MLB Player News

Stroman (2-0) limited the Yankees to two runs on three hits and two walks in Thursday's win. He struck out three and walked two.

The strikeout totals have been a bit disappointing early on for Stroman, who now has only 12 in 21.1 innings -- not to mention six walks, which doesn't make for a good ratio. Nonetheless, the Long Island native dominated his hometown team and demonstrated for the second time in three starts his ability to pitch deep into ballgames and preserve the bullpen. He'll draw the Orioles on Tuesday, which could create an opportunity for more strikeouts.

Eovaldi (0-1) racked up eight strikeouts Thursday, but gave up four runs on seven hits and a pair of walks over 6.2 innings in a loss to the Blue Jays.

While it's nice to see Eovaldi missing bats in his first two starts -- a common criticism of his package as a pitcher -- the righty's also given up four homers and nine earned runs in 11.2 innings this year. That said, he's faced a pair of power-laden teams in the Jays and Astros; a friendlier matchup against Oakland his next time out should help Eovaldi get started on leveling out that ugly 6.94 ERA.

Walker allowed one run, five hits and two walks while striking out four over six innings Wednesday against the Rangers. Despite leaving with a 2-1 lead, the bullpen failed to hold on and Walker remains without a decision through his first two starts of 2016.

After his first two outings of 2016, Walker's ERA sits at 2.25 with an 8:2 K:BB. That's certainly better than a year ago when he started 0-2 and sported a 17.18 ERA with a 6:6 K:BB. Now in his fourth season, many are expecting the 23-year-old to have a breakout campaign, but in order to do so he will need to continue limiting walks and refining his secondary pitches.

Rodriguez (knee) threw 50 pitches in three innings of a simulated game Wednesday, the Boston Globe reports.

Rodriguez made it through the workout and will commence a five-day routine beginning with an appearance in extended spring training followed by a minor-league rehabilitation assignment. As we see Boston's starting staff getting knocked around early on, Rodriguez's return takes on a bit of importance.

Rodon (1-1) walked five batters in six innings Wednesday, but held the Twins off the board, striking out six and allowing just three hits in a winning effort.

Rodon's first two starts as a sophomore major leaguer are a microcosm of what we can expect from him all year long -- great stuff and often brilliant pitching, but also walk issues that he'll have to work around. He did that successfully last year, but more sustainable success will come when Rodon gets his control under... well, control.

Smyly (0-2) allowed two runs on three hits during Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Indians.

Cleveland actually put up three runs with Smyly on the mound, but he was only charged with two thanks to a throwing error by Logan Forsythe. It's been a rough start for the lefty, as he's now given up seven total runs through two starts. The Rays could struggle to score runs this season, making things tough on their starting pitchers. Smyly suffered major shoulder issues last season, but did look strong with four wins last September. However, Fantasy owners will want to see better starts from the 26-year-old before fully trusting in him.

Carrasco (1-0) pitched eight strong innings, allowing just one run while striking out eight in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Rays.

It was a nice rebound game for the righty after allowing four runs in five innings during his first start of the season. He was in control the entire game and allowed the Rays to pick up just four hits. It marked his 20th straight game with at least five strikeouts. A 14-win season a year ago set high expectations for Carrasco this season, and Wednesday's solid performance should ease the mind of fantasy owners who may have worried after his rough first outing.

Binford was rocked in his first start of the season against Double-A Frisco on Saturday, giving up seven earned runs on eleven hits and a walk over 4.1 innings. He now holds a bloated 14.54 ERA on the young season.

Binford was similarly hit hard this spring as he posted a 11.25 ERA over four innings of work. The 6-6 righty is coming off his age-22 season in which he compiled a 5.82 ERA over 119 innings with Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. Interestingly, before reaching the Triple-A level, Winford had not posted an ERA above 3.60 over 300 plus innings. The 23-year-old will need to show in 2016 he can carry over his single and Double-A statistics into the Triple-A level in order to build his resume for a potential call up to the big leagues down the road.

Worley will start Friday against the Rangers, the Baltimore Sun's Eduardo Encina reports.

The Orioles finally revealed that Worley will get a second turn as the fifth starter with Kevin Gausman (shoulder) out, although it's hard to get excited after Worley only lasted 4.2 innings in his first start of the year. Friday's game could turn into a bullpen game in a hurry, with Tyler Wilson also likely available to log several innings, so Worley should be avoided in most daily formats.

Alvarez (shoulder) will throw a simulated game at the O.co Coliseum on Friday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

After facing live hitters on Tuesday, Alvarez continues his road to recovery with this simulated game. If all goes well, he'll remain on track for a mid-May return. After an All-Star season in 2014, Alvarez struggled to stay healthy with a shoulder injury last year, but looks increasingly closer to returning.