MLB Player News

Javier (1-0) shut out the Athletics over five innings Thursday, allowing three hits while striking out seven and walking two for his first win of the season.

The righty was much sharper in this one than he was in his debut, throwing 57 of his 88 pitches for strikes. The 24-year-old recorded a 3.48 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in his rookie campaign, and while he definitely benefited from great BABIP luck, he's clearly a talented young arm. His next start comes Tuesday against the Tigers.

Stripling allowed four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out five over five innings in a loss to the Angels on Thursday. He didn't factor into the decision.

The righty has struggled in his first two appearances of the campaign, failing to exceed five innings both times. The 31-year-old threw only 46 of his 70 pitches for strikes and gave up a homer for the second straight start, although he's in good company with the many other pitchers who have been victimized by Mike Trout. Stripling is still looking to return to his 2019 form, which saw him record a 3.47 ERA. His next opportunity to take the rubber will come Tuesday against the Yankees.

Canning allowed four runs on three hits and a walk while striking out seven over 5.1 innings in Thursday's win over the Blue Jays. He didn't factor into the decision.

The righty was decent in his debut, with his only big mistakes resulting in a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. two-run shot in the first inning and a solo homer by Cavan Biggio in the sixth. The 24-year-old was shaky in the first inning but cruised thereafter until the sixth, throwing 51 of his 81 pitches for strikes. Canning is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday against the Royals.

Rodriguez (1-0) allowed three earned runs on four hits and no walks while striking out seven across five innings to earn the win Thursday against Baltimore.

Making his first start since the 2019 season, the lefty had an encouraging outing. He was burned by two home runs, but also racked up seven strikeouts and induced six groundball outs while relying heavily on his changeup. Rodriguez also averaged 93 mph with his fastball -- closely resembling his velocity from past seasons. He lines up to make his second start of the season Wednesday at Minnesota.

Gonzales (0-1) was charged with the loss against the Twins on Thursday after surrendering seven runs on nine hits and a pair of walks while striking out six across 4.1 innings.

After struggling in his Opening Day debut during which he gave up a career-high-tying five runs and three walks, Gonzales fell apart once again, this time serving up a pair of home runs while continuing to struggle with his command. Across 10.1 innings, the southpaw has allowed 12 runs and five walks, not quite the numbers you want to see. Gonzales will get a chance to turn things around with a road start next Thursday at Baltimore.

Berrios (2-0) earned the win Thursday after holding the Mariners to two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings.

Despite not getting the nod for Opening Day, Berrios did take the mound for Minnesota's home opener Thursday. After finding success in his last outing, in which he held the Brewers hitless over six frames while tying a career high with 12 strikeouts, Berrios found a way to miss bats once again. The 26-year-old was pulled in the sixth inning after tossing his 99th pitch, falling just shy of a quality start. Berrios will look to remain undefeated at home Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Paxton (forearm) will likely require Tommy John surgery, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Paxton suffered a left forearm strain Tuesday and had an MRI on Wednesday. After receiving a pair of opinions on the results of his MRI, Tommy John surgery has been recommended for the southpaw. If Paxton ultimately undergoes the procedure, he'd miss the remainder of the 2021 season. The left-hander is slated to become a free agent during the offseason and would likely miss the start of the 2022 campaign if he decides to continue his career.

Odorozzi will make a start Thursday at the Astros' alternate site, facing off against the Rangers.

Due to signing with the Astros late in winter, Odorizzi was delayed in his build-up program compared to Houston's other starters during spring training, resulting in him being held off the Opening Day roster. As Jake Kaplan of The Athletic notes, Odorizzi will be fully stretched out for a starting duty following Thursday's game, so his next outing should come with Houston. He tentatively lines up to make his Astros debut April 13 or 14 versus the Tigers.

Astros general manager James Click said Thursday that Valdez (finger) has resumed playing catch off flat ground, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Just over a month after suffering a fractured left ring finger that was initially expected to require surgery, Valdez is initiating a throwing program. Houston likely won't have a definitive target date for the southpaw's 2021 debut until he reaches the point in his rehab where he's pitching in simulated games or minor-league rehab games, but he'll essentially have to complete his normal spring-training build-up program all over again following his shutdown. If he experiences no discomfort while gradually increasing his throwing distance off flat ground for the next week or two, he could then be cleared to step back on the mound for bullpen sessions.

Paxton (forearm) will get a second opinion on his MRI results, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Paxton was placed on the 10-day injured list after he suffered a left forearm strain during Tuesday's loss to the White Sox. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday, but he won't have a timetable for his return before he receives a second opinion on the test results. Nick Margevicius is expected to serve as the sixth man in Seattle's rotation while Paxton is sidelined.