MLB Player News

Smith (0-1) yielded two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings Sunday, striking out three and taking a loss against Boston.

Smith did not allow a runner to reach scoring position through five scoreless frames before Trevor Story knocked a two-run double in the sixth inning. Smith was efficient, throwing 50 of 79 pitches for strikes, including 10 swinging strikes. The 25-year-old rookie is still searching for his first win despite some positive results early on. Smith owns a 2.04 ERA alongside a 12:7 K:BB through 17.2 innings. He's lined up for a rematch in Boston next weekend.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Sunday that Leiter (finger) could join Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday or Thursday to make a rehab start, MLB.com reports.

Leiter is first eligible to come off the 15-day injured list Thursday, but the Rangers are leaning toward having him make a brief pit stop in the minors before potentially slotting back into the big-league rotation next week. The right-hander, who is recovering from a blister on his right middle finger, completed a 35-pitch up-and-down bullpen session Sunday in his first mound work since being placed on the IL. The Rangers will wait and see how Leiter bounces back from the side session before deciding what day he'll start for Round Rock.

Crochet (2-1) yielded one run on a hit and a walk over 7.1 innings Sunday, striking out 11 and earning a win over the White Sox.

Crochet was nearly untouchable Sunday; he was perfect through five innings and carried a no-hitter into the eighth. He was removed from the game after Chase Meidroth broke it up with a single and later came around to score with Garrett Whitlock on the mound. Crochet generated a season-high 18 whiffs, including 11 with his four-seamer that averaged 95.8 mph. He dropped his ERA to 1.38 with a 28:8 K:BB through 26 frames. Crochet's next outing is projected to be a rematch with the White Sox at home.

Povich did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 7-6 extra-inning loss to the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk with two strikeouts over 4.2 innings.

Povich delivered a solid outing on the surface, but he induced just four whiffs and was pulled with two runners on in the fifth inning at only 76 pitches. The 25-year-old has been a mixed bag, yielding three earned runs or fewer in all three of his starts but failing to complete the fifth frame twice. He owns a 3.60 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB across 15 innings on the year and lines up to face the Reds next weekend.

Berrios did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 7-6 extra-inning win against the Orioles, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk with six strikeouts over five innings.

Berrios allowed a run in each of the first four innings, including a pair of solo home runs. He generated 12 swinging strikes on 86 pitches but also yielded eight hard-hit balls, six of which resulted in hits. The veteran right-hander owns a 5.16 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB across 22.2 innings this season and lines up for a home matchup with the Mariners next weekend.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Bello (shoulder) will make at least one more rehab start for Triple-A Worcester, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Bello made a third rehab start Friday, reaching 64 pitches and four innings. "He was OK. He was good," Cora said of Bello, who allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and struck out five batters Friday. "Now, we'll see how he recovers today. There's definitely one more. Definitely." There are some weather issues forecasted for Worcester's upcoming road trip, which could impact when Bello next takes the mound, but Boston's injury-ravaged rotation could use him as soon as possible with Richard Fitts (pectoral) being the latest starter to hit the IL on Sunday. Bello is tentatively scheduled to pitch Wednesday, which would put him on a path to return to the Red Sox during a series against the Mariners at Fenway Park from April 22-24.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said Sunday that Festa will start Wednesday against the Mets, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Festa was called up from Triple-A St. Paul to start Friday with Pablo Lopez (hamstring) on the injured list. He performed well, allowing one unearned run in 4.2 innings with four strikeouts in a no-decision against the Tigers. The Twins had said they planned to give two starters extra rest this week ahead of a long stretch of consecutive games, so Festa could be in line for just one more start in the majors before returning to Triple-A. However, with the Twins possibly shaking up the roster after a sluggish start to the season, it's possible the right-hander could remain in the majors with another strong outing.

The Red Sox placed Fitts on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a right pectoral strain, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Fitts was removed from Saturday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox in the sixth inning when he experienced pain in his shoulder. The Red Sox haven't provided a timeline for his return, but given the nature of his injury, Fitts will likely need more than the minimum 15 days. Boston selected the contract of right-hander Michael Fulmer from Triple-A Worcester to provide some bullpen depth in the short term, but long reliever Josh Winckowski or Triple-A starters Cooper Criswell or Hunter Dobbins would appear to be the most likely candidates to fill Fitts' spot in the rotation.

Schmidt (shoulder) will return from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Royals, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

The Yankees will wait until Wednesday to officially reinstate Schmidt from the IL, but he's been given the green light to make his 2025 debut after turning in a pair of strong rehab starts at Double-A Somerset. In his most recent outing Thursday, Schmidt struck out four over four scoreless innings while allowing three hits and and no walks. He tossed 61 pitches in that start, and while Schmidt will likely have his workload monitored closely Wednesday, he should be capable of reaching five innings if he's efficient.

Hill has a 2.45 ERA and 13:2 K:BB in 7.1 innings through his first two starts for Single-A Fort Myers. He reached 97.2 mph with his sinker during the outing, Seth Stohs of TwinsDaily.com reports.

Hill, the 69th overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, had an aggressive placement at Single-A out of high school to begin the season, and the initial results are encouraging. If the velocity gains he's showed hold up, the 19-year-old could move up prospect lists quickly.