MLB Player News

It’ll be Robinson Leyer instead, but Kickham figures to handle an inning or two in what will essentially be a bullpen game for Boston. Kickham last made an appearance at the MLB level way back in 2014.

Pérez was designated for assignment by the Braves last week and passed through waivers unclaimed. He elected free agency but then resigned with Atlanta. While this may not seem like a big deal, it does mean that Pérez could be the starting pitcher called up when the Braves need a fifth starter again on April 21st. That would mean that Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie could remain in the minors for longer than fantasy managers are hoping.

The Orioles needed a spot on the 40-man roster to call up Sam Huff, so Sandridge was let go. The 27-year-old had thrown 1 2/3 scoreless innings in Triple-A but had allowed two hits and walked three while striking out two.

The 30-year-old has thrown twice since being recalled and allowed three runs on three hits in 1 2/3 innings. He did throw 2/3 shutout innings on Tuesday, so it was nice for him to get that better second appearance.

The Orioles already have two catches on their roster, but Maverick Handley hasn’t played since being called up on Saturday. Perhaps Huff will fill in as the backup catcher or be more of a DH option now that Ryan Mountcastle (foot) is out.

Hader said his four-seam fastball was between 91-93 mph, and he was pleased with his overall performance. While this may not seem like a major accomplishment, it’s the first time Hader has faced hitters in months, so it’s certainly a step in the right direction. He will need to face hitters in simulated sessions a few more times and then head out on a rehab assignment, so the middle of May feels like a best-case scenario for Hader to return to the Astros bullpen. With Bryan Abreu struggling, the Astros will continue to roll with some combination of him, Bryan King, and Enyel De Los Santos until Hader returns.

Tucker played a part in both runs the Dodgers would score in Tuesday’s pitchers’ duel against the Mets. He drew a walk in the first inning and crossed home on a groundout, then later put the Dodgers ahead with a base hit in the eighth. The 29-year-old outfielder is still looking to get going at the dish, batting .242/.360/.306 with one homer, 13 runs scored, 10 RBI, and three steals across 75 plate appearances.

Lindor got on the board with his first home run of the season on Tuesday, taking Yoshinobu Yamamoto deep for a solo blast on the third pitch of the game. He later added a base hit, but the solo homer would be all the Mets could put on the board as they continue to scuffle at the plate. Following the two-hit game, Lindor is hitting .194/.301/.306 with 11 runs scored and two steals.

With the Dodgers up by one run in the ninth inning, it was Vesia who was summoned to close out the game against the heart of the Mets order. He slammed the door on New York, striking out the side to secure the win and convert his second save. After the game, manager Dave Roberts stated that Edwin Díaz was unavailable after throwing a bullpen session earlier in the day. The team wanted to see Díaz throw before putting him in game action following his blown save with diminished velocity last Friday. Robert said Díaz has been cleared and will get the next save chance.

Yamamoto served up a solo homer to Francisco Lindor on the third pitch of the game. Like his counterpart in Nolan McLean, he locked in for the night, keeping the Mets from scoring again until he departed with two outs in the eighth inning. He scattered just three more hits and one walk while striking out seven on a whopping 23 whiffs. The 27-year-old right-hander ends the day with a 2.10 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and a 21/3 K/BB ratio across 25 2/3 innings. He’ll take on the Giants next Tuesday in San Francisco.

McLean was lights out in a tough matchup against the Dodgers, going head-to-head with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He gave up a run in the first inning on a walk, double, and a groundout before settling in for six more scoreless frames, scattering one more hit and one walk while striking out eight batters on 12 whiffs. The 24-year-old right-hander has been sensational so far, posting a 2.28 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and a 28/8 K/BB ratio across 23 2/3 innings. McLean is in line for a start against the Twins in New York next Tuesday.