MLB Player News

Mikolas (shoulder) will soon report to the Cardinals' alternate training site to continue his rehabilitation, the Associated Press reports.

The veteran right-hander was progressively boosting his activity level before spring training ended. A move to the alternate training site will allow Mikolas a chance to face hitters in simulated games, a necessary requirement to prepare him for an eventual regular-season debut.

Kim (back) is slated to throw in a simulated game Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

The recovering left-hander still isn't expected to make his regular-season debut until the latter half of April, but Tuesday's activity should serve as a good gauge of where Kim is physically while also serving to keep his arm built up. The 32-year-old projects to continue getting his work in through additional sim games after Tuesday's outing, given the minor-league season won't begin until May.

Gomber (0-1) allowed three earned runs on one hit and seven walks while striking out two across three innings, taking the loss against the Dodgers on Sunday.

Gomber struggled in his Rockies debut, failing to ever settle in. After allowing three runs in the first inning, the 27-year-old managed to get through the next two innings without allowing a run. However, his command issues led to seven walks, earning him an early departure. Gomber will look to improve in his next start against the Giants on Friday.

Urias (1-0) allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out six across seven innings to earn the win Sunday against the Rockies.

Urias' outstanding spring performance carried over into his regular-season debut Sunday. The southpaw was efficient in getting batters out, pitching into the eighth inning. The only blemish on his record came in the eighth inning when the runner he was responsible for scored off Jimmy Nelson. Urias is looking to solidify a year-long spot in the rotation after posting a 2.82 ERA over the past two campaigns.

Paddack (0-1) picked up the loss Saturday against Arizona, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits in four innings of work while striking out three and walking three.

Paddack's ERA slipped from 3.33 in 2019 to 4.73 last season, and he didn't do anything in his first start of the year to indicate he was back to his rookie form. The Diamondbacks got on him right away, with David Peralta hitting a two-run triple in the top of the first inning. They added another run two innings later following an error by Fernando Tatis Jr. Paddack's next outing should come Saturday against the Rangers.

Martinez (0-1) allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings in a loss to the Reds on Sunday.

The longtime Cardinal kept St. Louis in it early, but he decided to challenge Nick Castellanos with two on and two out in the fifth inning and Castellanos made Martinez pay. Around the Castellanos homer, Martinez was fine, throwing 50 total strikes and inducing 10 swinging strikes on 77 pitches. He will have friendlier park dimensions to work with next weekend when the Cardinals host the Brewers.

Keller (0-1) allowed three earned runs on two hits and four walks while striking out four across three innings, taking the loss against the Cubs on Sunday.

Keller was mediocre in his season debut with the Pirates. The righty struggled with command, throwing 77 pitches and walking four in three innings. Sunday's woes looked like a continuation of Keller's rough spring, where he posted an 11.91 ERA in 11.1 innings. Fortunately, he will have a long leash on a Pirates team that lacks pitching depth. Keller will get another look at the Cubs lineup in his next scheduled start Saturday.

Davies (1-0) allowed two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five across 5.2 innings to earn the win Sunday against the Pirates.

Davies was sharp in his Cubs debut facing a weak Pirates lineup. He cruised through five scoreless innings before allowing a two-run home run to Collin Moran in the sixth inning. The 28-year-old provides consistent quality starts despite not having high strikeout totals. The Cubs will rely heavily on him this year after parting ways with Jon Lester and Jose Quintana in the offseason.

Houser (0-1) gave up two runs on four hits and two walks over five innings in a loss to the Twins on Sunday. He struck out four.

Houser was just decent in his season debut. The Twins played some small ball to scrape together a run in the first, and Mitch Garver added a solo shot in the fifth on Houser's watch. The 28-year-old right-hander enters 2021 with a shaky grasp on a spot in the rotation after he posted a 5.30 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 44:21 K:BB across 56 innings in 2020. Houser will need to tighten things up on the mound or else risk a demotion to the bullpen. He lines up for his next start Saturday in St. Louis.

Eflin allowed a run on four hits and a walk while fanning eight across seven innings Sunday against the Braves. He didn't factor into the decision.

Eflin left the game shortly after giving up a home run to Travis d'Arnaud in the seventh inning, but that was the only mistake he committed all game long -- the right-hander was dominant and opened the campaign with a quality start. Eflin posted career-best marks in both ERA (3.97) and WHIP (1.27) last season, and he appears to be carrying that momentum into 2021. His next scheduled start will come on the road against the Braves on April 10.