MLB Player News

Murfee (1-2) was charged with the loss in extra innings against the Guardians on Sunday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two walks over one-third of an inning.

Murfee entered with a 6-5 lead in the 12th inning, and after intentionally walking Jose Ramirez, the reliever advanced inning-opening runner Amed Rosario to third on an error during a pickoff attempt. That helped set up RBI groundouts by Josh Naylor and Josh Bell that allowed the tying and winning runs to cross the plate. Murfee has already logged seven appearances in the new season, and Sunday's earned run was the first he'd allowed over five innings.

Guardians manager Terry Francona said April 4 that Morris (shoulder) has resumed throwing off a mound, MLB.com reports.

While it's encouraging that Morris is making his way through a throwing progression again after he was shut down for most of spring training with a right teres major strain, the Guardians are expected to bring him along slowly after shoulder trouble previously cost him large chunks of the 2021 and 2022 campaigns. Despite Morris' health concerns, he's still expected to be built up as a starter, so he could be a name to keep an eye on once he reaches the point in his recovery program that he's making minor-league rehab starts and is eligible to return from the 60-day injured list in late May. The Guardians' current back-end rotation options are Zach Plesac and Hunter Gaddis, and when healthy, Morris could be viewed as an upgrade if he fares well during his rehab outings.

Jacob is out with a right shoulder injury, Sam Dykstra of MLB.com reports.

A 24-year-old righty reliever, Jacob had a 2.68 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 57 innings across stops in the three highest levels of the minors last year. If he is able to get healthy, he would probably be assigned to Double-A or Triple-A.

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.