MLB Player News

VerHagen (2-0) earned the win Sunday over the Tigers, striking out three over two perfect innings.

JoJo Romero would have typically been in line for the win, but the official scorer deemed VerHagen more effective in his multi-inning appearance despite entering after the Cardinals took the lead. Over his last six outings, VerHagen has given up one run on three hits and four walks with eight strikeouts in 7.2 innings. He's been solid for the season as well with a 3.50 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB while adding four holds across 18 innings. The right-hander fills a versatile role in the Cardinals' bullpen, which has included some setup work early in 2023.

Romano struck out one in two-thirds of an inning without giving up a run or a baserunner to record his first hold of the season in Sunday's win over the Pirates.

The right-hander entered the game in the eighth inning to protect a 5-1 lead with the bases loaded and one out, and Romano needed only eight pitches to fan Jack Suwinski and induce a popup from Miguel Andujar. When the Jays tacked on five more runs in the top of the ninth, Romano was no longer needed for a save and settled for a hold instead, with Nate Pearson finishing out the rout. On the season, Romano has a 3.21 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB through 14 innings and has successfully converted nine of his 10 save chances.

Uceta (ankle) began a rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Syracuse and allowed two unearned runs on no hits and four walks over 1.1 innings.

The fact that Uceta was cleared to go out on a rehab assignment less than two weeks after landing on the 15-day injured list suggests his left ankle sprain isn't a major concern, but the Mets will want to see a sharper minor-league appearance or two from him before activating him. He threw only 13 strikes during his 32-pitch appearance Thursday.

Barriera tossed four scoreless, no-hit innings for Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday, striking out six and walking one.

The 19-year-old was absolutely dominant in his first action as a professional, especially considering he hadn't pitched in a game anywhere in about a year -- Barriera shut himself down at the end of his final high-school season before being selected 23rd overall by Toronto in the 2022 MLB Draft. The southpaw sat comfortably in the mid-90s with his fastball, and Florida State League hitters had little chance against a slider that already looks like a plus pitch. Barriera isn't expected to see a big workload this season as the Blue Jays focus on his health and development -- he was held back this spring due to some shoulder soreness -- but he will soar up prospect lists quickly with more outings like this one.

Tonkin (3-1) picked up the win in Sunday's extra-innings victory over the Orioles, striking out one over two perfect innings of relief.

The 33-year-old has made a remarkable return to the majors this season after last seeing time on an MLB roster in 2017 with the Twins. Tonkin has a 1.89 ERA, 0.58 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB through 19 innings, and while his role in the Atlanta bullpen limits his fantasy value, he's already tied his career high in wins and could end up vulturing a few more before the campaign is through.

The Royals acquired McArthur from the Phillies on Monday in exchange for outfielder Junior Marin and cash considerations.

Though McArthur will most likely settle into the rotation at Triple-A Omaha with his new organization, he'll join the Royals' 40-man roster with Kansas City designating outfielder/designated hitter Franmil Reyes for assignment in a corresponding move. McArthur, who has yet to reach the majors, has logged a 7.31 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB across 16 innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season.

Leclerc allowed one run on two hits while striking out one over one inning in Sunday's 16-8 win over the Angels.

Leclerc worked the final inning and ceded a solo home run to Hunter Renfroe. The one-time closer will be used in low-leverage situations, per Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News, and they don't get much lower than pitching with your team leading by nine runs to begin the ninth inning. Will Smith has taken over as the team's primary closer.

Alzolay (1-2) allowed two runs (both unearned) on one hit over three innings as he took the loss against the Marlins on Sunday.

Despite being handed with the loss, Alzolay pitched well under some pressure circumstances and gave the Cubs a chance to walk things off in extras. The Marlins would end up scoring the game winning run off a balk from Alzolay, which was an extremely unfortunate way for the 28-year-old to lose the game. He tossed 37 pitches and likely won't be available out of the pen until at least Wednesday. For the year, Alzolay owns a 2.41, ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB over 18.2 innings. He and Mark Leiter have been the two most reliable bullpen arms for David Ross thus far.

Okert (1-0) allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk but got the win in an extra innings affair versus the Cubs on Sunday.

Okert was unable to shut the Cubs out in the 13th to try and get the save but wound up with the win instead. He now sits at one win and one hold on the year and has been a reliable arm once again this season with a 3.52 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and a 10:5 K:BB over 7.2 innings.

Nardi pitched a clean inning and struck out a batter to record the save in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Cubs

Nardi wound up with the first save of his career after the game got to the 14th inning. He needed just 11 pitches to send down the Cubs in order and has now recorded three consecutive scoreless innings outings while racking up five strikeouts in 3.1 innings over that span. The 24-year-old usually holds down a middle relief role and won't see many save chances going forward. He has a 4.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 18:5 K:BB over 15.2 innings.