MLB Player News

Smith conceded he was surprised to be called for Sunday's save opportunity against Philadelphia, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith had been warming up in the eighth inning if needed to replace Jonathan Hernandez, who worked a perfect inning, then sat down in preparation for Jose Leclerc to close. Smith said manager Bruce Bochy indicated on Opening Day that Leclerc was going to close for the Rangers to start the season. "So it was honestly kind of a surprise to all of us down there," Smith said. "Then the phone rings, and [bullpen coach] Brett [Hayes] says it's me." Bochy opted for Smith in Texas' first save situation and also talked about the versatility of the bullpen, noting that he could use any of his closer candidates in any inning.

Fleming will be used as a traditional starter Tuesday against the Nationals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rays manager Kevin Cash had said prior to Monday's game that he was considering an opener ahead of Fleming, but he revealed after the contest that he decided against it. Fleming isn't a great streaming option even in a favorable matchup.

Mantiply (shoulder) has thrown two bullpen sessions since opening the season on the 15-day injured list, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Mantiply is eligible to come off the IL on April 11. The left-hander was a key piece of the bullpen last season but isn't currently considered a closer candidate for 2023, although he's expected to be used in the final third of games.

Ginkel believes he might have tipped his pitches Saturday against the Dodgers and plans to make adjustments, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Images posted by Eno Sarris of The Athletic appeared to show patterns in Ginkel's right wrist and arms indicating when he'd throw a slider or fastball. "It definitely makes it easier for them if they know what's coming," Ginkel said. "It's a totally different outing if that doesn't happen. I'll make some adjustments today." The reliever allowed three runs on two hits, including a home run to Trayce Thompson, in a 10-1 loss.

McGough (0-1) was tagged with Monday's loss after allowing two runs on two hits without retiring a batter in a 5-4 loss to the Padres.

McGough, looking to earn a second save in as many games, served up back-to-back home runs to David Dahl and Ha-Seong Kim, turning a potential comeback win into a crushing walkoff loss. "You just try to keep level-headed, come back to work tomorrow," he told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. The scene was a throwback to 2022 when the Diamondbacks were walked off 11 times and suffered 41 relief losses, both tied for most in the majors. McGough has been through this rodeo before -- as a high-leverage reliever in Japan -- and knows how to bounce back.

Curry allowed two runs over three hits while striking out three over five innings in Monday's 12-11 extra-inning win over the Athletics. He did not factor in the decision.

Zach Plesac was chased from the game after giving up six runs in one-plus innings. Curry stepped in for a long-relief assignment and limited the damage to a two-run home run by Ramon Laureano in the fifth inning. This was Curry's first appearance of the season, and while he's currently occupying a relief role, it's good to see him staying stretched out in case he's needed to step into the rotation. He threw 35 of 55 pitches for strikes and dialed up five swinging strikes. Barring injuries to any of the Guardians' starters, Curry's best chance of getting into the rotation could be if Hunter Gaddis continues to struggle.

Coulombe (1-0) struck out one and hit a batter over 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the win Monday over the Rangers.

Coulombe relieved Kyle Bradish (foot) after the latter was injured in the second inning. Despite Tyler Wells throwing five no-hit innings, it was Coulombe who was awarded the win in his second game as an Oriole. The southpaw has two strikeouts and two hit batsmen without allowing a hit or a walk over 2.1 innings this season. He's expected to continue serving in a low-leverage role.

Morgan allowed an unearned run on a hit in one inning Monday. He struck out one and earned a save against Oakland.

Morgan entered a 12-10 game in the 10th inning and coughed up just one run to finish off the late-night slugfest. He's now worked through three innings with a 5:1 K:BB while allowing just one unearned run. It was Morgan's first career save but he shouldn't see too many opportunities moving forward.

Clase (1-0) allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in one inning during Monday's win over Oakland. He was charged with a blown save but earned the win.

Seth Brown sent the game to extras by taking Clase deep in the ninth inning of a 10-8 contest. Clase had fired two perfect frames to begin his 2023 campaign before Monday's misstep. Fortunately for him, Cleveland's offense took care of business in the 10th. He blew just four saves in 46 chances last season.

Law picked up the save in Monday's 7-6 win over the Cubs. He allowed two hits in one scoreless inning without a walk or a strikeout.

Alexis Diaz was unavailable after pitching the prior two days, so Law stepped in to close out Monday's victory. The right-hander was the last of six Reds relievers to appear in the game behind starter Connor Overton. It was Law's first save since 2019, and while he's not the most dominant pitcher in terms of strikeouts, Law is the most experienced arm in the Cincinnati bullpen.