MLB Player News

Marsh (shoulder) started a new throwing program on April 25, MLB.com reports.

Marsh had been shut down from throwing since April 5 after suffering a setback in his shoulder. He was set for further evaluation this week and it sounds like neither imaging nor a medical exam revealed any issues. He's still likely a month or more from returning as he begins to ramp up activity. Marsh originally experienced tightness in his right shoulder during his offseason throwing program and was being eased into action in the spring.

Smith left Friday's appearance for Triple-A Indianapolis after facing just one batter with an undisclosed injury, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Smith left in the middle of a plate appearance against Royce Lewis when he signaled for a trainer. Smith has thrown 1.1 scoreless innings in three appearances for Indianapolis this season.

Erceg pitched a perfect ninth inning while striking out one batter to collect his first save of the season in a 2-0 victory over Houston on Friday.

The Royals turned to Erceg for the ninth inning after deploying primary closer Carlos Estevez twice in three days, and the former did not disappoint. With a 0.87 ERA and 0.39 WHIP through 10.1 innings this season, the 29-year-old Erceg remains one of the most reliable relievers in the league, and he could wrestle back the closer job from Estevez eventually.

Pagan struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to earn his sixth save of the season in an 8-7 win over the Rockies.

Pagan needed 15 pitches (nine strikes) to get through the ninth inning and struck out the last two batters he faced. It was the fifth time this season that he's recorded multiple strikeouts, three of which have come over his last five outings. Pagan has a 2.19 ERA, 0.41 WHIP and 11:1 K:BB across 12.1 innings this season, which should keep him in the closer role over Alexis Diaz -- at least for the time being.

Helsley earned the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Brewers, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not record a strikeout or a walk.

Helsley was brought in for the ninth inning to preserve a one-run lead. He got around an Isaac Collins leadoff single by inducing a double play, and Helsley secured the save after Caleb Durbin lined out to center field. Helsley has recorded a save in three of his last four outings and has a 2.00 ERA and 1.56 WHIP over nine innings this season.

Cleavinger picked up the save Friday against the Padres after tossing a clean ninth inning, striking out two.

With closer Pete Fairbanks having worked each of the past two days, Cleavinger was called upon to slam the door and protect a 1-0 lead. The left-hander earned his first save of the year after throwing seven of his 10 pitches for strikes, and he now sports a 2.53 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 16:2 K:BB over 10.2 innings. Cleavinger is one of Tampa Bay's top left-handed relievers, but his save opportunities are likely to remain scarce while Fairbanks is healthy.

Hoffman earned the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Yankees, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not issue a walk.

Hoffman got the call to come in for the ninth inning to preserve a 4-2 Toronto lead. He yielded a two-out double to Ben Rice, but Hoffman finished things off on a Paul Goldschmidt pop out. Hoffman is up to six saves on the season (tied for fifth in the American League) and has a 1.35 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 19:1 K:BB across 13.1 innings.

Williams (0-2) took the loss after blowing the save Friday against the Blue Jays, giving up three runs on two hits in the ninth inning. He did not record an out.

Williams was brought in for the ninth inning to protect a 2-1 lead. After giving up a single and hitting Andres Gimenez with a pitch, Williams surrendered that lead when Alejandro Kirk doubled to center field. Williams was tagged for a third run after being lifted. Friday marked Williams' first blown save opportunity but the second game in a row in which he gave up three earned runs. He has an 11.25 ERA and 2.38 WHIP over eight innings, and more outings like Friday's could lead to a change in who takes on closing duties out of the Yankees' bullpen.

Stanek (0-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Friday against the Nationals, allowing two runs on two hits in one-third of an inning.

With Edwin Diaz (hip) unavailable, Stanek was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning. However, the right-hander gave up a leadoff triple to Dylan Crews, who'd score on a Jose Tena base hit, before the Nats rallied to score the winning run with two outs. It was the first rough outing this year for Stanek, who sports a 2.79 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB across 9.2 innings. He'll continue to serve as a primary setup option for the Mets when Diaz is healthy.

Finnegan was charged with a blown save Friday against the Mets, allowing one hit in one-third of an inning.

Finnegan was tasked with securing a four-out save Friday, inheriting a bases-loaded jam with two outs in the eighth. He gave up a bloop hit to Mark Vientos that went past a diving Dylan Crews, resulting in a three-run triple. While it was no real fault of his own, it still goes down as the first blown save of the year for Finnegan. The veteran closer has gotten off to a strong start this season, converting nine saves while posting a 1.64 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB across his first 11 innings.