MLB Player News

Gray (3-1) picked up the win Saturday versus the Mets, allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out nine.

The Mets plated four runs during a sloppy fifth inning by the Cardinals which included a Nolan Arenado error. Just one of the runs on Gray's ledgers was earned, however, and he was in total control outside of that frame, facing just three over the minimum. Gray handed out a season-high three free passes in this one, but with the nine punchouts he now has an excellent 32:4 K:BB over his first 23.1 innings with St. Louis.

An MRI on Cobb's right shoulder came back negative Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Cobb was pulled off his throwing progression a few days ago after experiencing soreness in his shoulder, but he doesn't appear to be dealing with any structural damage. The 36-year-old veteran was moved to the 60-day injured list last Saturday as he continues to work his way back from an offseason hip procedure, and he's also battled elbow problems during his rehab process. He will be eligible to return beginning May 27, though it's unclear whether or not he will be ready to go by then.

Glasnow was removed from his start Saturday against the Blue Jays due to cramping in his right hand, Kirsten Watson of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Glasnow didn't appear to be in significant pain when he was removed during the seventh inning of Saturday's contest, so his removal was likely precautionary. The Dodgers will monitor his situation, but it doesn't seem like the 30-year-old righty is at risk of missing his next start. Glasnow picked up his fifth win of the season Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over six-plus innings while striking out nine.

Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that Steele (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Counsell didn't say how many starts the Cubs want Steele to make in the minors, but the 28-year-old southpaw is likely in for multiple rehab outings after sitting out roughly a month due to a strained left hamstring. Assuming his assignment goes smoothly, Steele will likely return to Chicago's rotation toward the middle of May.

Sale (3-1) picked up the win Friday, allowing one run on two hits and a walk over seven innings in a 6-2 victory over the Guardians. He struck out six.

The veteran lefty has been healthy and dominant to kick off 2024, and he completely shut down the Cleveland offense after serving up a leadoff homer to Steven Kwan. Sale has worked seven-plus innings in three straight starts for the first time since June 2018, and he's allowed three runs or less in four of his five outings so far for Atlanta. Sale will take a 3.69 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 33:7 K:BB through 31.2 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Seattle.

Maldonado came away with a no-decision in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Nationals, allowing three hits over three scoreless innings. He struck out two without walking a batter.

Promoted from Triple-A Jacksonville earlier in the day for his big-league debut, Maldonado was expected to work only as an opener while Kyle Tyler handled bulk relief duties. Instead, Maldonado gave Miami an efficient 36 pitches (23 strikes) and left the mound with his team ahead 1-0. The 26-year-old righty has been deployed almost exclusively as a reliever in the minors -- his two other starts as a professional came back in 2021 at Rookie ball -- but this performance might encourage the Marlins to give him another turn in the rotation and try stretching him out a bit more considering their lack of healthy alternatives.

Williams came away with a no-decision in Friday's 3-1 win over the Marlins, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out only one.

The veteran right-hander continues to be used very judiciously by the Nationals, but it's hard to argue with the results. Williams threw 80 pitches (46 strikes) Friday and got lifted before most Miami hitters got a third look at him, and he's completed six innings only once in his first five starts this season. Despite those limits, as well as a poor 18.8 percent strikeout rate, he's delivered a 2.70 ERA and 1.05 WHIP through 26.2 innings. He faces a tougher test in his next outing, however, which lines up for a road start next week against the Rangers.

Rea gave up five earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four batters across six innings during Milwaukee's win over the Yankees on Friday. He did not factor into the decision.

All five of the Yankees' runs against Rea came via the long ball, as Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo both hit solo shots in the first two innings, and Trent Grisham blasted a three-run homer in the fourth. Rea still boasts a 3.25 ERA through 27.2 innings despite his poor showing Friday, though his fantasy value could take a significant hit if he's unable to bounce back in his next start -- tentatively scheduled for Wednesday against the Rays.

Butto (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Mets fell, 4-2, to the Cardinals, giving up four runs on four hits and three walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out four.

Homers by Alec Burleson in the second inning and Willson Contreras in the third accounted for all the damage off Butto, and were the first long balls he's served up this season. The right-hander tossed 94 pitches (56 strikes) before exiting, and while his 2.86 ERA and 1.09 WHIP through 22 innings look sharp, he's walking a tightrope with his control and command -- Butto has issued at least three walks in three of his four starts, and he's hit a batter with a pitch in three straight. The 26-year-old will look for his first win of 2024 when he takes the mound next week at home against the Cubs.

Ashcraft allowed one earned run on seven hits and no walks while striking out three batters across 6.1 innings during Friday's loss against Texas. He didn't factor into the decision.

Ashcraft needed to bounce back nicely Friday after giving up five runs to the Angels in five innings during his last start. He managed to do just that, as his lone blemish came in the second inning via an Evan Carter solo home run. A lack of production from the Reds' offense forced Ashcraft to settle for a no-decision, and he will carry a 4.40 ERA and 1.29 WHIP into his next start -- currently projected to come Wednesday in San Diego.