MLB Player News

Morton threw six shutout innings, allowing four hits with two walks and striking out six in a no-decision against the Rockies on Wednesday.

The veteran right-hander allowed a baserunner in each inning he pitched except his last, but Morton worked around the traffic to post six shutout frames. Unfortunately for him, the Rays didn't score at all Wednesday and lost 1-0 in extra innings. Despite the no-decision, owners have to be pleased with Morton early in 2019, as he's posted a 1-0 record, 1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 14 strikeouts through 11 innings.

Kluber (0-2) allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits while striking out four and walking three across 3.1 innings in a loss to the White Sox on Wednesday.

The Indians' ace wasn't himself, as he couldn't find the strike zone most of the afternoon. Poor infield defense didn't help either; with the help of an error, the White Sox tagged Kluber for three runs in the opening frame. Chicago first baseman Jose Abreu, who has always done well against Kluber, then drove in three more runs with hits in the second and fourth innings. Kluber came into the afternoon with a 13-4 record and 2.80 ERA in his career against the White Sox, so this was quite a disappointing outing. He's opened the season 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and nine strikeouts in 10.1 innings. Up next is a road start in Detroit.

Rodon (1-1) allowed one unearned run on two hits while striking out nine and walking just one across six innings to earn a victory against the Indians on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old featured his great stuff at Progressive Field on Wednesday, inducing 16 swinging strikes. Rodon allowed an unearned run in the first and then retired 12 straight batters starting in the second. The Indians only snapped that streak because Jose Ramirez reached on another White Sox error. Rodon is 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA, 15 strikeouts and 0.62 WHIP through two starts this season.

Snell isn't expected to make his next start until April 8 against the White Sox after manager Kevin Cash suggested the Rays would use openers for games Saturday and Sunday in San Francisco, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Since Snell last pitched Tuesday, he would have been able to take the hill for the series finale in San Francisco on his normal four days' rest, but Cash apparently wanted to give the ace an extra day to recover from his magnificent outing. The lefty rebounded from a rough Opening Day showing to flummox the Rockies on Tuesday, conceding no runs on two hits and one walk while striking out 13. He'll now line up for two starts next week, with his second turn expected to come April 13 or 14 in Toronto.

Kikuchi will start Friday against the White Sox instead of Thursday as Thursday's game has already been postponed due to rain.

The teams had an off day built into the schedule Friday for just this reason, so the Mariners won't have to make any changes to their rotation. Kikuchi has looked good through his first two MLB starts, posting a 2.53 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 8:1 K:BB.

Bieber will start Friday against the Blue Jays, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The Indians hadn't needed a fifth starter thus far, which they happily took advantage of in an effort to manage Bieber's innings. He is set to make his 2019 debut at home against a Blue Jays lineup that ranks in the bottom five in baseball so far this season in wRC+ (54) against right-handed pitching.

Valdez (0-1) allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out three in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Rangers.

Valdez, a minor-league starter being used as a reliever in the majors, made his season debut Tuesday when the Astros needed length after starter Justin Verlander was chased in the fifth inning. The left-hander worked a scoreless sixth inning but ran into trouble in the seventh. With the pull-happy Joey Gallo at the plate and baserunners on second and third in a tie game, the Astros could not deploy their usual shift against the slugging left-handed batter, who pulled a groundball against a traditional look into right field to plate the go-ahead runs. Valdez will continue to work in a similar role and could be deployed as a spot starter if needed.

Gonzales (3-0) picked up the win Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over 8.1 innings while striking out three in a 2-1 victory over the Angels.

The southpaw threw 100 pitches (70 strikes) in the outing, but after giving up a one-out walk and single in the ninth inning, Gonzales gave way to Anthony Swarzak and was denied a shot at his second career complete game. Gonzales will look to keep his win streak going Tuesday in Kansas City.

Sale (0-2) took the loss Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over six innings while striking out one in a 1-0 loss to the A's.

The southpaw settled in nicely after giving up a first-inning homer to Matt Chapman, but unfortunately for Sale, Boston's bats never did. Of more concern was his velocity -- he had trouble breaking 90 mph with his fastball, and Sale managed only six swinging strikes on 87 pitches.

Keller didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Twins, giving up five runs on three hits and four walks over six innings while striking out five.

The 23-year-old does get credit for his second quality start, but this outing was a far cry from his showing against the White Sox five days ago. Keller threw only 52 of 101 pitches for strikes and also plunked Byron Buxton as he struggled to find the strike zone all night. Assuming he stays on schedule, Keller would next take the mound Sunday in Detroit.