MLB Player News

King picked up a save against the Cubs on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over one scoreless inning.

King had a nice three-run cushion when he entered in the ninth inning. The left-hander gave up a two-out single but got Michael Busch on a lineout to end the game. King has notched a save on back-to-back days and is now 6-for-8 on save chances this season. He seems to be the Astros' current top ninth-inning option, but that will likely change when Josh Hader (biceps) returns to big-league action, which could happen by the end of May.

Teng (3-3) notched the victory over the Cubs on Saturday, allowing two hits and walking three batters while striking out six over six scoreless innings.

Teng tossed a season-high 89 pitches (56 strikes) while completing six frames for the first time as a major leaguer. The right-hander also recorded his second straight win and has now thrown 11 scoreless innings while allowing just four hits and registering a 13:7 K:BB over his past two starts. Teng has moved into Houston's six-man rotation this month and has gradually increased his pitch count with the aim of remaining a starter long term. He's tentatively stated to next take the mound at home versus Milwaukee.

Alvarez was removed from Saturday's game against the Cubs with back spasms, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez was visited by a trainer in the on-deck circle before his at-bat in the sixth inning, and he was pulled moments later after showing discomfort following a swing. It's unclear whether the 28-year-old's back will cause him to miss additional time, but the Astros could provide an update on his status in the near future.

Strzelecki signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Saturday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Strzelecki elected free agency Wednesday after being DFA'd by the Brewers, and he'll now receive an opportunity to carve out a role for himself in the Yankees organization. He will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, though his career 3.44 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in the majors make him a strong candidate for promotion at some point this season.

The Rangers transferred Baumler (ribs) to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Baumler landed on the injured list in early April with a right intercostal strain. He was cleared to begin a rehab assignment later in the month but has been shut down since April 28 due to a setback in his recovery. His move to the 60-day IL will keep him sidelined through June 4, though it's unclear how far away he is from returning. Blaine Crim was claimed off waivers from the Rockies in a corresponding move.

The Rangers claimed Crim off waivers from the Rockies on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Round Rock.

Crim was DFA'd by the Rockies on Wednesday, but he'll reclaim a 40-man roster spot while returning to the organization that drafted him back in 2019. The 28-year-old has spent the entire season in Triple-A, slashing .265/.339/.449 across 165 plate appearances. Carter Baumler (ribs) was transferred to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

Crochet (shoulder) will face hitters Tuesday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

After checking out fine following a side session Saturday, Crochet is slated to throw a live batting practice session for the first time since landing on the injured list April 29. If Tuesday's workout goes well, the Red Sox could send Crochet out on a rehab assignment later in the week.

Bazzana is leading off Saturday against Zack Wheeler and the Phillies.

Bazzana had been batting fifth recently, but he earned the bump to the leadoff spot by slashing .273/.391/.364 with two home runs, seven steals and a 14.1 percent walk rate in 22 games. The rookie second baseman leads the Guardians in on-base percentage, with Brayan Rocchio's .376 mark ranking second to Bazzana's .391.

Garver isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Royals.

Garver will catch a breather after going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer during Friday's series opener. Jhonny Pereda will pick up a start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Rocchio is not in Saturday's lineup against the Phillies.

This is his first day off since May 5, as Rocchio is in the midst of a breakout season. He is slashing .291/.376/.418 with four home runs, nine steals and an 11 percent strikeout rate in 51 games. Daniel Schneemann is starting at shortstop and batting sixth against Zack Wheeler.