MLB Player News

Bender gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless sixth inning Thursday to collect his second hold of the season in a loss to the Cardinals.

The right-hander has been arguably the Marlins' most reliable reliever so far, posting a 6:1 K:BB through 3.2 innings and getting scored upon in only one of his four appearances. By contrast, closer Tanner Scott has a 5:6 K:BB in 3.0 innings, and Andrew Nardi has an ERA of 21.60 and has given up multiple runs in three of his four appearances. Bender's usage Thursday doesn't suggest he's in the closing mix at the moment, but if Scott and Nardi continue to struggle, that could change by the time Miami -- 0-8 to begin the season -- starts having late leads to protect.

Romano (elbow) threw his second bullpen session Thursday and is expected to throw live batting practice soon, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander continues to progress in his throwing program, and he could be ready for a minor-league rehab assignment after one or two live sessions versus hitters. Romano doesn't have an official timeline for his return from the injured list, but a mid-April activation seems realistic at this point.

Swanson (forearm) threw a live batting practice session Thursday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

It's the next step for Swanson as he works his way back from right forearm tightness. A rehab assignment would appear imminent, although it's not yet clear when exactly that will happen. Swanson is eligible for activation April 9.

Gibaut (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Dayton on Friday.

Gibaut missed all of spring training with a strained forearm but has been cleared for game action. He is eligible for activation April 9, but he might not be ready by then.

The Blue Jays selected Espino's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

The 37-year-old right-hander will give the Jays a fresh long relief arm, taking Wes Parsons' spot on the roster. Espino has collected a 5.01 ERA in 94 appearances (41 starts) over parts of five major-league seasons.

Loaisiga was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Yankees on Friday, retroactive to April 4, with a right flexor strain.

Per Greg Joyce of the New York Post, manager Aaron Boone said it's a "significant" strain. Loaisiga will meet with doctors Friday, and surgery would seem to be on the table. The right-hander ended last season on the injured list with an elbow issue and has a long history of arm problems.

Jansen's velocity is down close to three mph on his cutter to begin the season, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Jansen didn't get in much work during spring training due to a back issue and is still building up toward his usual form. He labored through back-to-back outings Tuesday and Wednesday, needing 20-plus pitches in each, but that he was able to pitch on consecutive days is encouraging. Jansen has converted both his save chances so far with a 0.00 ERA in three innings, albeit with a 5:5 K:BB.

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

Bednar got a slightly late start to the season due to a lat injury, and he faltered in his first save opportunity Sunday, though he ended with the win in that outing. The right-hander had no problem with Washington in earning a save Thursday, throwing 14 of 19 pitches for strikes and finishing the contest by fanning Lane Thomas and Joey Meneses. Bednar cemented himself as one of the league's elite closers last year with 39 saves (tied for second in MLB), and though he's just 1-for-2 in save opportunities to begin this campaign, he's looked good overall, allowing just one run on one hit while posting a 5:0 K:BB over three innings.

Gallegos (1-0) retired the only batter he faced to earn the win Thursday over the Marlins.

Gallegos got the last out in the top of the seventh inning, and the Cardinals rallied from a two-run deficit to take an 8-5 lead by the end of the frame. While he's allowed five baserunners (three hits, two walks) over four innings, Gallegos has also struck out six batters while collecting a save, a hold and a win through four appearances. Manager Oliver Marmol still looks to be using a flexible approach to late-inning assignments, though Ryan Helsley is the Cardinals' top closing option. Gallegos will be in the mix for save opportunities, along with Andrew Kittredge and JoJo Romero, when Helsley is unavailable.

Holton pitched two scoreless innings of relief in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mets. He allowed a hit and struck out one.

Holton has now logged 4.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts across three appearances to begin the season. The lefty doesn't seem like a top option for save chances at the moment, but it is a fluid Detroit bullpen, with Alex Lange, Jason Foley, Shelby Miller and Andrew Chafin all seemingly in the mix to close out games. For now, Holton looks like a strong setup option who could be a decent source of holds.