MLB Player News

Nelson did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over five innings in a 5-4 loss against San Diego. He struck out three.

Nelson gave up a two-run homer to Juan Soto in the first and an RBI single to Manny Machado in the second, but he settled down after that and finished with three scoreless frames. The 2019 second-round pick made his MLB debut late last year, posting a 1.47 ERA and 0.82 WHIP with a 16:6 K:BB across three starts (18.1 innings), but he figures to face a little adversity in his first full campaign. Given the opponent, Nelson's 2023 debut was solid, but it doesn't get much easier for the rookie, who's scheduled to pitch again Sunday versus the Dodgers.

Pfaadt allowed five runs on six hits while striking out seven over 3.2 innings in Sunday's start for Triple-A Reno.

Pfaadt was hit hard in his season debut for the Aces, giving up four home runs before departing. In other ways, it was a typical Pfaadt outing in that he didn't walk a batter and got seven of 11 outs via the strikeout. The right-hander was in the mix for the final rotation spot in training camp and could see his way up to MLB at some point in 2023.

Williams (0-1) took the loss against Tampa Bay on Monday, completing five innings during which he allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits and one walk while striking out three batters.

Williams fell behind early, serving up a two-run home run to Luke Raley in the first inning. By the time he departed, Washington trailed 4-0, and the Nationals didn't score their first run until the seventh. Williams pitched fairly well for the Mets in a swingman role last year, posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 89.2 innings. However, his career 4.27 ERA and 7.4 K/9 don't invoke much excitement about his fantasy prospects as a full-time starter this season.

Walker (0-1) took the loss against the Yankees on Monday, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five batters.

Walker fell behind 2-0 in the first inning, largely due to issuing three walks. He did a little better after that, but Gleyber Torres dinged the right-hander for a solo home run in the third frame, and Walker was pulled after facing just two batters in the fifth. The veteran hurler will look to bounce back in his next outing, which is tentatively lined up to take place at home against Cincinnati this weekend.

Miley is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Mets.

Miley rejoined the Brewers in January, and he will start the club's fifth game of the season. He only made three appearances during spring training, but he was effective, posting a 4.22 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB over 10.2 innings. While he is at the back end of the rotation, his spot will likely be secure for a while, as no one is imminently knocking on the door to replace him.

Smyly (0-1) took the loss Monday, allowing seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and two walks over 4.2 innings in a 7-6 loss to the Reds. He struck out three.

The lefty allowed five consecutive batters to reach to begin his day -- Jonathan India's leadoff walk was followed by four straight singles. The Reds scored again in the second inning, but Smyly was at least able to keep Cincinnati off the board in the third and fourth before unraveling again in the fifth. He managed 12 swinging strikes on 93 pitches and will look for better results his next time out, tentatively scheduled for Sunday at home against the Rangers.

Overton did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk over four innings in a 7-6 win over the Cubs. He struck out five.

Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson hit back-to-back singles against Overton to start the game, and Cody Bellinger cashed in with a three-run long ball shortly thereafter. The right-hander settled in from there and showed more swing-and-miss than he usually does (career 5.4 K/9). Overton will need to show a more consistent strikeout punch before he can be considered for mixed leagues.

Morton (1-0) gave up three runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out one in 5.1 innings Monday against St. Louis. He picked up the win.

This was a pretty ugly stat line for Morton's first start of the season, but he still outclassed Jake Woodford on the opposite side and rode his run support to the win. Morton got six whiffs on 41 swings across his 81 total pitches, and while the Cardinals have a stout offense, it's still pretty concerning that the strikeout wasn't a viable weapon. He lines up for a home start Saturday against the Padres.

Woodford (0-1) gave up six earned runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three in 4.1 innings Monday against Atlanta. He took the loss.

He generally needs to rely on guile and deception to have success as a starter, as the righty leans primarily on a pair of low-90s fastballs and an 82-mph sweeping slider. Woodford was put into a tough spot here against a talented offense, and he would be pitching in a hitter-friendly park if he gets another turn in the rotation Sunday in Milwaukee. Matthew Liberatore getting the call from Triple-A could be an option in the coming weeks if the Cardinals want to try something else before Adam Wainwright (groin) returns later this month.

Oviedo gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits and four walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings Monday against the Red Sox.

Oviedo gave up home runs to Rafael Devers, Masataka Yoshida and Triston Casas in the first inning. He then recorded the next 11 outs without giving up a run, but he exited before he could qualify for the win. With JT Brubaker potentially needing Tommy John surgery, Oviedo was given the fifth spot in the Pirates' rotation. While Monday's line looks ugly on paper, it's encouraging that Oviedo settled down after a shaky first frame. He leaned heavily on his 89-mph slider, which he threw 46 percent of the time, and touched 98 mph with his fastball, which was sitting in the mid-90s. Oviedo currently projects for a home start Sunday against the White Sox.