MLB Player News

Doval picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Brewers after recording two outs in the ninth inning, striking out one.

Ryan Walker was able to log just one out before being pulled from a non-save situation, allowing two runs on three hits to make it a 4-2 game. That created a save situation for Doval, who fired each of his five pitches for strikes to tally his fourth save of the year. Both Walker and Doval have received six save chances apiece to begin the campaign, so this hierarchy atop San Francisco's bullpen has been more of a committee than expected so far. Doval has a 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB while converting four of his six save chances over 11 innings.

Hodge struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to collect his first save of the season in Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Dodgers.

With Ryan Pressly unavailable due to knee problems, manager Craig Counsell turned to Hodge to preserve a one-run lead in the ninth inning for his first save of the year. The 24-year-old responded by retiring all three batters he faced on 14 pitches, striking out Shohei Ohtani in the process. Since allowing six earned runs in two-thirds of an inning against Arizona on Friday, Hodge has fired three shutout frames, lowering his ERA from 7.45 to 5.11.

Casparius didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 7-6 loss to the Cubs after allowing one hit and zero walks while striking out four batters across 2.2 shutout innings.

Casparius looked sharp in his first career major-league start, as a second-inning double from Michael Busch was all the Cubs' offense could muster against him. Casparius turned the game over to the bullpen once Chicago's lineup turned over midway through the third frame, at which point the Cubs' bats began to wake up. The amount of injuries plaguing Los Angeles' pitching staff makes it possible that the 26-year-old righty will get a chance to make another start next week, though there's no guarantee he would pitch deep enough into the game to qualify for a win.

Bednar struck out two without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless seventh inning to earn a hold Wednesday against the Angels.

This marked Bednar's third appearance since being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, and he's now allowed just two baserunners across three innings of work while maintaining a 5:0 K:BB. He's worked in the seventh inning with Pittsburgh ahead in each of his last two outings, but he's likely to see save chances at some point if he continues to show strong form.

Wilson came away with the no-decision in the White Sox's 6-3 loss to the Twins on Wednesday. He allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out two in 2.2 innings.

The right-hander made his first start of the season Wednesday with Martin Perez (elbow) going on the 60-day injured list earlier in the week. Wilson wasn't able to make it out of the third inning, tossing 55 pitches (30 strikes) before being lifted for Brandon Eisert. Wilson started the season in the bullpen, but he could be used in the rotation unless the White Sox make a move to add a starter via the minor leagues or trade. If he sticks in the rotation, Wilson is tentatively slated to start next week at home against the Brewers.

Coulombe earned the save in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the White Sox, striking out one batter without allowing a walk or hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Usual closer Jhoan Duran needed 32 pitches to collect the save Tuesday, so Coulombe got the call for the ninth inning of Wednesday's game to preserve a three-run lead. Coulombe needed just 12 pitches (seven strikes) to get through the frame, highlighted by a six-pitch strikeout of Bobby Dalbec. Coulombe hasn't allowed a run over his first 11 outings of the season and has an 0.41 WHIP and 6:1 K:BB across 9.2 innings.

Gusto (3-1) earned the win against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out six over 5.2 innings.

Gusto yielded only four base runners in Wednesday's start, with his lone blemish coming in the fourth inning when he gave up an RBI double to George Springer. Gusto generated 12 whiffs on a season-high 80 pitches (47 strikes) and was one out shy from recording his first career quality start. He's gone five innings in each of his last two outings, and for the season he's registered a 2.78 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB over 22.2 innings. He's lined up to face the Tigers at home next week.

Hader allowed one hit and one walk in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays. He struck out two batters.

Hader put himself in a bit of hot water when he gave up a walk and a double, but he bounced back to fan Alejandro Kirk before getting Myles Straw to fly out to center field to close out Wednesday's contest. He needed 23 pitches (16 strikes) to get through the ninth inning, but with an off-day Thursday the 31-year-old southpaw should be available for Friday's series opener against the Royals. Hader has not yielded a run since Opening Day against the Mets and boasts a 0.69 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 17:3 K:BB over 13 innings.

Pressly had his right knee drained Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Pressly hasn't appeared in a game since Sunday, and manager Craig Counsell confirmed after Wednesday's win over the Dodgers that the 36-year-old reliever has been dealing with a knee injury over the past few days. The Cubs are optimistic that he'll be available out of the bullpen when they return to action Friday for a three-game series against Philadelphia. While the right-hander was unavailable, Porter Hodge picked up his first save of the season Wednesday.

Ginkel (shoulder) threw 24 pitches in an extended spring training game Monday, MLB.com reports.

Ginkel will report to Triple-A Reno later this week to begin a rehab assignment. He was shut down shortly before Opening Day due to right shoulder inflammation, but because he's projected to serve as a one- or two-inning reliever, Ginkel won't require much build-up time in the minors. He could be activated from the 15-day injured list at some point next week.