MLB Player News

Stephan (1-1) allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk in one-third of an inning, taking the extra-inning loss Wednesday versus the Yankees.

Stephan entered with the game tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the 10th inning. Three batters later, he gave up the walkoff hit, a Jose Trevino RBI single. This is just the third time in 14 appearances that Stephan has given up a run. He's pitched to a strong 1.42 ERA, but he's been a bit lucky while scattering 12 hits with a 14:5 K:BB over 12.2 innings. The setup man has added a save, four holds and a blown save while working in a high-leverage role.

Clase allowed a run on two hits in one inning Wednesday versus the Yankees, taking a blown save.

Clase allowed a game-tying RBI single to Willie Calhoun in the ninth inning. While Clase leads the American League with 10 saves, he's also already blown three save chances, including two in his last three outings. He had four blown saves in all of 2022, so he's certainly been a bit off in the early going this year. The right-hander also has a 2.20 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 9:4 K:BB through 16.1 innings.

Naughton (forearm) played catch Thursday from around 90 feet, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Naughton's throwing program is underway about four weeks after he landed on the injured list because of a left forearm strain. He could return to the Cardinals' bullpen in late May if all goes well from this point forward.

Lopez (biceps) is feeling better and hopes to be available Thursday against the Twins, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Lopez hasn't pitched since exiting an appearance Sunday with right biceps fatigue, but he's on the mend. The reliever is just 3-for-6 in save chances and has blown each of his last two with an overall 8.76 ERA this year. Even if Lopez is available Thursday, the White Sox might look in another direction if a save opportunity presents itself.

The Guardians are expected to activate Hentges (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list ahead of Friday's series opener with the Twins, MLB.com reports.

Hentges has been on the shelf all season with left shoulder inflammation, but he looks ready to make his 2023 debut for the Guardians after recently completing a two-week rehab assignment. Between two appearances at Double-A Akron and three at Triple-A Columbus, Hentges covered 4.2 innings and allowed one earned run on five hits and two walks while striking out four. Once activated from the IL, Hentges should serve as a key left-handed setup option in front of closer Emmanuel Clase.

Bard allowed one hit and no runs across two-thirds of an inning Wednesday against the Brewers.

The veteran right-hander has made five appearances since returning from the injured list April 19. He has yet to allow an earned run across five frames, though he also has just a 3:2 K:BB. Most importantly, Bard has pitched primarily in low-leverage situations and does not appear to be a contender for saves at this point. Pierce Johnson leads the team with four saves, with just one of those coming since Bard returned from the IL.

Curtiss was optioned Thursday to Triple-A Syracuse, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Curtiss had been knocked around in his last two outings while watching his season ERA rise to 4.85. The 30-year-old reliever should get another shot with the Mets fairly soon.

Muckenhirn was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse by the Mets on Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Muckenhirn tossed 1.2 scoreless innings in his major-league debut Wednesday and his reward is a trip back to the minors so the Mets can have a fresh arm. The left-hander should get another opportunity in the majors down the line.

Leone signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Mets on Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Leone opted out of his minor-league contract with the Rangers on Tuesday and quickly landed a major-league deal with New York. The veteran reliever will provide a much-needed fresh arm for the Mets' bullpen.

Estrada was optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Cubs on Thursday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Estrada has spun four scoreless innings in the majors this season but nonetheless finds himself back in the minors. He's clearing out to make room for Thursday's starter, Jameson Taillon, who was activated from the 15-day injured list.