MLB Player News

Guardians manager Terry Francona said April 4 that Hentges (shoulder) had progressed to throwing off a mound, MLB.com reports.

Assuming Hentges experienced no setbacks with his left shoulder while getting back on the mound this past week, he could advance to facing hitters during the upcoming week before heading out on what will likely be a brief minor-league rehab assignment. Hentges, who compiled a 2.32 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 72:19 K:BB in 62 innings in 2022, should factor into the setup mix in front of closer Emmanuel Clase once he's activated from the 15-day injured list.

Winckowski struck out one in a scoreless relief inning and recorded his first hold in Sunday's 4-1 win over Detroit.

Winckowski had his first clean outing in four appearances, although he's limited the damage to one run on four hits and one walk in seven innings. The 24-year-old right-handed starter, who was stretched out in spring training, was needed out of the bullpen and pitched well in that role. The Red Sox are expected to activate Garrett Whitlock (hip) to start Tuesday, which will cost someone on the staff a roster spot. That could mean Winckowski goes back to Triple-A Worcester where he could serve as starting depth.

Mayza retired the only batter he faced to earn the save in Sunday's 12-11 win over the Angels.

Closer Jordan Romano blew his first save of the season Sunday, and Mayza was called upon to close out the 10th inning after Trevor Richards recorded the first two outs of the frame. Mayza now has one hold and one save with a 3.00 ERA through five outings, and he should continue to serve in a high-leverage role for Toronto.

Romano (1-0) earned the win and was charged with a blown save Sunday against the Angels. He gave up three runs on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks across one inning.

The right-hander allowed just one baserunner in his first four outings of the season, but he struggled with his command Sunday and was unable to maintain a three-run advantage. Romano picked up the win since the Blue Jays reclaimed the lead in the 10th and held on, so fantasy managers were able to get something out of the rough performance. The 29-year-old has converted four of five save chances and has a 5.40 ERA and 7:2 K:BB across his first five frames of 2023.

Jansen picked up the save in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Tigers. He allowed two hits and one walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Jansen entered Sunday's matchup with the Red Sox holding a three-run lead in the ninth inning, but he got into a bases-loaded jam with one out. However, he forced a flyout before recording a strikeout to end the game and pick up his second save of the year. The Red Sox aren't predicted to be especially strong this season, but Jansen should have plenty of job security as the team's closer.

Dominguez (0-1) blew the save and took the loss Sunday against the Reds. He allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two over one inning.

Dominguez was called upon for his first save opportunity of the season Sunday with the Phillies holding a one-run lead, but he gave up a pair of walks, a single and a double with one out in the ninth inning to lose the lead. While the right-hander had tossed three scoreless innings in his last three appearances, he's given up at least three runs in two of his first five outings in 2023. The Phillies haven't had many save chances early in the season, but Craig Kimbrel, Gregory Soto and Jose Alvarado could see some ninth-inning work given Dominguez's struggles.

Gibaut struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save during Sunday's 6-4 win over the Phillies.

Gibaut has earned two holds early in 2023, but he was charged with a blown save during Saturday's appearance against the Phillies. However, he got a save chance during Sunday's series finale since the Reds mounted a late-game comeback. Alexis Diaz still figures to be the favorite for ninth-inning work in Cincinnati, but he gave up three earned runs Saturday against Philadelphia. However, Gibaut's recent usage suggests that he has some trust in high-leverage situations.

Rogers threw a perfect ninth inning to earn a save over the Royals on Sunday.

Rogers needed just six pitches to quickly work through the ninth inning and finish off the 3-1 win. It was his first save chance of the season, and he's now worked four shutout frames with one strikeout and no walks to begin his 2023 campaign. Camilo Doval did not appear in the game and was likely unavailable after pitching Friday and Saturday.

Bednar struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday to record his fourth save of the season in a 1-0 victory over the White Sox.

The Pirates continue surpassing preseason expectations, posting a 6-3 record to start the season. As a result, Bednar has benefited, racking up four saves so far. The 28-year-old is uncontested as the Pirates' closer and has posted a 0.00 ERA and 7:0 K:BB through four innings pitched.

Johnson issued a walk in a scoreless inning and earned a save over the Nationals on Sunday.

Johnson worked around a leadoff walk to finish off the 7-6 victory. He's seemingly locked into Colorado's closer role at the moment, converting on all three of his attempts in four total appearances. During that stretch, he's allowed one run with a 7:2 K:BB.