MLB Player News

Kershaw (back) completed a 15-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Though Kershaw was scratched ahead of his scheduled Opening Day start Thursday and placed on the injured list after experiencing back stiffness, the Dodgers ace looks to be trending toward a brief shutdown period. After his MRI returned negative Friday, Kershaw got back on the mound two days later and apparently checked out fine in the workout. Manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw would accompany the team to Houston and throw another side session Tuesday, after which the Dodgers could pinpoint a target date for the southpaw's return from the IL. Kershaw will first be eligible for activation Friday, when the Dodgers are scheduled to face the Diamondbacks in the second game of a four-game set.

Lopez won't make his scheduled start Monday against the Orioles after the game was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak among Miami players and staff, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Marlins travel party remains in Philadelphia after as many as 12 players and coaches tested positive for COVID-19 during their three-game series with the Phillies over the weekend. The Orioles and Marlins were scheduled to begin a four-game home-and-home series Monday, but those contests could all be in jeopardy now.

Smyly started Sunday's game against the Dodgers and pitched 3.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits and two walks. He struck out two batters.

Smyly did an admirable job keeping this offense at bay, but manager Gabe Kapler did not hesitate to turn to his bullpen early with extra relievers at his disposal. The win was credited to Wandy Peralta. While Smyly has been prone to the long ball in recent years, he could eventually find his way back onto the streaming radar pitching in San Francisco, once he's stretched out a bit more (64 pitches Saturday). The lefty gets the Rangers at home next weekend.

Urias gave up one run on five hits and three walks while striking out three over five innings in the Dodgers' 3-1 loss to the Giants on Sunday. He did not factor into the decision.

The 23-year-old lefty emerges from his 2020 debut without a win and with only three punchouts, but he had 10 swinging strikes on 78 pitches and there will certainly be better days ahead in terms of run support. With Clayton Kershaw (back) on the IL, the Dodgers will need to lean on Urias now more than ever. He lines up for a road start in Arizona next weekend.

Freeland (1-0) tossed six innings Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits and earning a win over the Rangers. He struck out five batters and walked three.

Freeland served up a homer to Joey Gallo in the second inning and allowed another run in the third but was able to settle in after that. After a disastrous 2019 campaign, it was a promising start to 2020 for the 6-foot-4 southpaw. Expect to see Freeland take the mound again at home against San Diego next weekend.

Peralta (0-1) allowed four runs across three innings Sunday, striking out three batters and taking the loss against the Cubs. He allowed three hits and two walks.

Peralta had allowed just one run through three innings but issued two walks and yielded a double to start the fourth frame before he was sent to the showers. Prior to Sunday's start, the 24-year-old right-hander wasn't guaranteed a regular spot in the rotation, and his poor outing definitely didn't help his case. If he gets another turn, Peralta could face the Cardinals at home next weekend, though the right-hander will likely be the top candidate to exit the rotation in the event Brett Anderson (finger) is cleared to return from the 10-day injured list.

Keler (1-0) threw five innings Sunday, allowing one run and earning a win over the Cardinals. He walked three batters and struck out two.

Despite throwing just 47 of his 87 pitches for strikes and walking more batters than he fanned, Keller was able to keep the Cardinals' lineup fairly quiet. While it wasn't the most impressive outing, it's certainly a sign of improvement after he posted an abysmal 7.13 ERA as a rookie in 2019. Keller will get a tough matchup at Wrigley Field against the Cubs next weekend.

Gallen allowed one run on two hits and five walks while striking out six over four innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Sunday.

Eric Hosmer had a solo home run to account for Gallen's lone blemish in the runs column. Gallen wasn't punished harshly for his generosity, but the five free passes are a concern for the 24-year-old. He posted a 4.1 BB/9, 2.81 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 80 innings between the Marlins and Diamondbacks as a rookie in 2019. Gallen will look for better control Friday at home versus the Dodgers.

Lucchesi will start Monday's game against the Diamondbacks, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lucchesi wasn't very effective during spring training this season, but he still secured a spot in the rotation heading into the shortened 2020 season. The southpaw recorded a 4.18 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 30 starts with the Padres last season.

Lorenzen (0-1) allowed two runs on one hit and one walk without a strikeout in one inning as he was charged with the loss Sunday against the Tigers.

Lorenzen was called on in the ninth inning Sunday to preserve the 1-1 score, but he gave up a walk before allowing a two-run homer that proved to be the difference in the 3-2 loss. The 28-year-old has now allowed a home run in each of his two appearances over the Reds' first three games this year.