MLB Player News

Martinez allowed two hits and struck out two over three scoreless innings, picking up his first hold in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Angels.

Martinez made his second relief appearance since being removed from the starting rotation. He's thrown multiple innings in each outing, allowing one run on five hits while striking out five over seven innings. That multi-inning relief role is one in which Martinez thrived as a member of the Padres in 2023.

Bellinger went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Marlins.

Bellinger didn't start the first game, but he returned for the second one and delivered his fourth home run of the season across 20 contests. While his batting average and OPS are down from last year, Bellinger is off to a fine start from a power perspective, and he could match or surpass his 2023 total of 26 long balls if he keeps up his current pace. His career high is 47 home runs, which he posted during his 2019 MVP campaign.

Morton (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over six innings against the Rangers. He struck out four.

The only damage against Morton came in the second inning after the right-hander allowed two singles and a walk in the first three at-bats to open the frame. He would allow two runs in the inning before going on to retire 12 of the next 15 batters he faced in the contest. It marked Morton's first quality start of the season, though he's now allowed at least two runs in three consecutive outings, posting a 16:8 K:BB over that stretch.

Canario went 2-for-6 with a walk, a solo home run and an additional run scored across both games of Saturday's doubleheader against the Marlins.

Canario started in left field and batted ninth in both contests, and he delivered his first 2024 home run in the nightcap. With Ian Happ (hamstring) and Seiya Suzuki (oblique) both out of the lineup for the immediate future, Canario should see more playing time in the short term. The 23-year-old will eventually settle back into a reserve role or return to the minors, but he has a chance to make a strong impression while he's in this elevated role.

Carroll went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Giants, dropping his season average to .224 and OPS to .609.

A season-opening slump is taking its toll on Carroll, who has struck out seven times over the last three games -- he had just six punchouts over the first 18 contests. He's doing what he can to make an impact -- he has a team-high eight steals and 12 walks (second on team) -- but the immediate success he had as a rookie in 2023 has eluded him thus far in his sophomore season. Last year's Rookie of the Year has just three extra-base hits and five RBI through 21 games, and manager Torey Lovullo talked to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com about the outfielder's issues. "Maybe pitch selection," Lovullo said of what could be causing the struggles. "You know, trying to make adjustments in the wrong place and in the wrong space. Being athletic and just going out there and competing is a challenge for everybody and that'll be my challenge to Corbin. Just go up there and react to the baseball." Carroll's hard-hit percentage (25.0, fifth percentile) and average exit velocity (83.7 mph, third) are noticeable drop-offs from 2023.

Triple-A Reno placed Barrosa on the 7-day injured list Thursday due to a right hamstring strain, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports.

Barrosa hasn't been on the field since last Sunday, when he suffered the injury. His absence impacts the Diamondbacks, as Barrosa is the only minor-league outfielder on the club's 40-man roster. He played three games for Arizona earlier this season after Alek Thomas (hamstring) suffered his injury and before Randal Grichuk was activated. Barrosa is swinging a hot bat for Aces, posting an average of .308 with a .900 OPS.

De La Cruz walked in all four of his plate appearances Saturday in a win over the Angels. He recorded an RBI and a run scored.

A day after De La Cruz showed off his electric tools with a homer and three steals, he showcased his improving eye at the dish. The shortstop set a career high in walks, though he was also caught stealing for the third time this season. Nonetheless, De La Cruz seems to be closing the holes in his game while flashing No. 1 overall fantasy upside. He's up to a 1.033 OPS with six homers and 10 steals through 20 games this season.

Gilbreath (elbow) pitched in a second simulated game at extended spring training Friday, MLB.com reports.

Manager Bud Black noted that the session went well and that Gilbreath suffered no setbacks. Gilbreath is likely to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque in the coming days and could return by late April.

Freeland (elbow) won't need surgery but is expected to miss about 4-to-6 weeks, MLB.com reports.

Freeland is still resting the injury and could be out until late June, though it's a positive that he'll avoid surgery. He struggled mightily until being sidelined, as he posted a 13.21 ERA and 2.55 WHIP across 15.2 innings. Peter Lambert has entered the rotation in Freeland's place.

Ashcraft (3-1) earned the win over the Angels on Saturday, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over five-plus innings.

Three of the five runs against Ashcraft scored in the sixth inning as the right-hander ran out of steam -- he allowed a two-run homer to Miguel Sano in the sixth and reliever Nick Martinez allowed an inherited runner to score. The bullpen was scoreless from that point and in turn secured Ashcraft his third win already in the early going. He doesn't miss a ton of bats -- Ashcraft got a modest nine swings and misses Saturday -- and as a result he should be considered a volatile option best deployed judiciously by fantasy mangers. He tentatively lines up for a home start against the Phillies next week.