MLB Player News

Gonsolin will open the year at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

He dealt with an illness at the end of spring training, but is listed as healthy to begin the minor-league season. Gonsolin can touch triple digits with his fastball, and it's interesting that he will get the Triple-A nod while Dustin May heads back to Double-A. Both pitchers are expected to contribute in the majors at some point this season, but based on these assignments, Gonsolin will probably get there first.

Lugo allowed two runs on two hits while recording just one out in Thursday's loss to the Nationals.

Lugo has now allowed nine runs (five earned) on eight hits and three walks through four appearances (3.2 innings) to open the season. According to Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record, the right-hander has been battling an illness recently, which along with his usage -- he's thrown 105 pitches over the last week -- is believed to be part of the reason for his early-season struggles. Lugo was stellar for the Mets last season (2.66 ERA and 103:28 K:BB in 101.1 innings) and figures to occupy a key bullpen role again, so long as he can smooth out the kinks.

Syndergaard (0-1) allowed two runs on one hit and two walks while striking out six across six innings during a loss to the Nationals on Thursday.

The big right-hander gave up a run in the second despite not yielding a hit because of two walks, a wild pitch and a safety squeeze bunt. Syndergaard continued his no-hitter into the sixth, but then lost it on a solo home run from Victor Robles. Those were the only hits and runs he allowed. Syndergaard pitched well enough to win, but the Mets' offense simply didn't provide any support. He is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 13 strikeouts in 12 innings this season. His next start will probably be against the Braves.

Gowdy is listed as healthy for Low-A Lakewood, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

Gowdy received a first-round caliber bonus after being selected with the No. 42 overall pick in 2016, but he has pitched just nine pro innings since then, largely due to Tommy John surgery he underwent in August of 2017. He has missed a pretty dangerous amount of developmental time, but it's possible that the talent that netted him a $3.5 million bonus in 2016 will finally shine through now that he is fully healthy.

Strasburg (1-0) posted 6.2 shutout innings, allowing only three hits and one walk while striking out nine in a win against the Mets on Thursday.

The 30-year-old took a no-hitter into the fifth inning. Noah Syndergaard actually bested Strasburg in that department, lasting until the sixth inning before giving up a hit, but the Nationals' lineup did eventually get to Syndergaard while the Mets never really cracked Strasburg. The Nationals' right-hander left with two runners aboard and two outs in the seventh, and reliever Matt Grace cleaned up the frame with a strikeout. Strasburg is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 17 strikeouts in 12.2 innings this season. His next start will likely be against the Phillies.

Garrett is listed as healthy to open the season for High-A Jupiter, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

Callis notes that Garrett is back with his low-90s fastball and trademark plus curveball, so it sounds like he is ready to go after missing a year and a half due to Tommy John surgery. If Garrett is able to knock the rust off in a hurry, he could reach Double-A before the end of the season.

Lyles (side) was activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Thursday against the Reds, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

As expected, Lyles is set to make his 2019 debut after getting through a simulated game with no issues over the weekend. The right-hander operated as a swingman last season, posting a 4.79 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 47 innings as a starter (eight starts). Corey Dickerson (shoulder) was sent to the IL in a corresponding move.

Ynoa will begin the season at High-A Florida, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

Earlier reports had him optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after the first couple of weeks of spring training, but considering Ynoa made only six starts at High-A last year, that would have been an extremely aggressive assignment. The 20-year-old was acquired from the Twins in 2017 and posted an intriguing 100:42 K:BB in 91.2 innings for Low-A Rome prior to last year's promotion to Florida.

Denaberg will begin the season at extended spring training, Mike Rosenbaum of MLB.com reports.

The Nats' No. 4 fantasy prospect, and the organization's top pitching prospect, Denaberg is being brought along slowly after missing time in his high school draft year with biceps tendinitis, but there's no indication he's less than 100 percent now. The 19-year-old will have his workload strictly monitored in his first pro campaign, but his fastball and curve both project to be plus, and he could shoot up rankings quickly once he gets assigned to an affiliate.

Stripling gave up three runs on six hits with one walk while striking out three through 6.1 innings in a no-decision against the Giants on Wednesday.

One inning spoiled an otherwise nice performance for Stripling as he gave up four hits and two home runs in the fourth inning. Through two starts, the right-hander is limiting the walks with a 1.54 BB/9 and now has an impressive 2.31 ERA. Stripling gets his next start Tuesday against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.