MLB Player News

Robertson gave up two hits and struck out two in 1.1 scoreless innings to record his first hold of the season in Wednesday's win over the Padres.

The veteran right-hander looked like he might slide right into the ninth-inning role vacated by Edwin Diaz (knee), but instead Mets manager Buck Showalter elected to bring Robertson into Wednesday's game with two outs in the seventh inning and the team nursing a 4-2 lead. Adam Ottavino ended up getting the save after Robertson kept San Diego off the board through the eighth. He'll have more reliable fantasy value in formats that count saves and holds, but Robertson still figures to get the majority of the save chances for the Mets. Through six appearances and 6.1 innings, he has yet to give up a run with an 8:0 K:BB.

Nelson (2-0) allowed one hit while striking out three and walking none over 1.1 innings to earn the win Wednesday against Milwaukee.

Nelson stranded a pair of runners to finish off the fifth inning and qualify for the win. He's been effective thus far this season, allowing one run over 5.2 innings (six appearances) while striking out nine. The lefty was slated to open the season in the minors, but a Joe Mantiply shoulder injury provided a stay from that fate. Since then, Cole Sulser (shoulder) and Mark Melancon (shoulder) have landed on the 60-day injured list, which means Nelson should remain in Arizona for the foreseeable future.

Minter earned the save against the Reds on Wednesday with a perfect inning of work during which he struck out one batter.

After Atlanta took a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, the team turned to Minter to close things out in the ninth. He needed just 13 pitches to do so, retiring the side in order and fanning Jonathan India to record the final out. Minter has converted two of three save chances this season and has held the opponent scoreless in all but one of his seven outings thus far.

Pallante (1-0) allowed an inherited runner to score but was not charged with a run in one inning of work, earning the win despite taking a blown save Wednesday versus the Rockies.

Pallante got the last two outs of the seventh inning, but he still got a blown save since an inherited runner scored on a fielder's choice. The Cardinals retook the lead in the eighth and held onto it, putting Pallante in line for his first win in six appearances this season. The right-hander has struggled a bit with a 7.11 ERA and 1.74 WHIP over 6.1 innings, and he's added one hold. For now, he's likely to see work in middle relief.

Akin (0-1) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out two in two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Athletics.

Akin was able to work around a one-out single to get the last two outs in the seventh inning, but he put two runners on base in the eighth. Cionel Perez struggled to get through that frame, and Akin was charged with the loss, his first decision in six appearances. He's allowed four runs over 4.1 innings while adding four strikeouts and no walks through six appearances. The southpaw has typically filled a multi-inning role over the last two years, but he's recorded more than three outs in just one outing so far this season.

Clase (1-1) took the loss Wednesday versus the Yankees, allowing an unearned run on two hits and no walks while striking out one over one inning.

Clase entered with the game tied at 3-3, so this wasn't a save situation. The right-hander gave up a single to Giancarlo Stanton, and an error by shortstop Amed Rosario got Stanton to second base. Oswaldo Cabrera then singled in pinch runner Gleyber Torres for the go-ahead run. Clase has been a little shaky this season, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out seven over seven innings.

Fairbanks allowed one hit across a scoreless inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Fairbanks entered the game with a two-run lead. He allowed a leadoff single but went on to retire the next three batters he faced to record his second save of the new season. While the Rays have provided limited save opportunities early in the new campaign, Fairbanks appears to be the team's primary closer for the time being.

Quijada struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his second save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Nationals.

The southpaw needed only seven pitches (six strikes) to breeze through the heart of Washington's order. Quijada is the surprising saves leader for the Angels in the early going, but he's also tied for the lead in holds with three. While he might be the most reliable arm in the team's bullpen, Quijada's more likely to be deployed in a situational high-leverage role than be the full-time closer.

Puk (1-0) picked up the win in Wednesday's 3-2 extra-inning victory over the Phillies, giving up one hit and striking out two over two scoreless innings.

After Dylan Floro worked a shutout eighth inning, Puk entered a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the ninth and needed only 23 pitches (18 strikes) to record his six outs. The southpaw has looked good to begin his Marlins tenure, posting a 3.60 ERA and 6:1 K:BB through his first four appearances and five innings with a win and a save. While manager Skip Schumaker figures to play matchups to some extent in the late innings, Puk has been his top high-leverage option so far.

Merryweather, who allowed two runs in an inning of work during Wednesday's loss to the Mariners, now has a 12.71 ERA this season.

Merryweather started the season with a dud, allowing five earned runs in his first appearance, and he's been scored on in two of his four outings since then. The righty should remain in a low-leverage role, and that plus his poor performance to date are keeping his fantasy value to a minimum.