MLB Player News

Hoffman notched a save against the Angels on Monday, allowing one hit and striking out three batters over a scoreless inning of work.

Hoffman entered with a three-run lead in the ninth inning and gave up a single to the first batter he faced. However, the right-hander proceeded to strike out the following three hitters to close out the contest. This was a much-needed performance for Hoffman after he picked up a loss and a blown save while yielding six runs over 1.2 innings across his previous two appearances. Manager John Schneider has expressed confidence in Hoffman as the team's closer, and at least for Monday, that confidence appeared justified.

Cease (1-0) earned the win over the Angels on Monday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out 12 batters over five innings.

Cease needed 110 pitches to get through five frames, but that's largely because Angels hitters had a hard time putting his pitches in play. Of the 15 outs the right-hander recorded, 12 came via punchouts, and Cease racked up a whopping 18 total whiffs. The big performance helped Cease earn his first win as a Blue Jay, though he's pitched well enough this season to deserve more. Through five starts, Cease has posted a 2.10 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 25.2 frames. He also leads MLB with 44 punchouts and has yet to serve up a home run.

Caglianone went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Monday's 7-5 loss to the Orioles.

Caglianone snapped his homer drought, demolishing a Kyle Bradish fastball over the center-field wall in the second inning for his first long ball of the season. After a quiet first two weeks, the 23-year-old outfielder is starting to find his rhythm, hitting safely in six straight games and raising his OPS to .750 through 20 contests.

Loftin went 2-for-2 with a double, three RBI and a walk in Monday's loss to the Orioles.

Entering for Michael Massey in the seventh inning, Loftin reached safely in all three plate appearances, highlighted by a bases-clearing double as the Royals attempted a comeback in the 12th inning. Recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Monday as the corresponding move for Jonathan India (shoulder) being placed on the injured list, Loftin's positional versatility should help him earn opportunities, though most of his starts are likely to come at second base against southpaws.

Basallo went 2-for-3 with two RBI, a run scored and two walks in Monday's 7-5 victory over the Royals.

Basallo came through in the clutch, tying Monday's contest with an RBI single in the ninth inning off Lucas Erceg before adding another RBI single in the 12th to give the Orioles the lead. It's been a slow start to the season for the catcher, who's slashing .167/.275/.317 through 17 games, though it's worth noting the former top prospect is just 21 years old with only 48 games of big-league experience. Adley Rutschman (ankle) is likely to return from the injured list in the near future, but Basallo should continue to see considerable playing time.

Taveras went 1-for-5 with a grand slam in Monday's victory over the Royals.

Tavares' lone hit was an impactful one, as he sent an elevated sinker from Alex Lange over the center-field fence for a grand slam in the 12th inning, propelling the Orioles to a thrilling victory. The center fielder has quietly been excellent when called upon to open the 2026 season, slashing .341/.453/.545 with two homers, three doubles, 13 RBI and eight runs across 54 plate appearances. While sustaining that production will be difficult, the 27-year-old switch hitter will look to continue capitalizing on his opportunities and ride the hot streak.

Erceg blew the save in Monday's 7-5 loss against the Orioles. He allowed one run on a hit and three walks with no strikeouts over one inning.

Erceg entered the ninth inning with a one-run lead but was unable to secure the save, struggling with control and allowing an RBI single to Samuel Basallo that sent the game to extra innings. It marked the right-hander's second blown save in as many appearances after converting each of his first five opportunities this season. Now sporting a 6.48 ERA and 1.80 WHIP across 8.1 innings, Erceg will look to get back on track while incumbent closer Carlos Estevez (foot) remains on the injured list.

Lugo did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing a hit and four walks over seven scoreless innings against the Orioles. He struck out seven.

Lugo dazzled in Monday's start, allowing a double to Taylor Ward in the first inning and not surrendering another hit over the remainder of his outing. The crafty right-hander has continued to stack strong outings, posting a 1.15 ERA and 0.93 WHIP across 31.1 innings (five starts), though the results have yielded just a 1-1 record. The 36-year-old is projected to make his next start Sunday against the Angels.

The Mariners are optimistic that Donovan (groin) will be able to avoid a lengthy stay on the 10-day injured list, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports.

Donovan landed on the 10-day injured list Monday after missing Seattle's previous two matchups due to the left groin injury. "It doesn't seem like it's going to be a longer-term situation," said manager Dan Wilson. "But again, we just kind of have to assess it as we go." Wilson also mentioned that Donovan's groin injury seems to be related to a sports hernia, which required surgery last October and forced him to miss the last month of the 2025 season while with St. Louis. "This is just something that we're going to take as cautiously as we can. It's early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%," noted Wilson. An official timetable for Donovan's return should come into focus after he starts to make progress in his rehab.

Bradish did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing one run on 10 hits and three walks over 5.1 innings against Kansas City. He struck out seven.

Bradish allowed his share of baserunners but limited the damage, with his lone run allowed coming on a Jac Caglianone solo homer in the second inning. The right-hander had allowed multiple runs in each of his first four starts and entered Monday with a 5.49 ERA, but his effort in Kansas City lowered that mark to 3.96 across 25 innings. Bradish's next start is scheduled for Sunday against Boston.