MLB Player News

Alcala threw two scoreless innings with two walks and two strikeouts in Tuesday's loss to Milwaukee. He's thrown 2.2 scoreless innings in two games this season.

Alcala hurt his hand late in spring training (struck in the right hand by a line drive) but it has not been an issue during the regular season. After two injury-plagued seasons, Alcala could move into a higher-leverage role later this season. He features a plus fastball, but control as been a recent problem (5.2 BB/9 last season), so keep an eye on his walk rate.

Pinto allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits over four innings. He struck out four and picked up the save in Tuesday's win over the Reds.

Pinto was selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley just a couple hours before Tuesday's game and hadn't pitched in the majors since 2019. He was called upon in the sixth inning to preserve a 2-1 lead in rainy conditions and went on to pitch a four-inning save. If he manages to stick around, Pinto should be expected to operate in a low-leverage relief role.

Little will serve as the Cubs' opening pitcher in Wednesday's game against the Rockies, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Little pitched the ninth inning of Tuesday's 12-2 win over Colorado, so it's unlikely his start lasts more than an inning. Once the 23-year-old lefty is pulled, Ben Brown is a likely candidate to work in bulk relief.

Hader (0-2) blew the save and took the loss Tuesday against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning.

Heading into the ninth with a 1-0 lead, Hader had Toronto down to its final out with the bases empty. However, Justin Turner drew a two-out walk before Davis Schneider launched a two-run homer, saddling Hader with a blown save en route to his second loss this season. The 29-year-old left-hander has allowed three runs on four hits and two walks through his first four innings this season, but while it's been a rough start to his tenure in Houston, Hader figures to have a firm grasp on the Astros' closing job after racking up 33 saves with a 1.28 ERA over 56.1 innings with the Padres last year.

The Pirates designated Selby for assignment Tuesday.

Selby will be squeezed off the Pirates' 40-man roster following the acquisition of Joey Bart from San Francisco. The 26-year-old right-hander made 21 appearances for the Pirates in 2023, accumulating a gaudy 9.00 ERA and 1.83 WHIP across 24 innings. His Triple-A numbers have been decent since reaching Indianapolis in 2022, but his poor performance during his first MLB stint may prevent teams from claiming him off waivers.

The Dodgers transferred Graterol (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Graterol's move to the 60-day IL clears a spot on the Dodgers' 40-man roster for Nick Ramirez, who was acquired from the Yankees on Tuesday. Graterol was cleared to throw off a mound Tuesday -- the first time he's done so since landing on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. The 25-year-old right-hander is now eligible to return beginning May 18, but it remains to be seen whether or not he'll be ready by then.

Junis struck out four and allowed one run on three hits and a walk over four innings Tuesday against the Twins. He did not factor in the decision.

Junis pounded the zone while firing 34 of his 47 pitches for strikes, but the Brewers clearly had a plan in place and went to the bullpen to begin the fifth inning. The right-hander missed out on the victory, but it was an encouraging first start of the season, one that could earn him a longer leash in subsequent outings. Junis may only have a couple turns to stake his claim to a rotation spot with Wade Miley (shoulder) nearing a rehab assignment.

Uribe allowed no hits and one walk in a scoreless ninth inning earn the save in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Twins. He did not record a strikeout.

The 23-year-old righty issued a five-pitch walk to start the frame but promptly induced a double play and retired the side on just eight pitches. Uribe already has three saves for the 4-0 Brewers, with Joel Payamps also notching a save when Uribe had pitched the previous two days. Uribe appears to be separating himself as the top option to close with Devin Williams (back) facing an extended absence to begin the season.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Sewald (oblique) played catch from 60 feet Monday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

The right-hander suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain late in spring training, so the fact he's back to throwing just over a week later is an encouraging development. Sewald will need to progress to throwing long toss before moving onto bullpen sessions, so he shouldn't be expected to be activated when first eligible April 9.

Romano (elbow) threw a successful side session Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

It represents Romano's first mound work since he was diagnosed with elbow inflammation late in spring training, so it's a significant step in his throwing program. The right-hander will likely need a few more sessions before advancing to facing live hitters.