MLB Player News

Hancock, who allowed eight runs over 3.1 innings to the Brewers on Sunday, has seen some dip in velocity since the start of spring training and could have his next turn in the rotation skipped, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The Mariners won't need a No. 5 starter again until April 16 thanks to an off day on Thursday, but Bryan Woo (elbow), who Hancock is filling in for in the Mariners' rotation, may not yet be ready to return at that point. Nevertheless, Drayer speculates Hancock may not necessarily get the call in such a scenario, noting manager Scott Servais may want to have him take a step back and also work on building toward the velocity he was displaying when he first reported to camp. Hancock had impressed with a 97 mph two-seamer and 90 mph changeup at that point, but those figures were at 92.9 and 87.3, respectively, during Sunday's abbreviated outing.

Shuster was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte by the White Sox on Monday.

Tanner Banks will serve as an opener Monday in Cleveland, but Shuster looks to be the prime candidate to follow him in bulk relief. Shuster could also be under consideration for a start until Mike Clevinger is ready. The lefty was knocked around for seven runs and four home runs over four innings in his lone start with Charlotte this season.

Gausman averaged 91.4 mph with his fastball during Saturday's loss to the Yankees, but the veteran right-hander isn't concerned, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Gausman averaged 94.7 mph with his heater in 2023, but his velocity was also down significantly in an early April start last year in Kansas City, and it didn't end up being any kind of warning sign as he went on to post a 3.16 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 31.1 percent strikeout rate over 185 innings. "That's kind of the running joke, I'm 88 to 98," Gausman said after Saturday's game. "[Hitters] don't know what they're going to get. I don't know what I'm going to get, either. I think it was just cold weather more than anything. My first two innings, if you're going to get to me, that's when you're going to get to me. Unfortunately, that was obviously the case tonight." Gausman lines up to make his next start at home this weekend in a much more favorable matchup against the Rockies.

Verlander (shoulder) allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk over three innings in his first rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.

It wasn't a pretty bottom line, although Verlander did strike out six batters and induced a solid 12 whiffs on his 65 pitches. The veteran right-hander averaged 93.5 mph with his four-seamer, which is nearly one full mph down from his average from last season. Verlander is expected to make one more rehab start later this week before rejoining the Astros' rotation as soon as April 17 versus Atlanta.

Crochet allowed two runs on three hits while striking out five over five innings Sunday against the Royals. He did not factor into the decision.

Crochet continued his excellent stretch to begin the season, generating 15 whiffs while not walking a batter for the second time in three starts. The lone damage against him came off a fifth-inning two-run homer off the bat of Hunter Renfroe. Crochet currently leads the majors with 21 strikeouts and 18 innings pitched. He's found something with his slider with seven of his 15 whiffs Sunday coming from that pitch. The 25-year-old lefty will look to keep things going in a home meeting with the Reds this upcoming week.

Marsh allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out three over 4.2 innings Sunday against the White Sox. He was not involved in the decision.

Marsh was clean through three before the White Sox eventually broke through with two runs in the fourth and another in the fifth, leading to Marsh's exit from the game. The 26-year-old managed just five swings and misses on 78 pitches and will look to have a better showing his next time out, which currently lines up against the Mets on the road.

Hancock (1-1) took a bad loss Sunday against the Brewers, allowing eight runs on 11 hits and a walk while striking out six over 3.1 innings.

One positive to note for Hancock was that his six strikeouts doubled his previous career-best, as he has just a 14 percent strikeout rate over five starts. Sunday was also easily the roughest outing of his career. Eight of the 14 balls put in play against him were hard hit, which included two home runs. The 25-year-old will stay in the rotation for now and lines up for a home start against the Cubs in the upcoming week.

Dunning (1-1) allowed three runs on four hits and three walks over 6.2 frames Sunday, striking out seven and taking a loss against the Astros.

While it wasn't the cleanest line, Dunning has now turned in two straight quality starts to begin his 2024 season. The only damage against him Sunday came via Yordan Alvarez's three-run shot in the third inning. Dunning's velocity is noticeably down in 2024; his fastball averaged just 88.5 mph Sunday, and he threw it only six times. Despite that, the 29-year-old has produced a 14:7 K:BB through 13 frames. Dunning is currently projected for a rematch in Houston next weekend.

Blanco (2-0) allowed a hit and four walks over six shutout frames Sunday, striking out four and earning a win over Texas.

In his first start since firing a no-hitter against Toronto, Blanco carried a no-no through 5.2 frames before Adolis Garcia squeaked a single through the infield. The 30-year-old righty relied more heavily on his fastball Sunday, using it 50 percent of the time with a 93.7 mph average velocity. He's turned in 16 shutout frames with an 11:6 K:BB to begin the year. Blanco will look to continue riding the momentum in his next outing, which is lined up to be a rematch with the Rangers.

Houck (2-0) allowed four hits and two walks over six shutout frames Sunday, striking out seven and earning a win over the Angels.

Houck was dominant Sunday, allowing just one extra-base hit and, at one point, retiring 10 consecutive Angels. He's started the season with 12 shutout frames and a terrific 17:2 K:BB in two starts. Houck posted an 8.4 K/9 in both 2022 and 2023 but he's seemingly tapped back into the strikeout potential he displayed earlier in his MLB career. The 27-year-old is projected for a rematch with the Angels at home next weekend.