MLB Player News

Strzelecki tossed a clean eighth inning and picked up his third hold of the season in Sunday's 1-0 victory over the Padres.

With the Brewers looking to protect a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth, Strzelecki was summoned from the bullpen rather than Matt Bush, who opened the season in the setup role but has not been particularly effective. Strzelecki came through in a big way, retiring all three batters he faced and notching his seventh scoreless appearance of the season. There has not been an official changing of the guard in front of closer Devin Williams, but given how Strzelecki and Bush have fared early on, there is a chance that could occur.

Moll (0-2) took the loss in extra innings against the Mets on Sunday, allowing an unearned run in 1.1 innings while also recording a strikeout.

Moll was a prototypical tough-luck loser in the one-run defeat, especially considering his outing began with an inning-ending double play he induced from Eduardo Escobar with the bases loaded in the ninth to preserve a 3-3 tie. However, a Francisco Alvarez sacrifice fly that moved Escobar, the inning-opening runner, to third base in the 10th ended up costing Moll, as a Zach Jackson wild pitch eventually allowed the Mets' third baseman to cross the plate with what proved to be the winning run. The 31-year-old southpaw hasn't allowed an earned run in seven of his eight appearances, making him a trusted relief asset early.

Thompson (1-1) gave up one hit in a scoreless eighth inning Sunday to record the win against the Guardians. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The right-hander entered the game with the Nationals down 6-5, and after needing only 13 pitches (eight strikes) to retire the side, Thompson was rewarded with his first win when Washington plated two in the bottom of the frame. Thompson has been one of the better arms in the team's bullpen to begin the season, posting a 1.59 ERA and 8:1 K:BB through 11.1 innings, and he appears to be working his way into a high-leverage role.

The Rays transferred Armstrong (neck) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Cooper Criswell, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Durham. Armstrong has been dealing with a neck issue since spring training and now isn't eligible to make his 2023 debut with the Rays until at least late May.

Tampa Bay selected Criswell's contract from Triple-A Durham on Monday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Criswell, who made one spot start with the Angels and the Rays over the past two seasons, will make his return to big leagues after starting three games with Triple-A Durham so far this season, surrendering four earned runs while striking out 10 batters over 11.2 innings. With Jalen Beeks slated to serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Monday's game in Cincinnati, Criswell makes for the most logical candidate to cover the bulk of the innings in long relief, potentially setting him up to claim a win if he enters the game while Tampa Bay is leading. A banged-up Rays rotation could return Zach Eflin (back) from the 15-day injured list as soon as this weekend, so Criswell may be in store for only a brief stay with the big club.

Tampa Bay optioned Kelley to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Kelley was recalled over the weekend and allowed two runs over two innings in his lone relief appearance. Cooper Criswell was promoted from Triple-A in a corresponding move and will take Kelley's spot in the bullpen.

Hand allowed one hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning Sunday against the Mariners.

Hand entered the game with runners at first and second in the bottom of the sixth inning and allowed the game-winning hit to the first batter he faced. While he had a poor outcome Sunday, Hand has pitched well to start the season as he has been charged with only one earned run across 5.2 innings while also maintaining 9:4 K:BB. His control leaves room for improvement, but he has still been one of the most reliable high-leverage relievers for Colorado early on.

Hernandez allowed one walk and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's 9-1 win over the Astros.

While the final score indicates a blowout, Hernandez and Will Smith provided expert high-leverage relief work in the seventh inning, as Houston loaded the bases with none out and Texas leading, 6-0. Hernandez struck out Martin Maldonado and Mauricio Dubon before walking in a run. It wasn't officially a hold, but it felt like one. Hernandez has allowed two runs, three hits and three walks while striking out eight over six innings. The right-hander will continue to pitch in late-game scenarios and could get an occasional save chance.

Smith allowed one walk over two-thirds of an inning to earn a hold in Sunday's 9-1 win over Houston.

Smith entered a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh and got former teammate Yordan Alvarez on a weak grounder to quell the threat. It was the fourth hold of the season for Smith, who finished off a good weekend against the club for whom he pitched in 2022 and received his World Series ring. Smith has allowed one run, two hits and three walks while striking out nine over 6.2 innings.

Ginkel allowed one hit and struck out one over 1.1 innings in Sunday's 5-0 win over Miami.

Ginkel entered the seventh inning with a runner on second and two outs and struck out Avisail Garcia to end the threat. The right-hander appears to have solved the issue with pitch-tipping that flared up against the Dodgers two weeks ago. Since then, Ginkel has allowed one run and four hits while striking out five over five innings.