MLB Player News

Miller notched a save against the Yankees on Thursday, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed one hit and struck out three batters.

Miller continues to flourish in the closer role -- he's a perfect six-for-six in save opportunities so far and hasn't given up a run since his first outing of the campaign. The right-hander's heater is also paying off with big strikeout numbers, as he's racked up an impressive 23 punchouts over 11.1 frames. Despite the fact that Miller plays for one of the league's worst teams, he's quickly evolving into one of fantasy's most desirable closers.

Phillips earned a save against the Nationals on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning of work.

Phillips didn't have any trouble protecting Los Angeles' one-run, ninth-inning lead, striking out the first two batters he faced before inducing a game-ending groundout. The right-hander has yielded just one earned run over 10.2 innings on the season, giving him a minuscule 0.84 ERA. Phillips has converted all seven of his save chances as he continues to build his case as one of the league's most reliable closers.

Munoz pitched a perfect ninth inning Thursday against the Rangers to earn a save.

Munoz picked up his first save since April 6, making quick work of Wyatt Langford, Travis Jankowski and Jonah Heim to close out the Mariners' win. He's now 3-for-4 in save chances this season, and Thursday's outing could give him more leeway with Ryne Stanek breathing down his back for save chances.

Lawrence earned a save against the Padres on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

Lawrence notched his first save of the season Tuesday in his ninth appearance of the campaign, and it didn't take him long to build upon that with another save two days later. After giving up five runs (four earned) in his second outing of the season April 5, the right-hander has yielded just two earned runs over eight outings covering 8.1 frames since. Given that he's logged back-to-back saves for Colorado and has two of the three saves overall on the campaign for the club, Lawrence appears to be strengthening his hold on the team's primary closer role.

Stewart allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two over a scoreless inning to earn a hold in Thursday's 6-3 victory over the White Sox.

The right-hander has thrown 11.1 scoreless innings to begin the season with a 15:6 K:BB ratio. He hasn't finished any games or had any save chances with Jhoan Duran (oblique) sidelined, as Stewart has been used primarily in the eighth inning. However, he's amassed six holds.

Neris picked up the save Thursday against Houston, allowing two walks and no hits over a scoreless inning. He didn't log a strikeout.

Neris converted on his third save of the last five days and appears to have a decent hold on the Cubs' closing job, replacing Adbert Alzolay. However, Neris's walk issues persisted Thursday, handing out two free passes to bring his season total to nine in nine innings. His lack of control has been uncharacteristic, as Neris combined for just 48 walks in 141 appearances during his previous two seasons with the Astros.

Gaddis (1-0) earned the win, allowing a hit in two-thirds of an inning without being charged with a run Thursday versus the Red Sox. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Gaddis allowed an inherited runner to score, which cut the Guardians' lead to 5-4 at the time. He was able to escape the jam, and he was ultimately credited with the win despite being the third reliever to pitch after starter Triston McKenzie. Gaddis has not been charged with a run over 12.1 innings this season, adding a 16:3 K:BB and six holds across 13 appearances. The right-hander's strong start to the campaign has earned him a setup role, though Thursday's outing shows that he's trusted to work in any high-leverage situation.

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

Morris was called up to the majors Saturday but did not make an appearance. He'll head back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he's allowed six earned runs and maintained a 9:6 K:BB across eight innings early on in the campaign.

Ryan was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Ryan has had success in the majors this season, maintaining a 3.00 ERA with a 13:5 K:BB across 12 innings. He threw 1.2 scoreless frames Thursday against the Brewers, so this move is likely just a roster shuffle to get a fresh arm in the Pirates' bullpen in the short term. No corresponding move was announced.

Sborz threw a scoreless ninth inning in Thursday's 4-3 loss to Seattle.

Sborz, who was activated off the injured list Thursday, retired the side in order, needing just nine pitches. He was placed on the IL due to a shoulder injury April 7 after just three appearances. The back end of the bullpen has changed since then -- Kirby Yates replaced Jose Leclerc as the closer -- but Sborz should remain part of the setup group.