MLB Player News

A three-run lead would have made this an easy day for Aaron Boone to send Clay Holmes out to regain some confidence. Instead, Holmes remained in the pen, and Weaver finished things off after Jake Cousins and Tommy Kahnle set him up with scoreless innings. Weaver had some help from umpire Jordan Baker, who apparently wanted this one over with and gave him four free strikes to the three batters he retired. Weaver appears to be worth grabbing if you’re chasing saves.

Fraley left the contest with Tampa Bay trailing by nine runs in the sixth inning. The 30-year-old corner outfielder is presumably day-to-day heading into Wednesday’s series finale.

Roberts refused to name a set closer but did speculate that Scott might get the most save opportunities. The 31-year-old lefty has gotten off to an excellent start this season and has had success in the ninth inning at previous stops. It’s possible Alex Vesia or Blake Treinen will vulture the occasional save chance, but Scott appears in line to take over the closing role until Díaz returns from elbow surgery in the second half of the year.

Puk told reporters afterwards that he’s completed four bullpen sessions during his rehabilitation process from last year’s Tommy John surgery. He also added that he could potentially be ready to return to Arizona’s high-leverage mix by late May.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters Palencia is responding well to treatment and there’s a chance he could be activated in two weeks. The 26-year-old closer hit the shelf last Friday with what was believed to be an oblique strain, but additional imaging revealed a shoulder issue. The fact that he’s going to be cleared to resume throwing and the club doesn’t believe it’s a major issue is reassuring. Caleb Thielbar is the favorite to close for the Cubs until his absence.

Bradford hasn’t thrown for two weeks as a result of renewed tightness in his surgically-repaired elbow, but a followup MRI didn’t reveal any structural damage. The 28-year-old lefty is still rehabbing from last year’s Tommy John surgery. This latest setback pushes his return timetable back even further, but he’s expected to resume throwing at some point soon.

Wade was in Rangers camp as a non-roster invitee. The versatile 31-year-old was cut loose after hitting .226 in 16 games for Triple-A Round Rock over the past few weeks.

The Astros can’t afford another hit to their outfield depth. Harris was hit by a pitch on the left hand during a fifth-inning at-bat before leaving the contest. Journeyman reserve outfielder Daniel Johnson, who signed a minor league contract literally two days ago, took over in left field. You can’t make this stuff up.

Ryan O’Hearn takes over at first base with Jake Mangum heading out to right field. Horwitz is presumably day-to-day for now. There should be an update on his status following the contest.

Yesavage threw 64 pitches (37 strikes) in his likely final rehab outing at Triple-A Buffalo. He finished with two strikeouts and also walked four batters. The results weren’t inspiring, but the 22-year-old top prospect is one of the most exciting young arms in the sport. He’ll figures to make his season debut early next week against the Red Sox at the Rogers Centre.

As far as rehab outings go, this one was impressive. Strider’s fastball velocity ticked up significantly from early spring outings as he averaged 95.9 mph on his heater while topping out at 98.1 in this one. The 27-year-old former fantasy ace sustained his velocity throughout the 65-pitch outing while generating 15 swinging strikes, with 10 of those coming on his slider. He’ll likely require at least one additional tune-up to further increase his pitch count before returning to Atlanta’s rotation for his season debut in early May.