MLB Player News

White Sox pitcher Chris Sale surrendered three earned runs on five hits and one walk in 7 1/3 innings while striking out eight in his team's 5-3 win over the Twins in Monday's opener.

Sale has been fantastic in his first two seasons in the rotation, and Monday's quality start could be an indication that he's set for a third straight excellent season. His next start will come Sunday against the Royals.

Coming off an impressive spring, Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander took the hill in Monday's season opener against the Royals. However, Verlander was on the hook for the loss until Detroit rallied late for a 4-3 win.

Verlander opened the game with three scoreless innings before running into some trouble in the fourth inning. The Royals sent nine batters to the plate and scored three runs to go ahead 3-1. Salvador Perez had an RBI double, Lorenzo Cain had an RBI single and Omar Infante walked with the bases loaded to get the final run off Verlander. Though, Verlander avoided the loss when Detroit tied the game at 3 in the seventh.

The right-hander was charged with three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks, while striking out two in six innings. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Orioles.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said starting pitcher Yu Darvish (neck) might not need a rehab assignment before coming off the 15-day disabled list, according to ESPN. Though, the decision hasn't been made yet.

Starting April 7, the Tigers will have three days off in an eight-day span. Manager Brad Ausmus said Monday the three off days means he will "probably" skip Drew Smyly, who is being converted back to a starter after pitching in relief last year, a turn through the rotation, per the Detroit Free Press.

Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a neck injury, threw a 32-pitch bullpen session Sunday. He felt good and reported no physical issues, so Darvish will take Monday off and resume throwing Tuesday.

Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel coughed up five runs -- four earned -- on six hits and one walk while striking out five over 4 1/3 innings pitched in an exhibition game against the Rangers in San Antonio.

Keuchel finished spring 2-1 with a 5.82 ERA and 12:3 K:BB ratio over 17 innings. He'll likely start the fourth or fifth game of the season for the Astros against the Angels.

As expected, the Rangers have placed pitcher Yu Darvish (neck), second baseman Jurickson Profar (shoulder), catcher Geovany Soto (leg) and pitcher Matt Harrison (back) all the disabled list, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Soto was the only player placed on the 60-day DL.

The Orioles have optioned right-hander Kevin Gausman, left-hander T.J. McFarland and infielder Jemile Weeks to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, the team announced.

Gausman went 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 13:4 K:BB ratio over 11 innings this spring. McFarland allowed four runs over 9 2/3 innings. Weeks slashed .171/.300/.195 with seven RBI over 41 at-bats.

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker has been placed on the disabled list Saturday.

Walker has been dealing with a shoulder injury throughout camp. He move was backdated to March 21, so there's a chance Walker returns sooner than 15 days. He's been able to throw in minor-league games.

Walker posted a 3.60 ERA in 15 innings last year.

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish was able to play long toss Saturday, according to the Star-Telegram.

Darvish also threw 30 pitches off flat ground and had no issues. He plans to go through a similar routine Sunday. Darvish is attempting to come back from a neck injury.