald earned the save in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Reds, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

After allowing a home run to Tyler Stephenson in his season debut Tuesday, Sewald looked much better in his first save chance Thursday, striking out Will Benson and Stephenson to close out the one-run victory. The 33-year-old Sewald is expected to step back in as Arizona's primary closer after missing the first month of the season with an oblique injury. He recorded 34 saves last year while pitching to a 3.12 ERA in 60.2 innings between Arizona and Seattle.

The Rangers placed Sborz on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right rotator cuff strain.

This marks the second time already this season that Sborz has had to spend time on the injured list due to a strained rotator cuff. His first IL stint lasted roughly two-and-a-half weeks, though it's possible the Rangers bring him back slower this time around to minimize the risk of re-injury. A corresponding move will be made ahead of Friday's game against the Rockies.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Thursday that Liberatore will be available out of the bullpen for the team's series this weekend in Milwaukee, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Liberatore remains a candidate to draw a start early next week, but he will sit with the relievers this weekend in case he's needed. The left-hander allowed one run over 3.2 innings in a spot start versus the White Sox in his last appearance and before that held a 2.76 ERA in 12 relief appearances.

Blach tossed three innings out of the bullpen in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to the Giants, giving up one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out two.

Blach made a five-inning spot start for the Rockies in an April 24 loss to the Padres, but he's since moved into a long-relief role. After tossing four shutout innings behind starter Peter Lambert in a 5-4 loss to the Marlins on May 2, Blach was called upon to cover multiple frames once again Tuesday and pitched effectively.

The Angels recalled Caceres (lat) from Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday and placed him on the 60-day injured list.

Caceres had already been on the 60-day IL at Salt Lake due to a strained right lat, but his move will create room for Niko Goodrum, who was claimed off waivers from the Rays on Thursday. Caceres has yet to make an appearance on the mound this season, and he will likely return to Triple-A once he fully recovers.

The Yankees claimed White off waivers from the Rays on Thursday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

White has had a rough 2024, posting a 17.61 ERA and 10:10 K:BB over 7.2 innings at Triple-A Durham. However, he's shown high-end relief potential before, particularly in 2021 before Tommy John surgery, when he had a 104:15 K:BB in 62.1 innings. White will be assigned to Double-A Somerset.

The Guardians acquired McCaughan from the Marlins in exchange for cash considerations Thursday.

McCaughan had been designated for assignment by the Marlins after giving up eight earned runs over 4.2 relief innings. The 28-year-old is capable of pitching as a starter or reliever and will give Cleveland swingman depth at Triple-A Columbus.