MLB Player News

Yarbrough (0-3) took the loss Wednesday as the Royals were downed 2-0 by the Diamondbacks, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out two.

The southpaw wasn't fully stretched out and lasted only 77 pitches (51 strikes) in his first start of the season, but Yarbrough did a solid job even if he did get out-dueled by a red-hot Zac Gallen. Yarbrough figures to stick in the rotation at least until Daniel Lynch (shoulder) is ready to return, but his 6.35 ERA and 7:4 K:BB through 17 innings to begin the season don't hint at much fantasy upside. He'll try to last long enough to qualify for his first win of 2023 in his next outing, likely to come at home early next week against the Orioles.

Headrick was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul by the Twins on Thursday.

Headrick was needed for five innings of relief Wednesday, so Minnesota opted to send him down since he won't be available for a few days. The club has yet to announce a corresponding roster move.

Hernandez (0-1) allowed two runs on two hits and did not retire a batter, picking up his first loss in Wednesday's game against the Reds.

Texas was swept by Cincinnati in a series that featured shaky bullpen performances. The relief crew had been strong for the Rangers, but on three consecutive days, several members of the group allowed the Reds to take leads in the eighth inning or later, including two walkoff wins. Hernandez entered the day with a 1.80 ERA over his first 10 outings before Nick Senzel's game-ending, two-run home run.

McGough retired both batters faced to earn a hold in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Kansas City.

McGough stranded an inherited runner from starter Zac Gallen to pick up his fifth hold and second in as many outings. After he was given opportunities to close games, McGough appears to be settling in as part of the setup crew along with Miguel Castro as the bridge to closer Andrew Chafin. McGough is chipping away at a high ERA that stood at 9.64 after a blown save two weeks ago. Since then, he's allowed one run on two hits while striking out six over seven innings.

Doval picked up a save against the Cardinals on Wednesday, walking one batter and keeping St. Louis off the scoreboard over two-thirds of an inning.

It didn't look like Doval would be needed with San Francisco up 7-2 entering the ninth, but Sean Hjelle gave up two walks and a double to yield a run and allow the tying run to get to the on-deck circle with just one out. Doval was summoned from the bullpen and walked Lars Nootbaar to begin his outing, but he escaped the jam by getting Paul Goldschmidt to bounce into a game-ending double play. Doval's performance earned him his third save of the campaign, two of which have come over his past three appearances.

Hader earned a save against the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter over one scoreless inning.

Hader entered the contest in the ninth inning with San Diego up by two runs. He registered two outs before Chicago made things interesting with a double and a walk to bring the winning run to the plate. However, Hader was able to get Nico Hoerner to foul out to end the threat. The veteran closer has been lights-out this season, allowing just one earned run over 12 appearances covering 12 innings. He's also notched a 17:5 K:BB and leads MLB with nine saves.

Minter picked up the save Wednesday against the Marlins. He struck out two over one perfect inning.

Minter bounced back from a poor last two appearances, posting a clean inning to secure the win for Atlanta while fanning two. Prior to Wednesday's outing, Minter had allowed five runs in two innings and took the loss in each contest. The 29-year-old has converted five of seven save chances in the absence of Raisel Iglesias (shoulder).

Finnegan picked up the save Wednesday against the Mets. He allowed struck out two in a perfect inning of work.

Finnegan recorded his fourth straight save Wednesday and didn't allow a run for a sixth consecutive appearance. The 31-year-old was part of a dominant outing by the Nationals' bullpen, as he, Carl Edwards and Hunter Harvey didn't give up a single hit in three innings of relief combined.

Alvarado picked up the save during Wednesday's 6-5 win over Seattle. He allowed one hit while striking out two over one inning.

Alvarado showed off his strikeout ability once again Wednesday, getting both Jose Caballero and Julio Rodriguez to go down swinging to close out the game. Through 11.1 innings, Alvarado has struck out 22 batters without a walk while only allowing one run. There are other capable options in the Phillies' bullpen, but Alvarado appears to have emerged as the primary closer in Philadelphia.

Jacob (shoulder) was assigned to Double-A San Antonio on April 19 and has since made two relief appearances for the affiliate, giving up one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out three over two innings.

Jacob's season debut was slightly delayed while he worked his way back from a right shoulder injury. The 24-year-old right-hander is one of the better relief prospects in the San Diego system and is coming off a 2022 campaign in which he submitted a 2.68 ERA while striking out 77 over 57 innings across stops with three affiliates.