MLB Player News

Santana struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his first save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Cubs.

The right-hander got Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch to chase sliders for third strikes as Santana converted his first save chance of the year. Gregory Soto worked the eighth and was less efficient, walking two batters without striking anyone out, and the closer battle in Pittsburgh seems to be tipping back in Santana's favor. He sports a 0.00 ERA through seven innings with two wins, two holds and a 6:2 K:BB.

Mlodzinski didn't factor into the decision during Friday's 2-0 win over the Cubs, allowing six hits and three walks over 5.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

The 27-year-old right-hander wasn't particularly efficient, throwing 48 of 81 pitches for strikes, but he got locked in a 0-0 pitchers' duel with Shota Imanaga until exiting the mound in the sixth inning. Mlodzinski is still looking for his first win of 2026, but he'll take a 2.51 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB through 14.1 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home next week against the Nationals.

Ortiz is not in the Brewers' starting lineup against the Nationals on Friday.

The Brewers will start David Hamilton and Luis Rengifo at shortstop and third base, respectively, for Friday's series opener. Through five games in April, Oritz has gone 3-for-19 (.158) with one steal, two runs scored and five strikeouts.

Turang (ankle) is starting at second base and batting out of the leadoff spot in Friday's game against the Nationals.

Turang was out of the lineup for the Brewers' last two games due to left ankle tendinitis, but he has been cleared to play in Friday's series opener against Washington. Through 10 regular-season games, Turang has gone 10-for-37 (.270) with four steals (five attempts), one home run and seven RBI.

Fermin is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Rockies on Friday.

Fermin will take a seat for the second time in three games while Luis Campusano starts behind the dish and bats eighth while forming a battery with Walker Buehler. Through 11 regular-season games, Fermin has gone 5-for-27 (.185) with five runs scored, two doubles and one RBI.

Strider (oblique) will throw a live batting practice session Saturday, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

It's presumed to be the last step before Strider heads out on a rehab assignment. Strider suffered the strained left oblique at the end of spring training and has missed his first three turns through the rotation, but it appears a 2026 debut will happen in the near future. Martin Perez has been filling in at the back end of Atlanta's rotation while Strider has been out.

Murphy (hip) will have his rehab assignment delayed until Tuesday due to a personal matter, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Murphy is home tending to a family matter and will miss the entire weekend series for Triple-A Gwinnett. After missing all of spring training, Murphy is expected to have an extended rehab assignment before being cleared for MLB action.

Chourio's fractured hand is showing signs of healing, but he still isn't cleared to resume hitting, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Chourio was hit on the hand while playing in an exhibition with Team Venezuela back on March 4. Originally expected to be sidelined 2-to-4 weeks, Chourio suffered the injury more than five weeks ago and still can't swing a bat. He's likely to need a rehab assignment once he's cleared to resume full baseball activities. Blake Perkins, Brandon Lockridge and Jake Bauers have been seeing extra playing time while Chourio has been sidelined.

Polanco underwent an MRI on Thursday and has been diagnosed with Achilles bursitis, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

It's good news for Polanco, as he will not require a stint on the injured list and is expected to be available off the bench Friday against the Athletics. With Polanco getting the night off Friday, Ronny Mauricio is starting at third base, and Bo Bichette will serve as the designated hitter. Through his first 45 plate appearances with the Mets, Polanco is slashing .200/.289/.275 with three doubles, one RBI, two runs scored and a 5:6 BB:K.

The Brewers recalled McGee from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

McGee pitched in eight games out of the bullpen for Milwaukee last season, posting a 5.52 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB across 14.2 innings. He'll fill a middle-relief role for the Brewers.