MLB Player News

Scherzer (thumb) doesn't have any structural issues with his thumb ligaments, and after receiving two cortisone shots Monday, he could resume throwing as soon as Friday, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports. "[The doctor] was actually pretty surprised, based on what it was, that structurally we were in a pretty good spot," Scherzer said Tuesday.

The 40-year-old right-hander lasted only three innings and 45 pitches during his Blue Jays debut Saturday and was subsequently placed on the 15-day IL, but Scherzer's stay on the shelf could end up being close to minimum length if the cortisone shots have the desired effect. In the meantime, Easton Lucas will slot in for a spot start Wednesday, but Toronto's rotation plans after that are unclear.

Severino (0-1) took the loss to the Cubs on Tuesday, coughing up six runs (five earned) on six hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out six.

After an impressive Opening Day debut for the A's, Severino crashed back to earth Tuesday. Three of the six hits against the right-hander went for extra bases, including a three-run blast by Seiya Suzuki in the first inning before Severino had even recorded an out, and a solo shot by the red-hot Kyle Tucker in the third. Severino has given the A's some length, working six innings in each of his first two starts of the year, but he's also issued at least three free passes in each. He'll take a 3.75 ERA and 12:7 K:BB into his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home early next week against the Padres.

Allen (0-1) took the loss Tuesday, giving up four runs on seven hits and five walks over 5.1 innings as the Guardians fell 7-0 to the Padres. He struck out one.

While the inability of Cleveland's hitters to solve Michael King and the San Diego bullpen gave Allen no margin for error, the southpaw created his own problems by getting only 55 of 89 pitches into the strike zone and generating just three swinging strikes. Allen had an impressive spring training, but the Guardians have plenty of options to replace him in the rotation if he continues to struggle. He'll look to rebound in his next scheduled start early next week, at home against the White Sox.

Gilbert (0-1) took the loss Tuesday as the Mariners were downed 4-1 by the Tigers, giving up three runs on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out 10.

Detroit got its hits in bunches, while Seattle managed only one hit the entire night off Casey Mize and the Tigers' bullpen -- a leadoff single by Victor Robles in the first inning. Gilbert was still dominant despite the lack of run support, generating 22 swinging strikes among his 92 pitches. The right-hander has an eye-popping 18:1 K:BB through his first 12 innings of 2025, and he'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Astros.

Mize (1-0) picked up the win Tuesday, allowing one hit and three walks over 5.2 scoreless innings in a 4-1 victory over the Mariners. He struck out six.

The right-hander refined his split-finger pitch over the offseason, and after an impressive performance in spring training, he carried that success into the regular season. Mize was lifted after 82 pitches (48 strikes) one out short of a quality start after issuing two of his three free passes in the sixth inning, although the first was erased on a double play. While Mize has struggled to live up to his billing as the first overall pick in the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, but 2025 might be the year the 27-year-old finally puts it all together. He's scheduled for a tough test in his next outing, at home early next week against the Yankees.

Berrios allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings Tuesday against the Nationals. He did not factor into the decision.

Berrios looked sharp after a rough season debut. He struck out four of the first six hitters he faced and completed five scoreless innings. Keibert Ruiz tightened the gap with a two-run single, and Berrios was pulled at 95 pitches after walking the next hitter. Berrios will aim to pick up his 100th career win in what's looking like a road matchup against the Red Sox next week.

Smith allowed two runs on two hits and four walks while striking out three over 5.2 innings Tuesday against the Twins. He did not factor into the decision.

Smith cruised through 5.2 scoreless innings but got cut short of an opportunity for a quality start after walking back-to-back hitters. The Twins then rallied for five runs off Penn Murfee, taking away an opportunity for a win for Smith in his MLB debut. Smith generated lots of soft contact and showcased legit stuff. He lines up for a road start versus the Guardians next week.

Wood Richardson allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five in four innings Tuesday versus the White Sox. He did not factor into the decision.

Brooks Baldwin drove in both runs against Woods Richardson with a base knock in the second and a sac fly in the fourth. The hurler's day was done after 82 pitches, and his strikeout numbers were up a tick from his 7.9 K/9 in 2024. Woods Richardson had a promising rookie campaign and still managed a 4.17 ERA and 1.29 WHIP despite skidding to a 5.91 ERA over his final 11 starts. The 24-year-old lines up for a road start against the Royals next week.

Baz (1-0) earned the win Tuesday against the Pirates after tossing six scoreless innings while allowing seven hits and striking out 10.

Baz showcased ace stuff with the first double-digit strikeout game of his big-league career. His fastball averaged 97 MPH and touched 100.4, and his curveball was extremely effective with a 50 percent whiff rate. Baz ended 2024 with a 2.34 ERA and 0.82 WHIP over his final eight starts and could be in for a breakout campaign if he stays healthy. He's lined up to start next in the series opener against the Angels next Tuesday.

Hendricks didn't factor into the decision after allowing two runs on seven hits and no walks in six innings Tuesday against the Cardinals. He struck out four.

The veteran right-hander was sharp in his season debut and effectively shut down St. Louis' lineup besides Jordan Walker, who singled to plate a run in the second inning and went deep in the fourth frame to drive in another. Hendricks' momentum from spring training appears to have carried into the regular season thus far, as he turned in a 2.41 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 16 punchouts over 18.2 frames in the Cactus League.