MLB 2023 | Cano first career save, Chapman allows first run, Alvarez dealing with neck discomfort

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2023 season. A compendium from several sources

Yennier Cano (Photo: MLB)

April 24

Yennier Cano fired a scoreless ninth inning on Monday against the Red Sox to collect his first career save.

With Félix Bautista unavailable after pitching twice in the last three days, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde turned to Cano to guard a one-run lead with the tying run already on-base in the ninth inning. He struck out Enrique Hernández and Triston Casas before coaxing a game-ending line-out from Jarren Duran to preserve the victory. The 29-year-old righty, who was acquired last year at the trade deadline from the Twins, has reeled off seven scoreless innings with a 9/0 K/BB ratio across six appearances to open the year. That'll work.

Royals' Aroldis Chapman: Surrenders first run of season. Chapman (0-1) allowed a run on a hit and a walk with one strikeout over one inning, taking the loss Monday versus the Diamondbacks. Chapman started the year on an eight-inning scoreless streak, but it came to a close Monday. He walked Christian Walker and allowed a single to Gabriel Moreno before Nick Ahmed's fielder's choice plated the decisive run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Chapman still has an excellent 16:3 K:BB with a 1.00 ERA and 0.67 WHIP through nine innings. Unfortunately, the Royals' 5-18 start to the season has allowed him to pick up just one save and one hold. Chapman's usage suggests he's still at least slightly behind the struggling Scott Barlow in the closer hierarchy.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Yordan Alvarez was held out of the team's starting lineup on Monday night due to neck discomfort.

That's so much worse than a regular night of rest. The 25-year-old superstar has been sent back to Houston to undergo an examination. Baker noted that Alvarez has been battling the neck pain for the past week or so, and it has now gotten to the point that the team is concerned. He also noted that it's still up in the air whether or not he'll require a trip to the injured list -- or if he could still be available during their series against the Rays that opens on Monday. Alvarez has been a run-producing machine so far for the Astros this season -- slashing .253/.367/.533 with six homers and 27 RBI in 20 games.

Adolis Garcia: One hit Monday.

After a sensational three homers on Sunday, Adolis went 1-for-4 on Monday night in a 7-6 loss to the Reds. Adolis scored and also struck out twice. In the same game, for the Reds, Jose Barrero went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Raisel Iglesias faced hitters Monday

Raisel Iglesias was set to face hitters in live batting practice Monday. Iglesias has yet to pitch in 2023 after experiencing shoulder discomfort toward the end of spring training. He would likely need a few rehab appearances before returning to the Braves, but it is good to see him take the next step in his recovery.