MLB Player News

Bednar tossed one clean inning, striking out one during Sunday's 6-1 loss to the Red Sox.

While the Pirates were down five heading into the ninth, the much-needed nondescript outing was noteworthy for Bednar who had allowed nine runs over his first six innings of the season including seven runs over the last two innings coming into Sunday's action. Bednar's hold on the closer's job in PIttsburgh remains strong as Sunday's outing will hopefully serve to get him back on the right track.

The Angels transferred Stephenson (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Sunday.

It was recently announced Stephenson would undergo season-ending surgery on his right elbow, so it was only a matter of time before he moved to the 60-day IL. The 31-year-old joined the Angels on a three-year, $33 million contract in January but came into spring training injured and has yet to pitch for his new team.

Raley was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with left elbow inflammation, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

It's unclear when Raley suffered the injury, but he last pitched Friday and delivered a scoreless two-thirds of an inning. The left-hander landed on the shelf with a similar injury last April and missed just the minimum 15 days, though it's unclear how long he's expected to be out this time around.

Leiter should be one of the Cubs' top options for saves after manager Craig Counsell indicated Sunday that Adbert Alzolay isn't currently considered the club's closer, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Alzolay blew his fourth save of the season in Saturday's doubleheader against Miami, and Counsell has apparently seen enough. Leiter has collected a hold in four straight appearances and has given up just two unearned runs across 10.2 innings this season. Hector Neris earned the save in Game 2 on Saturday and is likely the top candidate for saves, but Counsell hasn't officially named a new closer.

Neris should be one of the top options for saves after manager Craig Counsell indicated Sunday that Adbert Alzolay isn't currently considered the closer, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Neris picked up his first save of the year in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader after Alzolay blew his fourth save. Counsell didn't name a replacement, but Neris is the obvious candidate given his usage Saturday and his experience as a high-leverage arm. Mark Leiter should also be in the mix.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated Sunday that Alzolay isn't currently the club's closer, and the skipper said he'll treat the role as a "day-to-day thing," Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The right-hander blew his second straight save, and fourth of the season, during Saturday's doubleheader, so it appears he'll get a break from the ninth inning. Alzolay has a 4.50 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 9:4 K:BB across 10 innings and is now set to fill a lower-leverage role, at least temporarily. Hector Neris and Mark Leiter are now the top candidates for the ninth inning, though Counsell didn't indicate if he'll go with one reliever or utilize a committee approach.

Hernandez (shoulder) is expected to begin a rehab assignment later this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez has been throwing since mid-March and is now nearly ready for game action. Given how long he's been out, he'll likely need a handful of rehab outings to get up to speed. Hernandez figures to enter the high-leverage mix fairly quickly once he's healthy, as the Royals' top late-inning options have ranged from fine (James McArthur, John Schreiber) to awful (Will Smith) early in the season.

Brentz (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.

Brentz has missed over a month with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, which follows Tommy John surgery in 2022 and a lat strain in 2023. Given the long layoff, the Royals are likely to ease Brentz back into action, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Pitchers can spend 30 days on a rehab assignment, so it's unlikely he's back in the majors until mid-May at the earliest.

The Diamondbacks optioned Martinez to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Martinez was called up by Arizona on Wednesday. He appeared in two games for the Diamondbacks, allowing four walks but no hits or runs while striking out two over three frames. The move corresponds with Arizona recalling right-hander Slade Cecconi from Triple-A Reno.

Gaddis walked one and struck out two in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn his fifth hold of the season Saturday versus the Athletics.

Gaddis had struggled primarily as a starter over parts of the last two seasons, but he's thriving as a reliever so far. He's got a 15:3 K:BB while allowing just four hits and no runs over 10.2 innings to begin the campaign. Gaddis was expected to be more of a middle reliever initially, but he's looking more like a setup man after his hot start, which is especially impressive considering how strong the Guardians' bullpen has been. Gaddis has also been able to unlock more velocity in shorter outings -- per Statcast, his fastball is averaging 96.3 mph this year after sitting at 93.4 mph over the previous two years. He's also tightened his pitch arsenal, dropping his curveball and cutter while using his slider and changeup as his offspeed offerings.