MLB Player News

Martin (shoulder) could be activated Sunday if he checks out OK after Friday's rehab outing, Christoper Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Boston manager Alex Cora described it as a "good chance" Martin will be available for the Red Sox this weekend. Martin threw an inning for Triple-A Worcester on Friday, allowing a pair of unearned runs and two hits. Presumably, the Red Sox will want to see how Martin responds Saturday before making a decision on activating him.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo refrained from calling Chafin the team's closer Friday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Despite the continued use of Chafin in save situations, Lovullo would only go as far as saying the reliever was "maybe" his top option. The manager said he might pivot away from Chafin if a situation dictates it. "I don't have a problem running him out there right-left-right," Lovullo said. "But if it's a wall of righties and it's a good matchup for a right-handed pitcher, I would probably go in a different direction." Chafin has converted four of five opportunities so far.

Alvarado picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Astros. He struck out two over a perfect ninth inning.

The southpaw has been one of the best closers in the league to start off the year, though he's still splitting duties with Craig Kimbrel. Alvarado has allowed just one earned run over 12.1 innings, and his five saves are tied for fifth in MLB. Additionally, he has a 0.49 WHIP and impressive 24:0 K:BB.

Thielbar threw a scoreless inning with a walk while striking out two in Friday's 8-6 win over the Royals. He earned his seventh hold.

Thielbar is off to a strong start to the season with a 2.25 ERA and 10 strikeouts in eight innings with two walks. He's working as the top lefty in the bullpen, but he may not be in the mix for saves since he's behind Jorge Lopez, Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran.

Jax threw a scoreless inning while striking out two in Friday's 8-6 victory over the Royals. He earned his fifth hold.

Jax has a 3.18 ERA and 14:2 K:BB ratio in 11.1 innings as he picked up where he left off last season as a high-impact reliever. He's working as a key setup man for the Twins but could get a save chance the next day or two with Jhoan Duran away from the team for a personal issue.

Duran, who left Minneapolis early Friday morning to attend to immigration matters, has an uncertain return date, manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

It's not clear if Duran's absence will last a day or several days. Jorge Lopez converted a save chance Friday and is likely the top option to close in Duran's absence.

Pivetta (1-2) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over five innings Friday, striking out five and taking a loss against Cleveland.

Pivetta stumbled out of the gate Friday, coughing up three runs in the first two innings. He later allowed a solo homer to Mike Zunino in the fourth. After a pair of solid outings to begin the year, Pivetta has given up 13 runs over his last 14.2 frames, raising his ERA to 5.11. He'll look for better results in his next start, which is projected to be at home against the Blue Jays next week.

Clase allowed one hit in a scoreless inning to earn a save over Boston on Friday.

After a leadoff double by Jarren Duran, Clase retired the next three batters to close out the 5-2 win. The right-hander has now converted eight consecutive save chances, making him 9-for-10 on the year. He's riding a seven-inning scoreless streak, lowering his season ERA to 1.93 alongside an 8:4 K:BB.

Williams picked up the save Friday against the Angels. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one in one inning.

Williams has been among baseball's best relievers this season. He has converted all four of his save opportunities and has yet to allow a run in 2023. In nine innings Williams has struck out 14 while posting a 0.78 WHIP.

Smith picked up the save in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Yankees. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one over one inning.

Smith needed just eight pitches to retire the side in the ninth inning. The lefty has a team-high three saves on the season, as Smith splits closer duties with Jose Leclerc. Both pitchers have been excellent -- Leclerc has a 0.93 ERA, while Smith's is down to 1.93.