MLB Player News

Brogdon (0-1) took the loss in Monday's 6-3 extra-inning defeat at the hands of the Reds. He allowed four runs on one hit and three walks while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning.

Making an appearance in three of four games since Opening Day, Brogdon has experienced a shaky early part of the season. The fifth-year pitcher has given up multiple runs in two of his three outings, including Monday's. To make matters worse, he's struggling to find the strike zone, as he's walked six batters despite not pitching more than a single frame in any appearance. With the Phillies missing four different bullpen members due to injury, Brogdon's spot on the roster appears safe for now, but continual poor performances could see him shift to the minors in short order.

Anderson (0-1) allowed two runs on two hits without walking or striking out a batter over one-third of an inning to take the loss Monday versus the Orioles.

Andreson was tasked with the ninth inning in a 4-4 game, but he ended up giving up a walk-off two-run home run to Jordan Westburg. None of the Royals' top relievers have looked all that steady early in the season, so this misstep is unlikely to cost Anderson too much in what remains a fluid bullpen situation. He pitched a clean inning versus the Twins on Opening Day and should continue to see mid-to-high-leverage assignments.

Garcia (0-1) took the loss against the Pirates on Monday, allowing one run on one hit in two-thirds of an inning. He struck out one.

The southpaw struck out Oneil Cruz to end the sixth inning after replacing Derek Law on the mound, but a Michael Taylor bunt single to lead off the seventh for Pittsburgh eventually led to the former Nats outfielder coming around to score and breaking a 3-3 tie after Garcia had turned things over to Matt Barnes. Garcia could see a heavy workload in 2024 as the only lefty in the Nats' bullpen, and he's already made three appearances in Washington's first four games, posting a 4:0 K:BB in 2.2 innings and giving up only Monday's run so far.

Tonkin (0-1) took the loss Monday as the Mets were downed 5-0 in 10 innings by the Tigers, getting charged with five unearned runs on only two hits in an inning of relief. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

After nine scoreless innings, the 10th was a disaster for the Mets, as a hit-by-pitch on Mark Canha and a Joey Wendle fielding error contributed to the meltdown. Tonkin has yet to give up an earned run in three innings to begin the season while posting a 2:1 K:BB, but his lower-leverage role limits his fantasy appeal even in NL-only formats.

Bender was charged with two runs on two hits in two-thirds of an innings during Monday's loss to the Angels. He struck out one without walking a batter.

The right-hander's final line was a little unlucky, as the second run charged to him scored on a Burch Smith balk after Bender had left the game. Bender threw only 19.1 big-league innings the prior two years, largely due to Tommy John surgery in August 2022, but he's had a solid start to his 2024 campaign and has posted a 5:1 K:BB through 2.2 innings, with Monday's runs being the first on his ledger. Tanner Scott's control has nearly completely deserted him to begin the season, so Bender might get a chance to reclaim the closer role he briefly held early in 2022.

Scott (0-2) took the loss Monday against the Angels, giving up a run on three walks in one inning without striking out a batter.

The control issues that beset Scott during spring training haven't gone away to begin the regular season. The southpaw entered a 4-4 tie in the top of the eighth inning and immediately walked the first three batters he faced, tossing only 14 of 27 pitches for strikes. Through his first three appearances of 2024, Scott has stumbled to a 5:6 K:BB in 3.0 innings -- when the 0-5 Marlins eventually do start building late leads to protect, he may have a very short leash as the closer. Anthony Bender, who has a 5:1 K:BB through his first 2.2 innings this season, might be the top candidate to replace him in the ninth inning at the moment given Andrew Nardi's early 20.25 ERA.

Diaz (1-1) struck out two over 1.2 hitless and scoreless innings to pick up the win over Philadelphia on Monday.

Diaz entered the eighth inning with one out and two inherited runners on and promptly picked off the lead runner. He went one to retire all four batters faced before Spencer Steer won it with a grand slam in the 10th inning. It was a nice bounce-back performance by Diaz, who blew a save his first time out. He only threw 14 pitches to get those five outs and presumably would be ready for a save opportunity Tuesday.

Nelson allowed one hit and struck out one over two scoreless innings in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Yankees.

Arizona starter Ryne Nelson was chased after five runs allowed in 2.2 innings, and the Diamondbacks got stellar relief beginning with Kyle Nelson's two frames. The lefty reliever has thrown four scoreless innings to open the season.

Gonzalez picked up the save Monday against the Diamondbacks, surrendering no runs on one hit and no walks over one inning. He didn't generate a strikeout.

Gonzalez surprisingly was handed the ball in the ninth, filling in for closer Clay Holmes, who got the night off after making two straight appearances to end March. The 28-year-old capitalized on the opportunity, cashing in for his second career save -- his first since 2021. While he likely won't see many more save chances fall his way, Gonzalez landing ninth-inning work Monday likely serves as a vote of confidence from Yankees manager Aaron Boone.

Stanek notched a save Monday against the Guardians, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Andres Munoz is expected to be Seattle's primary closer, but he was deployed in the eighth inning Monday to face the heart of Cleveland's order. That left the ninth to Stanek, who looked very closer-like in slamming the door with a 1-2--3 frame for his fifth career save. Munoz should still get the bulk of the save opportunities for the Mariners this season, but his usage Monday suggests that others will get an opportunity from time to time when the situation calls for Munoz to enter earlier than the ninth.