MLB Player News

Hammel took a no-decision in the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Tigers, allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts over nine innings during the 10-inning defeat.

Hammel's only blemish was the Tigers' two-run fifth inning, but even pitching a full nine innings wasn't enough to earn his first victory of the season. The 35-year-old allowed five runs over five innings during his first start of the season, but in his last three starts has given up only four runs on 16 hits over 20.1 innings pitched. Overall it's a solid start to the season for the right-hander, but he has a low K/9 (6.6) and the feeble Royals offense should continue to limit his opportunity to earn wins.

Blackburn (forearm) said his Friday throwing session went well and that he will continue with an every-other-day program moving forward, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

This marked the first time Blackburn has thrown since experiencing forearm tightness late in spring training. Over the next few weeks, he will be eased back into a progression as he targets a return in late May.

Rodon (shoulder) will begin throwing in extended spring training games Monday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The oft-injured southpaw underwent arthroscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder back in September, but it seems like he's finally healthy enough to get into game environments now. Rodon is still on track for a return in late May or early June barring any setbacks.

Bassitt was called up from Triple-A Nashville on Friday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Bassitt will join the major-league squad as a long reliever that has the potential to make a spot start if necessary. The 29-year-old has logged a 0.69 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with a 12:4 K:BB over 13 innings of work with Nashville over three appearances in 2018. In a corresponding move, the club optioned Danny Coulombe to Triple-A.

Hammel is scheduled to throw the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Tigers, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Hammel was previously scheduled to throw the night game, with Jakob Junis handling the first game, but the order has been flipped. Hammel has a 3.86 ERA (backed up by a 3.38 FIP) through his first three starts.

Rodriguez moved to 2-0 with Thursday's 8-2 win over the Angels, giving up two earned runs on three hits over six innings, striking out five and walking three.

Rodriguez only lasted 3.2 innings in his first start of the season but he's bounced back with quality starts in each of last two outings to bring his ERA down to 3.45 ERA and his WHIP to 1.28. He's shown that he has the ability to rack up strikeouts in the past, so if he can stay healthy and continue to post serviceable ratios he could establish himself as an under-the-radar solid fantasy option. He'll look to build on the pair of solid showings in his next start against the Blue Jays next Wednesday.

Gonzales (1-2) allowed three runs (zero earned) on four hits while walking one and striking out eight across 4.2 innings Thursday against the Astros. He did not factor in the decision.

Gonzales was pulled after just 79 pitches but the end result was still his most promising start of the season. As usual, he was in the strike zone frequently with 52 of his 79 pitches resulting in a strike. However, he wasn't especially deceptive -- he generated only eight swinging strikes -- and benefited greatly from the Astros fouling off 20 of his offerings. Gonzales has some name recognition due to his prospect pedigree, but he hasn't shown the ability to pitch deep into games or limit runs on a consistent basis.

Morton (3-0) allowed three hits while walking none and striking out eight across seven scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday against the Mariners.

Morton continued his excellent start to the season, dominating the Mariners on Thursday by generating 13 swinging strikes and nine ground balls. Through four starts, Morton has three scoreless outings of at least six innings and struck out more than 10 batters per nine innings. His velocity remains in line with last season, leaving little reason to doubt that Morton will continue to produce quality results.

Cobb (0-2) was hit with the loss after allowing seven runs (five earned) on 10 hits and one walk across 3.1 innings Thursday against the Tigers. He stuck out four batters.

Cobb's tenure with the Orioles is off to a rocky start, as he's now allowed 15 runs (12 earned) through just seven innings across his first two starts. He's struggled mightily so far this season -- allowing 10 hits and failing to make it out of the fourth inning in both outings -- but he's still likely working out some kinks after signing late in spring training, so things will hopefully turn around as he settles in. Cobb's next start is scheduled for Tuesday against his former team, the Rays.

Canning surrendered three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three in 3.2 innings in his debut for Double-A Mobile.

After fanning 12 without giving up a run in 8.2 innings through two starts at High-A, Canning was rewarded with a promotion to the Southern League. He joins Braves prospect Kyle Wright as the only starting pitching prospects from last year's draft class to have reached Double-A, and has been a very popular early add in dynasty leagues. Assuming he rebounds from his shaky Double-A debut, he should continue to climb prospect rankings this season.