MLB Player News

Rangers ace Yu Darvish has made a rapid recovery from a neck ailment and will return to the rotation Sunday against Tampa Bay. He is slated to match pitches with Alex Cobb.

Darvish set the table for his quick comeback Tuesday with a long bullpen session, after which he reported to pain.

The Rangers will certainly welcome his presence on the mound. They have been plagued by injuries to their starters.

Mariners premier pitching prospect Taijuan Walker will begin his rehab assignment from a shoulder ailment Friday for Class-A Advanced High Desert.

Walker was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21, but it remains to be seen how quickly he joins the Seattle rotation.

Rangers pitcher Martin Perez didn't factor into the decision in his season debut Tuesday after giving up two earned runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings while striking out seven in his team's 3-2 win over the Phillies.

Perez dealt with command issues this spring, posting an 8:8 K:BB ratio along with a 6.23 ERA in 13 innings. He was able to shrug it off and post a fine line in his 2014 debut. Perez's next start is up in the air as ace Yu Darvish could return Sunday and cause the team to shuffle the rotation.

Rays pitcher Alex Cobb took the loss in his debut Tuesday, giving up four earned runs on five hits and four walks in five innings while striking out three in his team's 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

Cobb lost just three games while making 22 starts en route to a 2.76 ERA last season. He's scheduled to take on the Rangers at home Sunday.

The Athletics and Indians were forced to postpone Tuesday's game in Oakland due to rain, with an announcement coming about an hour and a half prior to first pitch.

The game will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader Wednesday, with Tuesday's pitchers getting an extra day of rest before opening their season. Corey Kluber and Scott Kazmir will have their debuts pushed back, though it is not known if they will pitch the day or night half of the doubleheader.

Zach McAllister will also pitch for the Indians Wednesday, while Jesse Chavez is scheduled to pitch for the Athletics. 

Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray isn't dealing with any ankle issues after being hit by a line drive during Monday's opener, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Gray pitched well in his debut Monday. He'll be back on the mound Saturday against the Mariners.

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish threw a rigorous 86-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and encountered no issues with his neck, the Dallas Morning News reports.

"I thought it was so-so," Darvish said. "But I think I can throw in a game. The other day, it was really good. Today my command wasn’t as good. But I had strength and I was able to throw without any problems."

After seeing how Darvish feels Wednesday, the team will make a decision on whether he'll be able to return to the rotation immediately or take some more time getting healthy. He could be tabbed to start Sunday against the Rays.

Indians pitcher Justin Masterson surrendered just three hits and one walk in seven scoreless innings while striking out four Monday, but he didn't factor into the decision in his team's 2-0 win over the A's on Opening Day.

Masterson enjoyed a great spring, giving up three earned runs in 24 2/3 innings while striking out 25. He pitched even better Monday. Last season, he gave up just one earned run in 22 innings over his first three regular-season starts, and he'll look to stay strong when he faces the Twins Sunday.

Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray turned in a strong Opening Day performance, allowing five hits and three walks in six scoreless innings while striking out seven in his team's 2-0 loss to the Indians Monday.

Gray didn't have a shot at picking up a win as the game entered the ninth inning still scoreless, but it was a great season debut nonetheless. He'll take on the Mariners Saturday.

Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco gave up five earned runs on 10 hits and two walks in six innings while striking out four in his team's 5-3 loss to the White Sox on Opening Day Monday.

It was an inauspicious debut for the Twins' new ace as Nolasco served up two home runs to White Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza. He'll look to turn things around Sunday against the Indians.