MLB Player News

Swanson (1-1) took the loss against the Red Sox on Tuesday, striking out one and allowing a solo home run in the eighth inning.

Connor Wong lofted the fourth pitch Swanson threw over the Green Monster for what proved to be the game-winning run. The long ball snapped an eight-appearance scoreless streak for the right-hander, and overall the former Mariner has been exactly as advertised in a setup role for the Blue Jays, posting a 1.84 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 20:6 K:BB through 14.2 innings with eight holds. Should Jordan Romano be unavailable at some point, Swanson seems the most likely candidate to step in and handle ninth-inning duties.

King will soon be available to pitch more frequently and in shorter bursts, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

The Yankees have been careful with King's usage so far this season after a fractured pitching elbow ended his 2022 campaign. However, his arm has bounced back well and he has pitched his way into being one of manager Aaron Boone's most trusted relievers. King picked up a 1.2-inning save Tuesday versus the Guardians and, with Clay Holmes struggling, could be asked to shoulder more of the closing load.

The Diamondbacks optioned Solomon to Triple-A Reno following Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Rangers.

Solomon wasn't needed in relief Tuesday, but he'll lose his spot on the 26-man active roster in any case after the Diamondbacks promoted right-hander Brandon Pfaadt from Triple-A in a corresponding move in advance of his scheduled start in Wednesday's series finale in Texas. During the three-plus weeks he was up with the big club, Solomon made five relief appearances and was blitzed for 18 earned runs on 17 hits and 11 walks over 13.1 innings.

May (personal) was credited with a hold in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Sacramento on Tuesday, firing a scoreless sixth inning in which he allowed a hit and issued a walk.

May fired 17 pitches overall while working around some minor trouble. The veteran right-hander, who'd struggled to a 12.00 ERA and 3.17 WHIP across six innings with the Athletics before being placed on the injured list with anxiety-related issues, may be given at least a couple more opportunities to reset himself with the Aviators before being deemed ready to return to the big-league club.

Harvey (1-0) picked up the win in Tuesday's victory over the Cubs, giving up one hit and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings while striking out one.

The right-hander entered the game in the top of the seventh inning after Mason Thompson had served up a game-tying homer to Patrick Wisdom, and Harvey then benefitted from a three-run rally by the Nats in the bottom of the frame. The 28-year-old continues to be sharp in a high-leverage role, posting a 2.13 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through 12.2 innings with six holds, plus Tuesday's win, in 12 appearances. Should Kyle Finnegan be removed from the closer role, Harvey appears to be the likeliest candidate to take over the ninth inning, although Finnegan is also pitching well right now.

The Dodgers optioned Vesia to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Los Angeles selected Gavin Stone's contract from Triple-A in a corresponding move, with the young right-hander replacing the lefty reliever on the 26-man active roster. Vesia has posted consecutive scoreless appearances but has struggled considerably this season with a 7.84 ERA and 2.81 WHIP in 10.1 innings. The southpaw will surely get another opportunity with the Dodgers this season, but he'll need to perform significantly better to pitch in high-leverage spots like he did in 2022.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy confirmed Wednesday that Will Smith rather than Leclerc will see the majority of the team's save opportunities moving forward, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Bochy's pronouncement comes after Leclerc was bypassed for the save opportunity in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Diamondbacks in favor of Smith, who recorded the game's final four outs en route to notching his fourth save in as many chances. Leclerc and Smith had opened the season in something of a closing committee, and despite posting a strong 0.93 ERA and 1.14 WHIP through his first 10 appearances of the season, Leclerc's 18.4 percent walk rate didn't bode well for his chances of avoiding a blowup somewhere down the line. Until Leclerc shows he can throw strikes with more consistency, Smith looks like he'll maintain a firm grip on the closer's gig.

Smith will receive the bulk of the save opportunities for the Rangers moving forward, manager Bruce Bochy told Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News on Wednesday.

Smith collected his team-leading fourth save Tuesday in the Rangers' win over the Diamondbacks. He's recorded each of the club's last three saves to emerge as Bochy's clear lead option. Jose Leclerc entered the season seemingly at the top of the pecking order, and while he has a 0.93 ERA, his velocity has been down and he's walked seven in 9.2 innings.

Karinchak (0-4) allowed a run on two hits and a walk with one strikeout in 1.1 innings, taking the loss and a blown save Tuesday versus the Yankees.

Karinchak relieved starter Tanner Bibee with one out in the sixth inning and promptly allowed an inherited runner to score on Anthony Rizzo's single. Willie Calhoun added a one-out solo home run in the seventh, putting the Yankees ahead and saddling Karinchak with his fourth loss in 16 appearances. The right-handed reliever has given up six runs over 7.1 innings in his last seven appearances, and he now has a poor 5.87 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB through 15.1 innings overall. To make matters worse, Karinchak's got a 6.89 FIP and .212 BABIP, which suggests that he's not a victim of bad luck here. He may be at risk of losing a high-leverage role once Sam Hentges (shoulder) is ready to return.

The Marlins outrighted Smeltzer to Triple-A Jacksonville after he cleared waivers Tuesday.

Smeltzer was designated for assignment last week after the Marlins selected the contract of Johan Quezada from Jacksonville. In 12 innings with Miami prior to being removed from the roster, Smeltzer registered a 6.75 ERA and 1.83 WHIP.