MLB Player News

Perez (elbow) threw six innings in a simulated game with Triple-A Round Rock on Friday and said he's ready to join the Rangers' rotation Thursday, Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports. "Everything is looking perfect," Perez said. "I'm ready to go."

No surprise hearing that out of Perez, who said a similar statement after his first spring start a week ago. The Rangers opted to play it safe with Perez and have him wait until April 5, the eighth game of the season, for his season debut.

Gray gave up one run on seven hits and three walks over four-plus innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Despite allowing 10 players to reach base, Gray managed to give up just one run and struck out eight batters. However, his pitch count grew quickly and reached 89 over just four innings of work, resulting in the Yankees turning to their bullpen early in the contest. His next start figures to be Saturday when the Yankees host the Orioles.

Stroman gave up four runs over five innings in a no-decision versus the Yankees on Sunday.

During his time in Sunday's game, Stroman gave up three hits and three walks. Although he allowed four runs, all of which came in the game's third frame, Stroman managed to fan eight batters during his five-inning effort. He'll look to improve when he next takes the mound against the Rangers on Saturday.

Cole (1-0) struck out 11 and allowed just one run on two hits and three walks over seven innings to earn the win Sunday against the Rangers.

Cole was absolutely filthy in his first start as an Astro, as he used 21 swinging strikes to rack up those 11 strikeouts. As a Pirate in 2017, Cole reached double-digit strikeouts just twice and didn't strike out 11 batters in any of his 31 starts. Cole looks like he's in great form to start his Astros career, and at his best, he has been an ace-level pitcher. He's currently slotted fourth in Houston's rotation, truly an embarrassment of riches.

Gausman (0-1) gave up six runs on seven hits and two walks over four innings in Sunday's loss to the Twins.

Gausman's season debut didn't go well, as three of the seven hits he surrendered were home runs. Although he managed to log five strikeouts, Minnesota was able to reach base and score with ease, keeping Gausman from reaching the five-inning mark. While hopes remain intact that he can approach his 2016 form, in which he posted a 3.61 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 30 starts, Sunday's lackluster effort remains a disappointment. Gausman will look to get on track when he takes the mound Friday against the Yankees.

Berrios (1-0) threw nine shutout innings and gave up three hits and a walk while striking out six batters in Sunday's victory over the Orioles.

Berrios made his first start of the season Sunday and wasted no time to put on an outstanding performance. Per Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, this was the first complete game of the 23-year-old's career. While his six strikeouts didn't quite reflect last season's 8.6 K/9, Berrios is on track to improve after posting a 3.89 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 2017. He'll return to the mound Saturday when the Twins host the Mariners.

General manager Billy Eppler said that Heaney (elbow) checked out fine during a 69-pitch intrasquad game Sunday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

It's expected that the Angels will reevaluate Heaney on Monday before determining the next step in his rehab process. Assuming Heaney isn't experiencing any renewed inflammation in his left elbow a day after the outing, he'll likely make his next start in a rehab game at one of the Angels' minor-league affiliates. That could put him on track to be available April 12 against the Royals, when the team would first require a sixth starter.

Hammel will make his first start of the season Monday against the Tigers after his previously scheduled start Sunday against the White Sox was postponed due to inclement weather, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports.

The move back a day in the schedule now sets Hammel up for a two-start week, with his second turn set to come April 7 in Cleveland. The postponement coupled with an off day this Thursday will allow the Royals to get by with a four-man rotation until April 10 against the Mariners.

Boyd will make his first start of the season Tuesday against the Royals, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

The Tigers will push all their pitchers back a day in the schedule after rainouts Thursday and Saturday created the need for a doubleheader Sunday against the Pirates that will result in Detroit playing six games in five days. Since Boyd had initially been scheduled to pitch Monday against the Royals, he'll miss out on a two-start week with Francisco Liriano taking the hill for the series opener.

Stroman (shoulder) will start Sunday's game against the Yankees.

Since being sidelined in early March with shoulder inflammation and being ruled out for Opening Day, Stroman has progressed as expected while building up his arm in simulated and exhibition games, so he won't miss a turn in the rotation to begin the season. It's not expected that Stroman will face any restrictions with his pitch count as he closes out the Blue Jays' four-game series with New York.