MLB Player News

Kershaw (4-1) earned the win Sunday, allowing three runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk over six innings against the Cubs. He struck out six.

The Dodgers found themselves down 2-0 in the bottom of the first after leadoff man Nico Hoerner reached on a fielding error and Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki each tagged Kershaw for singles. However, Kershaw managed to settle down after the inning, retiring 11 of the next 12 batters he faced before Yan Gomes hit a solo home run to start the fifth. With the win, Kershaw entered a five-way tie for first place in wins for the 2023 season and currently ranks sixth in innings pitched. He is expected to take the bump again this weekend versus the Cardinals in Los Angeles.

Stripling allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk over 3.1 innings during Sunday's game against the Mets. He struck out one and did not factor in the decision.

After starting April 2 against the Yankees, Stripling made three appearances out of the bullpen before Sunday's start. He turned in two scoreless frames before the Mets broke through with a run in the third. The veteran righty was charged with two more in the fourth, both of which came after he was removed. Stripling now owns a 6.89 ERA and a 14:5 K:BB through 16.2 frames. Assuming he makes another start, it's currently lined up to be in San Diego.

Stroman (2-2) took the loss Sunday, allowing five runs on six hits and one walk over five innings in a 7-3 loss to the Dodgers. He struck out five.

Stroman had his worst outing of the early season, giving up five runs over five innings after allowing just two runs through 24 innings prior to Sunday. Each of the five runs came on home runs, as Stroman gave up a two-run shot to Mookie Betts in the third inning before Max Muncy and J.D. Martinez swatted back-to-back long balls in the sixth, resulting in Stroman's removal. Through five starts, Stroman is averaging a career-high 9.31 K/9 to go with a strong 2.17 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.

Flaherty (2-2) allowed three runs on five hits and two walks over six innings Sunday, striking out nine and earning a win over Seattle.

All three runs against Flaherty came during the second inning, including Jarred Kelenic's solo homer. After that, Flaherty gave up just one hit over four shutout frames. He set new season highs with nine punchouts and 23 whiffs; his previous highs in those categories were six and 12, respectively. Since walking 13 batters in his first two outings, Flaherty has posted a 19:6 K:BB over his last three starts. He'll carry a 3.29 ERA into his next start, which is currently lined up to be a road matchup with the Dodgers.

Darvish was diagnosed with a right hamstring cramp after exiting Sunday's start against the Diamondbacks, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Darvish exited with a trainer in the bottom of the sixth inning Sunday, but his injury isn't believed to be particularly serious. Manager Bob Melvin said after the game that he expects Darvish to make his next start, which lines up for next weekend against the Giants. Following Sunday's start in which he earned his first win of the season, Darvish now has a 3.00 ERA, 25:12 K:BB and 1.13 WHIP in 24 innings over his first four outings in 2023.

Darvish was removed from Sunday's start against Arizona in the bottom of the sixth inning due to an apparent lower-body injury, Bob Scanlan of Bally Sports San Diego reports.

Darvish's start was pushed from Saturday to Sunday, and he allowed a run on two hits and five walks while striking out five in 5.2 innings prior to exiting with a trainer in the sixth frame. The exact nature and severity of his injury are unclear, and whether he'll be able to make his next scheduled start remains to be seen.

Luzardo (2-1) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk over 4.1 innings against the Guardians. He struck out six.

Luzardo held Cleveland off the board in the first two innings and set down the first two batters in the third. However, he surrendered a two-out triple to Amed Rosario, followed by back-to-back home runs from Jose Ramirez and Josh Bell. It's the second straight outing during which Luzardo couldn't make it out of the fifth inning after going at least six in his previous two starts. He has a 3.62 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 32:9 K:BB through 27.1 innings to start the year.

Verlander (shoulder) threw 43 pitches over three innings during a simulated game Sunday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Verlander resumed throwing bullpen sessions in mid-April and has moved to a five-day schedule as he closes in on a return from the injured list. Following Sunday's simulated game, he expects to pitch in a minor-league rehab start Friday as his next appearance. If all goes well in the rehab assignment, he could return from the 15-day injured list to make his Mets debut as soon as May 3 in Detroit.

Fried did not factor into the decision Sunday, tossing 6.2 scoreless innings in which he allowed three hits and three walks during a 5-2 loss to the Astros. He struck out five.

Fried was sharp through 6.2 scoreless innings and was pulled with 107 pitches after walking Kyle Tucker, his second free pass of the inning. The left-hander was in line for the win, but Houston tied the game at 2-2 in the eighth and went on to win after posting a three-run ninth. Since returning from the 15-day injured list, Fried has struck out nine through 11.2 scoreless innings while allowing just seven hits and three walks.

Greene (0-1) took the loss Sunday, allowing a run on four hits and two walks over six innings against the Pirates. He struck out six.

Greene allowed a run in the bottom of the first before bouncing back with five shutout innings. It was a strong performance from the 23-year-old right-hander, who left his last start after three innings with a right tibia contusion. However, Cincinnati's offense couldn't muster anything offensively, tagging Greene with a hard-luck loss. He lowered his ERA to 3.52 with a 1.39 WHIP and an impressive 30:8 K:BB through his first 23 innings this season.