MLB Player News

Cobb (0-1) allowed two runs on seven hits over seven innings Friday, striking out six and taking a loss against the Royals.

The 35-year-old righty gave up one run through three frames before serving up a solo shot to Vinnie Pasquantino in the fourth. Cobb is sporting an impressive 12:1 K:BB with a 2.53 ERA through two starts to begin the year. He forced 13 whiffs Friday, including 10 with the splitter. Cobb is currently projected to face the Dodgers at home next week.

Hill yielded seven runs on eight hits over four frames during Friday's win over the White Sox. He struck out one and did not factor in the decision.

Fortunately for Hill, Pittsburgh's offense caught fire and prevented him from taking an ugly loss, but the veteran lefty still gave up three long balls, including two to Luis Robert. Hill has now been tagged for 10 runs and five homers with an 8:3 K:BB through nine frames. He currently lines up for a tough home matchup against Houston next week.

Stroman (2-0) picked up the win in Friday's 2-0 victory over the Rangers, allowing two hits and three walks over six scoreless innings while striking out six.

The right-hander fired 52 of 89 pitches for strikes in another strong performance. After blanking the Brewers on Opening Day, Stroman is now the first Cubs pitcher to begin a season with two straight starts of at least six scoreless innings since Mike Bielecki in 1991. Stroman isn't known as a big strikeout pitcher, but he'll take a 14:6 K:BB through 12 innings into his next outing, likely to come at home next week against the Mariners.

Megill (2-0) picked up the win Friday, allowing three hits and two walks over six scoreless innings in a 9-3 victory over Miami. He struck out three.

The right-hander wasn't dominant, managing only seven swinging strikes among 88 pitches, but he didn't need to be with the Mets' offense firing on all cylinders. Megill has won his first two starts of the season, posting a 1.64 ERA and 10:4 K:BB through 11 innings. With Justin Verlander (shoulder) likely still at least a couple weeks away from returning, the 27-year-old should get at least a few more turns through the rotation.

Cabrera (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Marlins were downed 9-3 by the Mets, giving up two runs on zero hits and seven walks over 2.2 innings. He struck out four.

The right-hander issued one free pass in the first inning and two in the second, but he managed to keep those baserunners from scoring before his control completely deserted him in the third. All told, Cabrera threw only 47 of 85 pitches for strikes, and he's now failed to last more than four innings in either of his first two starts of the year. If Braxton Garrett pitches well while filling in for Johnny Cueto (biceps) in the Marlins' rotation, Cabrera could find himself bumped to the bullpen or to Triple-A if he doesn't turn things around quickly.

Ashby underwent surgery Friday on the labrum in his left shoulder, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

An official for the Brewers tells McCalvy that the surgery went as well as could be hoped. The southpaw is expected to miss significant time with the shoulder injury, and the Brewers are expected to share more information about the plan for his recovery in the coming days.

Gonsolin (ankle) threw in the bullpen at Chase Field before Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Gonsolin is continuing to make progress from his sprained left ankle, but Harris notes that the manager didn't make it sound like he had a great live bullpen at Camelback Rach earlier in the week. Gonsolin will likely have more bullpen sessions ahead before a rehab assignment, and he doesn't project to rejoin the rotation for the Dodgers until the end of April at the earliest.

Wainwright (groin) is scheduled for another bullpen session Sunday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Wainwright made it through a 28-pitch side session Thursday without issue and could soon embark on a minor-league rehab assignment if Sunday's workout also goes smoothly. The veteran right-hander was placed on the injured list just before Opening Day after suffering a groin strain while doing weight training with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Jake Woodford is currently filling his spot in the Cardinals' rotation.

Wright (shoulder) said he feels great Friday following Thursday's rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett and still hopes to rejoin the Braves' rotation April 11 versus the Reds, Grant McAuley of 929 The Game reports.

Wright's velocity was way down and he allowed five runs in six innings for Gwinnett. He did strike out six, though, and it's encouraging that he bounced back well from the outing. Even if Wright does indeed return April 11, fantasy managers might be wise to wait a start or two to activate him to see how he looks.

Verlander (shoulder) said Friday that he's upped his throwing intensity to 75 percent and expects to join the Mets well before the end of April, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Verlander noted that he's really turned a corner in the last few days and is "really close to being able to take off the leash." The veteran hurler is coming back from a low-grade teres major muscle strain and will need a couple rehab starts before being activated, but it seems as though he's progressing very well.