MLB Player News

Cobb (1-0) allowed one run on four hits and a walk while striking out four in 5.2 innings during Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Yankees.

He got pulled after throwing 90 pitches, just missing a quality start as a result, but it was still an encouraging beginning to the campaign for Cobb. The 29-year-old struggled at the end of last season in his return from Tommy John surgery, but he appears ready to return to the form that saw him post sub-3.00 ERAs in 2013-14 prior to his injury. Cobb will face the Yankees again in his next start Monday in New York.

Hamels gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk over six innings against the Indians on Wednesday. He struck out four.

Neither he nor opposing starter Danny Salazar -- who gave up five runs of his own -- factored into the decision. As Hamels embarks on his age-33 season, he presents an interesting test case. He's seen his WHIP climb in consecutive seasons, including a career-worst 1.31 mark last year, and Texas isn't the best pitching environment; on the other hand, Hamels also struck out 200 hitters (yet again) and posted a 3.32 ERA alongside 15 wins. The veteran lefty's September fade last year was troubling, and it may cause the Rangers to try to find him a bit more rest throughout this season, but Hamels should still post credible fantasy stats.

Sale struck out seven while giving up just three hits and a walk over seven shutout frames in a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

Budding Pittsburgh ace Jameson Taillon engaged in a brilliant pitchers' duel with Sale, as the two matched zeroes through seven frames. The lack of a win -- although the Red Sox ultimately came away victorious in extra innings -- takes nothing away from how dominant Sale was in this one. Boston's offense will typically be more supportive, meaning Sale should have a chance to make a run at his first 20-win season.

Manning will start the 2017 season at extended spring training, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

Just 19 years old, Manning will stay down in Florida for some extra work before likely joining a short-season team later in the summer. Manning features an electric fastball and a solid curve, but he's still quite raw.

Bundy (1-0) allowed only one run on four hits while striking out eight over seven innings in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays.

The 24-year-old was outstanding in his 2017 debut, throwing 69 of 99 pitches for strikes and stifling a normally potent Toronto offense while offering another data point to support the idea that spring stats are largely meaningless. Bundy gets another tough test in his next start Tuesday in Boston.

Miley (illness) has been cleared to start Sunday's game against the Yankees, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

This was the expected development after the lefty hurler tossed a simulated game Tuesday, but the Orioles waited to reassess his condition a day later before signing off on him making his season debut. Miley was sidelined for extended action in spring training while battling the flu, but his track record as a capable innings eater never put his status as a member of the rotation in much doubt. The Orioles will officially activate Miley from the disabled list Sunday and demote another player to the minors in a corresponding move.

Aiken will open the season at Low-A Lake County and start the Captains' home opener April 8.

The ballyhoo behind Aiken was loud and proud when Cleveland drafted him with its top pick in 2015. A series of arm troubles led to Tommy John surgery and caused the prospect to fall off the radar in many circles. However, all indications are that the left-hander will begin 2017 healthier than he's been since entering professional baseball. Aiken is only 20 years old, and he can surely put himself back on the prospect map with a strong performance in his first full campaign.

Verlander is now scheduled to start Monday against the Red Sox.

Wednesday's postponement -- the second in three days for the Tigers and White Sox -- means Verlander will miss out on two starts during the opening week of the season. However, he now lines up for two during the second week, with a road matchup at Cleveland following the home matchup against Boston. Verlander allowed two runs over 6.1 innings in his 2017 debut, striking out 10 en route to the win.

Boyd will make his first start of the season Thursday against the White Sox.

Boyd had been slated to start the series opener against Boston, but weather delays have forced an alteration in the Tigers' rotation. The southpaw compiled a 5.03 ERA and a 16:5 K:BB in four starts against the White Sox last season.

Boyd is now scheduled to make his 2017 debut Thursday against the White Sox.

Boyd will actually move up a day following Wednesday's postponement, while Jordan Zimmermann and Daniel Norris will both be pushed back. The 26-year-old lefty endured some growing pains in 20 appearances (18 starts) at the major-league level last season, but he was quite good in July and August with sub-3.00 ERAs in both months. He posted a 23:1 K:BB in 25.2 innings this spring.