MLB Player News

Wheeler (0-3) took the loss Saturday, giving up four runs on seven hits over five innings as the Phillies fell 5-3 to the Brewers. He struck out five without walking a batter.

The right-hander got handed a 3-0 lead after three innings, but Wheeler couldn't make it stick, getting tagged for all four of his runs in the top of the fifth. While his .372 BABIP is bound to come down, Wheeler's 8.53 ERA through three starts can't be chalked up merely to bad luck, as his 17.7 percent strikeout rate and 7.9 percent swinging strike rate are well below last year's marks and parallel the drop in his velocity -- his 95.0 mph average fastball has lost more than two ticks from 2021.

Houser (1-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 5-3 victory over the Phillies, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out three.

Philadelphia grabbed a 3-0 lead through three innings, but Houser was able to settle down in the middle frames and give Milwaukee's offense a chance to get rolling. The 29-year-old right-hander tossed 58 of 85 pitches for strikes before exiting as he recorded his first quality start of the season, and he generated seven groundball outs versus zero flyball outs -- a pattern he'll need to continue to have success given his lack of whiffs (15.6 percent strikeout rate through 15.1 innings).

Gomber (1-1) earned the win over Detroit in Game 2 of a twin bill Saturday, allowing four hits and striking out eight over six scoreless innings.

The performance was quite a turnaround from Gomber's first two starts, during which he allowed seven earned runs over nine combined innings. The southpaw dominated the Tigers for six frames Saturday, recording 13 swinging strikes, fanning eight and surrendering no extra-base hits. Gomber will look to carry over the momentum from this outing to his next start, which is tentatively slated to take place in Philadelphia on Thursday.

Senzatela (1-1) allowed five earned runs on 10 hits and no walks while striking out three across five innings to take the loss in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against Detroit.

The Tigers jumped on Senzatela early, as he allowed four of his five runs in the first inning. He did manage to settle in from there to give the Rockies some length in his outing, though the game was never particularly competitive. Senzatela has never possessed particularly strong swing-and-miss stuff, though he has a particularly poor five strikeouts across 13.1 innings this season. Even if he is able to limit hard contact, Senzatela's inability to miss bats will likely mean he runs into trouble regularly -- particularly when pitching at home.

Wood (2-0) allowed two earned runs on four hits and a walk while striking out five across five innings to earn the win Saturday against the Nationals.

Wood began the game with four shutout innings, though he allowed three consecutive hits in the fifth frame -- including a solo home run -- to allow two runs score. Otherwise, he rarely allowed the ball to leave the infield, as he combined to record 12 of his 15 outs via either groundout or strikeout. Wood has been remarkably consistent to begin the season, allowing no more than a pair of earned runs in any of his three starts while also striking out at least five in each appearance. He currently maintains a 2.51 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 14.1 frames.

Mahle (1-2) took the loss to the Cardinals on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

Mahle kept the Reds in it for most of the afternoon despite not having his best stuff. He got no help from his offense, and after Saturday's loss, the team's losing streak now sits at 11 games. Mahle's numbers leave a lot to be desired, especially after three earned runs were added to his April 12 line following a scoring change (error to base hit). History tells us his numbers will improve, but unfortunately it looks like Mahle will face a constant uphill battle, barring a trade.

Hendricks (1-1) earned the win Saturday, allowing two hits over seven scoreless innings against the Pirates. He struck out two and did not issue a walk.

The Chicago offense exploded for 21 runs while Hendricks, Sean Newcomb and Scott Effross combined to shut out Pittsburgh. With that, Hendricks picked up his first win of the 2022 campaign. He's had two duds sandwiched between two strong outings to begin the year. Hendricks has allowed just one homer through 20.1 innings after turning in the worst home-run rate of his career last season.

Peterson was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Peterson allowed just one run over 5.2 innings in Friday's victory over the Diamondbacks -- the only run he has surrendered through 14 innings this season. However, with Peterson unavailable until sometime next week, the Mets decided to remove him from the roster and open up a spot for reliever Adonis Medina. Given how he has pitched thus far, Peterson's stay in the minors figures to be a short one.

Ashby is expected to start Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ashby has made one start and three relief appearances this season, posting a 3.18 ERA in 11.1 innings despite a potentially worrying 14.8 percent walk rate. The Brewers seem to want to give their starters an extra day of rest this season, so they're deploying Ashby as a sixth starter when necessary while keeping him in the bullpen when they have a scheduled off day to provide that extra rest.

Walker (shoulder) could return to the rotation Friday against the Phillies, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Walker lasted just two innings into his first start of the year -- which also came against the Phillies -- before exiting with a sore shoulder and landing on the injured list. He threw a rehab start at extended spring training and may need a simulated game before returning from the injured list, but it doesn't look as though he'll be out much longer.