MLB Player News

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus announced Monday starting pitcher Justin Verlander will be the opening day starter. There was some concern Verlander might not be ready for the start of the season after undergoing core muscle surgery in January, but Verlander hasn't allowed a run in 8 2/3 spring innings.

Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray was not at his best on Sunday against the Reds in Cactus League play.

Gray surrendered five runs -- three earned -- on six hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings of work. He has allowed seven earned runs over 10 innings pitched in four Cactus League starts.

Indians right-hander Justin Masterson picked up his second Cactus League win in a dominant outing against the Cubs on Sunday.

Masterson yielded two hits and struck out eight over five scoreless innings of work in a 3-2 win. He has not allowed a run over his first 13 innings pitched (three starts).

"Overall, decent command," Masterson said, MLB.com. "Sometimes a little effectively wild in the zone, but progressive. Moving along in the right direction."

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish couldn't make it past the fifth inning Sunday against the White Sox in Cactus League action.

Darvish surrendered two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three over 4 2/3 innings pitched. He has allowed six runs over his first 14 2/3 innings pitched this spring.

Twins starter Ricky Nolasco was able to toss five innings Sunday.

Nolasco had some trouble with contact, giving up five hits against the Marlins. He was tagged for two runs during the appearance. Nolasco struck out three batters, and did not issue any walks. Nolasco posted a 3.70 ERA in 199 1/3 innings last year.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander tossed five scoreless innings Sunday against the Nationals.

Verlander's spring has been abbreviated due to recovery from core surgery. Though it was just his second spring start, Verlander was able to pitch five innings. He allowed just one hit, and walked one batter. He struck out four during the appearance. 

Verlander posted a 3.46 ERA in 218 1/3 innings last year.

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker felt great after a bullpen session Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Walker was able to throw 40 pitches during the session. He was visibly exicted afterwards, jumping off the mound and giving a high five to catcher Mike Zunino. Walker is working his way back after dealing with shoulder soreness early in camp.

White Sox starter Chris Sale, who went scoreless in his previous outing, took a bit of a step back Saturday night against the Dodgers in Cactus League play.

Sale, making his fourth start of the spring, surrendered three runs -- one earned -- on two hits and two walks while striking out five over 4 1/3 innings of work. He has yielded seven earned runs over 14 innings this spring. 

Mariners pitcher James Paxton was not at his best on Saturday against the Giants in Cactus League action.

Paxton surrendered three runs -- two earned -- on six hits and one walk while striking out four over four innings of work. He has allowed three earned runs over 13 innings pitched in four starts this spring.

Rays young right-hander Jake Odorizzi could be on the verge of securing the fifth rotation spot. He took another step forward Saturday with a solid outing against Pittsburgh despite some wildness.

Odorizzi gave up just one earned run on two hits in 3 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out two. His spring ERA remained at 2.25.

The always unpredictable Joe Maddon is also considering Cesar Ramos, Erik Bedard and Nate Karns for the last spot in the rotation.