MLB Player News

Diaz attributes his early-season velocity drop to his mechanics being a little off after he missed the entire 2023 season with a knee injury, Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic report.

The right-hander has averaged 96.6 mph with his four-seam fastball through his first seven appearances this season, down from the 99.1 mph he averaged in 2022 and even the 98.1 mph he averaged in April 2022. Diaz indicated Monday that he was pulling a bit to the first-base side with his delivery, something that seems like he should be able to correct fairly quickly. The velocity drop hasn't impacted his performance, as Diaz has converted all four of his save chances with an impressive 1.29 ERA, 0.57 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB through seven innings.

The Royals returned Veneziano to Triple-A Omaha following Wednesday's doubleheader with the White Sox.

Veneziano wasn't needed out of the bullpen for either game of the twin bill and is still waiting to make his 2024 MLB debut. The 26-year-old lefty has made four appearances (two starts) for Omaha this season, logging a 3.27 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB in 11 innings.

The Rangers transferred Burke (hand) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Jack Leiter, who was called up from Triple-A Round Rock to start Thursday's game against the Tigers. Burke's timetable for a return won't be affected by the move to the 60-day IL, as he was already expected to be sidelined for extended period after fracturing his right (non-throwing) hand last week.

The Rangers optioned Anderson to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Anderson has permitted four runs over two innings covering his three relief appearances this season. He's clearing out to make room on the 26-man active roster for right-hander Jack Leiter, who was called up from Triple-A to start Thursday's game against the Tigers.

Swanson (0-1) took the loss Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing three runs on three hits in one-third of an inning.

Jordan Romano had pitched Tuesday, Yimi Garcia had worked three of the past four days and Chad Green was unavailable due to shoulder soreness, so Swanson was brought in to protect a two-run lead in the ninth in his 2024 debut. The right-hander gave up a leadoff homer to Giancarlo Stanton followed by two more hits. Swanson would coax a groundout from Oswaldo Cabrera before he was replaced by Tim Mayza, who allowed both inherited runners to score. Swanson pitched to a 2.97 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 75:12 K:BB across 66.2 innings last season, and while the Blue Jays likely would have preferred not to thrust him into a high-leverage spot so soon after his return from a forearm issue, he would have been in the late-inning mix eventually.

Tampa Bay recalled Lopez from Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Lopez has been starting at Durham, posting a 7.59 ERA and 9:2 K:BB over 10.2 innings. The Rays need him for relief help, though, as the left-hander will offer them some potential length in the bullpen for Thursday's series finale versus the Angels.

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

Tampa Bay will swap Kelly out of its bullpen for a left-handed option, as Jacob Lopez was called up from Durham in a corresponding move. Kelly has made four appearances for the Rays this season, giving up four earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four over 4.2 innings.

Iglesias walked one in a scoreless 10th inning Wednesday to record his fifth save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Astros.

After Atlanta grabbed the lead in the top of the 10th, Iglesias walked Kyle Tucker on five pitches to lead off the bottom of the frame and set up a double play, and the right-hander got one from Jeremy Pena to end the game. Iglesias is still looking for his peak velocity -- he topped out at 94.6 mph with his sinker Wednesday, below last season's 95.0 mph average -- and he has just a 3:1 K:BB through his first 6.1 innings. However, the 34-year-old is 5-for-5 in converting save chances and sports a 2.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. His job as Atlanta's closer remains secure.

Robertson gave up a run on two hits and a walk over 1.1 innings Wednesday, getting charged with his second blown save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Tigers. He struck out one.

The veteran right-hander entered the game with one on and one out in the seventh inning to protect a 4-3 lead, and while he escaped that small jam, Robertson couldn't stop Detroit from tying things up in the bottom of the eighth. It's only the second run he's allowed this season, and the 39-year-old has been busy to begin the year, posting a 1.69 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB through 10.2 innings. Despite those strong ratios, he's 0-for-2 in converting save chances while adding a win and six holds in his 10 appearances, while Kirby Yates seems to be strengthening his grip on the closer role for Texas.

Yates (2-0) picked up the win in Wednesday's 5-4 victory over the Tigers. He walked one and struck out four over 1.1 scoreless innings.

The Rangers had a 4-1 lead entering the bottom of the sixth inning but allowed Detroit to score single runs in the next three frames to tie the game. Yates entered to get the final out of the eighth inning and was the pitcher of record when Josh Smith doubled in the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth. Yates, who has not allowed a run over 7.1 innings, has become the closer following the removal of Jose Leclerc from that role.