MLB Player News

Hudson is listed as the Rockies' probable starting pitcher for Monday's series opener in Chicago versus the Cubs.

Signed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal in January after being non-tendered by the Cardinals earlier in the offseason, Hudson was able to secure a spot in Colorado's Opening Day rotation, though he didn't face much in the way of quality competition for a spot. He was solid if unspectacular over his five Cactus League starts, posting a 4.20 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB in 15 innings in mostly hitter-friendly venues in Arizona. Hudson's career-long 55.1 percent groundball rate could set him up for more success in the high altitude of Colorado than a typical power pitcher, but he was never a major ERA or WHIP asset during parts of six big-league seasons in St. Louis. The 29-year-old should be viewed mostly as an NL-only option, and a low-upside one at that given the weak ratios he's posted throughout his career.

Gonzales is listed as the Pirates' probable starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Nationals.

With 155 career MLB starts to his name, Gonzales has experience working in his favor as he begins his first campaign in Pittsburgh, but he could be at risk of losing his spot later in the season if top prospect Paul Skenes and promising 23-year-old righty Quinn Priester are summoned to the big leagues. For now, he'll be entrusted to eat innings for the Pirates, but the soft-tossing Gonzales isn't especially appealing for fantasy purposes. Never a high-volume strikeout pitcher, Gonzales is difficult to depend on as an ERA and WHIP stabilizer coming off a season in Seattle in which he ranked in the bottom seven percent of the league with a .288 expected batting average, per Statcast.

Megill (0-1), who took the loss Sunday against the Brewers, was removed after four innings due to "tenderness" in his right shoulder and will undergo an MRI, Steve Gelbs of SNY reports. The right-hander struck out four and allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks.

The 28-year-old was in and out of trouble all afternoon as he threw just 44 of his 78 pitches for strikes, but he was able to limit the damage before the shoulder injury prompted his exit. The Mets are already shorthanded for starting pitching with Kodai Senga (shoulder) on the injured list, and Megill's availability for his next turn through the rotation is now up in the air.

Sanchez is listed as the Phillies' probable starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Reds in Philadelphia.

Sanchez was never in any real danger of missing out on a spot in the Phillies' Opening Day rotation, though his fantasy managers may want to tread carefully with him even as he heads into a likely two-start week, with his second turn set to come Sunday in Washington. The lefty was hit hard over his three Grapefruit League starts, giving up seven earned runs on 15 hits and three walks while striking out five over 7.1 innings.

Snell struck out 11 batters while allowing three hits over four innings in his start Friday at extended spring training against the Giants' Double-A affiliate, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Because he didn't sign with the Giants until March 18, Snell didn't have enough time to get properly stretched out during spring training and wasn't available to pitch in the three-game series in San Diego this weekend. However, after reportedly covering 74 pitches in his four-inning outing Friday, Snell looks set to make his next appearance with the big club in what will be his Giants debut. As Rubin notes, Snell could be available to start as soon as Wednesday's game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, though the Giants could be inclined to save him for Friday's home opener versus the Padres if they want to give him an additional two days of rest.

Winn is listed as the Giants' starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Winn appeared to be at slight risk of not being ready for Opening Day after he fell behind the Giants' other starting pitchers in spring training when he experienced elbow soreness following a bullpen session in late February, but he avoided a prolonged shutdown and was able to make his Cactus League debut March 17. Five days later, Winn covered four innings and 42 pitches in his final start of the spring, so he should be capable of giving the Giants around five or six innings Monday if he's economical with his pitch count. Winn will tentatively line up for a two-start week, with his second turn set to come during next weekend's home series versus the Padres.

Brito struck out two over 2.1 perfect innings of relief Saturday in the Padres' 9-6 loss to the Giants.

Brito's appearance was already his third of the season. He had previously given up two earned runs while recording just one out while taking the loss in the Padres' season opener against the Dodgers on March 20 in South Korea, then was charged with another blown save after yielding two runs and recording one out in San Diego's domestic home opener Thursday versus the Giants. After the Padres returned home from the two-game series in Seoul, South Korea, Brito still looked to be a candidate for the vacant fifth spot in the San Diego rotation, but manager Mike Shildt ultimately elected to go with knuckleballer Matt Waldron for that role. Despite his two rocky appearances to begin the season, Brito's strong showing in long relief of Dylan Cease on Saturday could position him to be next in line for the rotation if the Padres should lose a starting pitcher at some point.

Lodolo (calf) reported to Triple-A Louisville to begin a rehab assignment Sunday, and the Reds are targeting April 10 against the Brewers for his season debut, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The left-hander began the season on the injured list with left calf tenosynovitis, but he's on track to return after the 15-day minimum. Lodolo is scheduled for one additional start with Louisville after Sunday before joining Cincinnati's rotation.

The Pirates activated Contreras (personal) from the paternity list Sunday.

Contreras stepped away from the team for a few days to be with his family, but he's now back with the Pirates. The 24-year-old has shifted to a relief role to begin the season and will likely be utilized in lower-leverage spots.

Jefferies had his contract selected by the Giants ahead of his start against the Padres on Sunday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The 28-year-old will make his first appearance in the big leagues since 2022 as he spent last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Jefferies pitched well during spring training with a 2.57 ERA and 16:3 K:BB across 14 innings to earn the early-season look in the rotation. He may be in line for just a spot start, however, as the Giants could have offseason signing Blake Snell available to make his team debut the next time Jefferies' turn in the rotation would come up next weekend versus the Padres.