MLB Player News

Stephen gave up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out nine over six innings for Single-A Dunedin on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Mississippi State product, selected in the second round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, has perhaps predictably been too much for Florida State League hitters to begin his pro career. Through two starts, Stephen has a 15:2 K:BB in 11 innings and has allowed only three hits, leading to a 0.82 ERA and 0.45 WHIP. A quick promotion to High-A Vancouver should be coming for the right-hander, although the organization is likely waiting for the weather to be less of an issue in the Pacific Northwest before elevating Stephen.

Schmidt (shoulder) completed four scoreless innings while allowing three hits and no walks to go along with four strikeouts in a rehab appearance with Double-A Somerset on Thursday, Matt Kardos of MLB.com reports.

This was projected to be Schmidt's final rehab appearance before he is activated from the injured list to rejoin the Yankees' rotation. He needed only 61 pitches, 45 of which went for strikes, to complete his four frames.

Buehler didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Blue Jays after allowing one run on four hits and one walk in 6.1 innings. He struck out seven.

Buehler worked around two singles in each of the first two innings to toss six scoreless frames to begin his outing, but an inherited runner later scored after he was pulled from the game at 89 pitches in the seventh. The veteran right-hander still holds a rocky 5.74 ERA through three starts, but his 14:2 K:BB and 1.28 WHIP across 15.2 innings are a bit more encouraging. Up next for Buehler is a road matchup with the Rays, which is slated for early next week.

Bassitt didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Red Sox after allowing one run on five hits and one walk in 5.2 innings. He struck out five.

All of Bassitt's five hits allowed were singles, but the Red Sox managed to scratch a run across on an Alex Bregman knock in the sixth inning. Bassitt has been stingy with only two runs allowed over 18.1 innings to begin the season, boasting a microscopic 0.98 ERA to go with a 21:3 K:BB across three starts. The veteran right-hander also disclosed after the game that he was dealing with neck spasms during his outing, though it doesn't appear likely that the issue will affect his ability to take his next turn through the rotation, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Ober didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Royals, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out four.

After allowing a run on three hits in the first inning, Ober settled in to blank Kansas City over his final five frames. While the Twins' bullpen failed to hang on to a one-run lead, it was certainly an encouraging outing for Ober, who was tagged for nine runs over just 6.2 innings in his first two starts this year. The 29-year-old right-hander will look to build on Thursday's outing in his next start, currently slated for next week against the Mets.

Wacha did not factor into the decision Thursday against Minnesota, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

Wacha was solid Thursday, holding the Twins to one run on a Ty France homer through five innings before the Royals' bullpen allowed an inherited runner to score after Wacha was pulled in the sixth. While it wasn't an ideal finish, it was a step in the right direction for Wacha, who had lost his first two starts this season, allowing five runs on 10 hits and five walks over 9.2 innings. The veteran right-hander currently lines up for a tough road matchup versus the Yankees in his next outing.

Cannon (0-2) took the loss Thursday against the Guardians, allowing six runs on seven hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

It was a tough outing for Cannon, who allowed a pair of two-run homers to Kyle Manzardo and Steven Kwan in the first and third innings. After blanking the Angels over five innings to start his season, Cannon has now allowed nine runs over nine innings in his last two outings. The 24-year-old right-hander will look to get back on track in his next start, currently scheduled for next week against the Athletics.

Williams (1-0 ) earned the win Thursday over the White Sox, allowing a run on three hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out seven.

Williams allowed a run in the first inning before settling down to blank the White Sox over his final four frames, retiring 12 of the last 13 batters he faced. Williams lowered his ERA to 3.46 with a 1.38 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through his first three starts (13 innings) this year. He'll look to build on Thursday's outing in his next start, tentatively lined up for next week in Baltimore.

Littell (0-3) took the loss Thursday against the Angels, allowing seven runs on eight hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out four.

Littell fell victim to the home-run ball Thursday -- he gave up a solo shot to Taylor Ward on his second pitch of the game before the Angels added five runs on three homers off Littell in the fifth. The 29-year-old Littell has now dropped three straight starts to open the year, posting a 6.88 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB across 17 innings. He's currently lined up for a home matchup with the Red Sox in his next outing.

Soriano (2-1) earned the win Thursday over the Rays, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over 7.2 innings. He struck out four.

Soriano was efficient Thursday, working into the eighth inning on just 93 pitches. He also got more than enough run support, as the Angels cruised to an 11-1 victory. Soriano's gotten off to a nice start this season, pitching to a 2.70 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB through his first three starts (20 innings). The right-hander is currently lined up for a road matchup with the Rangers in his next outing.