MLB Player News

Alexander came away with a no-decision Friday in a 5-3 loss to the Yankees, scattering two hits and a walk over 5.1 scoreless innings while striking out four.

The left-hander didn't allow a Yankee to get past second base and left the game with a 1-0 lead, but the Rays' struggling bullpen made a mess once again. Alexander tossed 52 of 79 pitches for strikes, and after two straight strong performances, he appears to be locking down a regular turn in the Tampa Bay rotation either as a traditional starter or a bulk reliever -- he's made two appearances this season in each role so far. Alexander will take a 4.79 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB through 20.2 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home next week against the Tigers.

Thompson tossed two scoreless innings of relief with four strikeouts in Friday's 8-3 win over the Marlins.

Thompson allowed just a lone walk over his two strong frames Friday, and he kept his season ERA at a perfect 0.00 across six innings. This level of play is of course unsustainable, though the righty could be emerging as a key multi-inning option for the Cubs. Thompson doesn't seem to be in the mix to start anytime soon, however, and his fantasy value will remain limited in a long-relief role.

The Rays optioned Lopez to Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Lopez threw a scoreless inning during his first MLB appearance of the season Friday, but he'll now return to the minors just two days after being recalled from Triple-A. Erasmo Ramirez was selected from Durham to take Lopez's spot in the Rays' bullpen.

Hader gave up a run on two hits and a walk in the ninth inning Friday, recording his second save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Nationals. He struck out two.

It was another bumpy outing for the left-hander, but after CJ Abrams came around to score following a leadoff triple, Hader was able to strike out Joey Meneses and Nick Senzel with runners on first and second to end the threat. Hader's been tagged for runs in five of his 11 appearances to begin the season, and his control and command both seem to be lacking so far. He carries an 8.38 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB through 9.2 innings, but the strikeouts at least are a sign that he should turn things around.

Chafin (2-0) tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Friday against the Twins.

Chafin continued his strong play to start the season, lowering his ERA to 2.08, and he now has two early wins as well. The lefty struggled to a 4.73 ERA last year with Arizona and Milwaukee, but he was strong for the Tigers back in 2022, posting a 2.83 ERA and 67 strikeouts across 57.1 innings. It looks like he may be back to that form in his second stint in Detroit.

White walked one and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings in Friday's 8-3 loss to Atlanta.

White was called up Friday to a staff in need of arms and was needed immediately. The minor-league starter will throw out of the bullpen for now.

Pressly allowed one hit and struck out one across a scoreless inning to earn a hold Friday against the Nationals.

Pressly had significant struggles to begin the season, allowing six earned runs across his first 2.2 innings. While his ratios are still bloated, he's since allowed only one earned run across his last five frames while maintaining a 7:3 K:BB in that span. Josh Hader converted the save in Friday's win, though he has allowed at least one earned in five of his 11 appearances to this point.

Borucki (triceps) felt soreness after playing catch last week but hopes to resume throwing in the next few days, MLB.com reports.

Borucki was placed on the injured list April 7 and was not shut down for long. However, he remains without a timeline to return, and it's unclear whether he may need a rehab assignment before being activated from the injured list.

Milner walked one and struck out two batters in one inning Friday. He earned a save against the Cardinals.

Milner took the mound with a 2-1 lead in the 10th inning and finished off the contest despite having runners at first and third. It was the 33-year-old's first career MLB save. He's produced a 7:3 K:BB with a 4.15 ERA through 8.2 innings this season. Milner still appears to be outside the Brewers' main closer committee at this time.

Payamps (1-1) recorded one out and walked one batter Friday. He earned a win over the Cardinals after blowing a save chance.

Payamps entered the ninth inning with two runners on in a 1-0 game. After plunking Ivan Herrera to load the bases, he walked Brendan Donovan to let the tying run score. The Brewers would go on to win in the 10th inning, giving Payamps his first win of 2024. He's sporting a 4.70 ERA with a 6:1 K:BB through 7.2 innings.