MLB Player News

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.

The Twins could recall Matthews and install him as part of a temporary six-man rotation, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

David Festa is expected to be promoted to start Friday, filling the rotation spot vacated by Pablo Lopez (hamstring). However, Matthews is a candidate to get a look in the majors soon as well as the Twins look to build in some extra rest for their other starters. Matthews has been dynamite in his first two starts with Triple-A St. Paul this season, allowing two runs with a 13:1 K:BB over 10 innings. It's not yet clear when he might start for the Twins, but he's a good candidate to stash in fantasy leagues where he's still available.

Gibson struck out four batters and allowed one earned run on three hits and no walks over 3.1 innings in his season debut for Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday.

Due to his late signing in spring training, Gibson didn't have enough time to get fully stretched out prior to Opening Day, prompting the Orioles to option him to Triple-A. Gibson remained at the Orioles' spring facility in Florida for the first two weeks of the minor-league season to continue ramping up before he was cleared to report to Norfolk for his 2025 debut. The 37-year-old righty was efficient in the outing, spotting 33 of his 47 pitches for strikes. He'll likely need to build up to around 70 to 80 pitches before becoming a rotation option for Baltimore, so expect him to make at least two or three more starts at Triple-A. With Zach Eflin (lat) landing on the injured list Wednesday and lacking a clear timeline for a return, Gibson should have a fairly clear path to a rotation spot once he's deemed ready to join the big club, likely in late April or early May.

The Mariners optioned Castillo to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

Castillo's time with the big-league club was less than spectacular, as he'll head back to the minors after giving up seven runs (six earned) over seven total innings alongside a 5:7 K:BB. With George Kirby (shoulder) not expected back until May, the Mariners are again left with an opening in their rotation, and it's currently unclear who will be chosen next to fill the gap.

The Twins are expected to promote Festa from Triple-A St. Paul to start Friday's game against the Tigers, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

The Twins have an opening in their rotation with Pablo Lopez (hamstring) expected to land on the 15-day injured list. Lopez's next turn would have come Sunday, but the club is electing to bring Festa up Friday and push Chris Paddack and Simeon Woods Richardson each back a day. Festa has permitted six runs (five earned) with an 8:2 K:BB over 8.1 innings in his first two starts with St. Paul this season. He's a candidate to receive additional starts while Lopez is out, although the Twins could also give Zebby Matthews a look.