MLB Player News

Romano gave up one run on one hit plus a hit by pitch in the ninth inning Tuesday to record his first save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Yankees.

Making his first appearance of 2024 after beginning the year on the IL due to elbow inflammation, Romano wasn't quite his usual dominant self, but his velocity was fine - he topped out at 97.6 mph with his fastball - and he was able to get the job done. The right-hander has produced 36 saves in each of the last two seasons, and he has a secure hold on the closer role in Toronto.

Estevez gave up two runs on three hits in the ninth inning Tuesday to blow his first save of the season in a 7-6 extra-innings loss to the Rays. He struck out one.

Called upon to protect a 3-1 lead, Estevez got two quick outs before the wheels fell off, with a Jose Caballero triple tying up the game. The Angels then had multiple other chances to put the game away before eventually falling in 13 innings. The runs were the first Estevez has allowed this season, and he's gone 3-for-4 in converting save chances with a 5:0 K:BB over six innings.

Soriano came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 7-6 extra-innings loss to the Rays, allowing one run on one hit and five walks over five innings. He struck out six.

Making his second start of the season, Soriano threw just 48 of 90 pitches for strikes, but he generated 28 called or swinging strikes and the only hit against him was a fourth-inning single. The right-hander was in line to collect his first win of the season, but Carlos Estevez blew the save in the ninth. Soriano has a 12:5 K:BB through nine innings since moving into the rotation, and with Chase Silseth (elbow) not expected back until early May, he'll get at least a couple more turns. Soriano lines up to make his next start this coming weekend in Cincinnati.

Helsley earned another save Tuesday against the Athletics, striking out a batter in a perfect inning of work.

Helsley shut down the A's in the ninth on consecutive nights to pick up his league-leading seventh save of the year. He's been perfect over his last four outings, allowing no hits while boasting a 7:0 K:BB and converting all four of his save chances. After pitching back-to-back nights, it's likely Helsley gets Wednesday off, which could put Andrew Kittredge or Giovanny Gallegos in line for a save chance.

Saucedo got the save Tuesday in a 3-1 win over the Reds after retiring the only batter he faced in the ninth.

Ryne Stanek was brought in to begin the ninth to try and close the game, but two walks and an error loaded the bases for the Reds with two outs and led to Saucedo being called upon to replace him. The 31-year-old was able to get the job done after getting Tyler Stephenson to fly out to center to pick up his second career save. Saucedo has been a strong option out of the bullpen early on, posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB in 6.2 innings, but he will likely be behind Andres Munoz and Stanek for saves most nights.

Adam allowed one unearned run on a walk while also hitting a batter across one inning Tuesday against the Angels.

Adam entered the game in the 11th inning with the game knotted at four. He allowed the first two batters he faced to reach base and ultimately allowed a run to score on a sacrifice fly later in the inning. Though it was a shaky appearance, Adam has had a strong start to the season as Tampa Bay's primary setup man, tallying six holds in his first 10 appearances.

Walker (1-2) allowed three runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss versus the Marlins on Tuesday.

Walker got into trouble in the sixth inning and was unable to complete the frame. Taylor Rogers got the last out, but the Giants didn't recover from the damage. Walker had allowed just two runs over his first 9.1 innings of the season before Tuesday's sloppy outing. He's at a 4.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB through 10 innings while adding one hold over 10 appearances. Walker is a bit buried on the leverage ladder, so it's unlikely he'll be able to consistently rack up saves or holds.

Smith struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning Tuesday against Pittsburgh to collect his first save of the season.

Smith threw 10 of his 12 pitches for strikes during the final frame, striking out Rowdy Tellez and Henry Davis in the process. He now owns an impressive 1.08 ERA through 8.1 innings on the year, though he should not be relied on for saves with Edwin Diaz locked in as New York's primary closer.

The Guardians acquired Avila from the Padres on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Avila was designated for assignment by the Friars on Friday, but he will remain on a 40-man roster as he moves to Cleveland. The 27-year-old righty has allowed eight earned runs across eight innings through four appearances this season, though he still holds a 3.77 ERA throughout his career. Avila doesn't have minor-league options remaining, so he'll assume a spot in the Cleveland bullpen as a long reliever.

Iglesias earned the save Tuesday against the Astros, retiring the only batter he faced via a groundout.

Iglesias was forced to take the mound Tuesday after Aaron Bummer gave up a pair of runs in the ninth. Despite still owning a four-run lead with two outs in the final frame, Atlanta decided to play it safe and turn the ball over to Iglesias, who promptly forced Victor Caratini to ground into a fielder's choice. Iglesias is now 4-for-4 in save opportunities and is tied for the fifth-most saves in the National League.