MLB Player News

Stripling didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 5-4 extra-innings loss to the Diamondbacks, giving up three hits and a walk over 5.1 scoreless innings while striking out five.

The right-hander only allowed one runner to get into scoring position all night, on singles by David Peralta and Jake Lamb in the fourth inning, but Striping promptly struck out Ketel Marte and got Nick Ahmed to hit a weak comebacker to end the threat. Striping fired 51 of 76 pitches for strikes before exiting with a 3-0 lead, and he'll look for better bullpen support in his next start April 3 at home against the Giants.

Ray didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 5-4 extra-innings win over the Dodgers, allowing three runs on three hits and five walks over five innings while striking out nine.

The southpaw's season debut was very much a mixed bag, but Ray was able to post a typically impressive strikeout rate even while throwing barely half his pitches (53 of 102) for strikes. Wins and quality starts will remain elusive if he can't tame the walks and last deeper into his outings, however. Ray will next take the mound April 3 on the road in San Diego.

Martinez (shoulder) has been playing "more aggressive, longer catch" on flat ground over the course of this week according to manager Mike Shildt, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

It's the latest positive news to emerge during Martinez's recovery process. The right-hander's next step will be to resume throwing off a mound, a step that could be imminent given the pace of Martinez's recent progress. Langosch also reports that the decision on whether the former ace will be prepared to fill a starting or relief role will be made in approximately mid-April.

Lucchesi (1-0) pitched 5.1 shutout innings with seven strikeouts and two walks to record the win in a 4-1 victory against the Giants on Friday.

The 25-year-old had a strong spring, and that carried over into his first 2019 start. Lucchesi induced 14 swinging strikes on his way to his seven punchouts. The 25-year-old posted seven or more strikeouts in four of his last 10 starts in 2018 on his way to 145 Ks in 130.0 innings. Lucchesi is a candidate to record a K/9 rate above 9.0 again this season.

Peralta didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 9-5 loss to the Cardinals, giving up four runs on six hits and three walks over three-plus innings while striking out three.

After allowing singles to pitcher Jack Flaherty and then Matt Carpenter to lead off the fourth inning, Peralta was lifted and had to watch Flaherty come around to score. Peralta threw 52 of 80 pitches for strikes and only generated five swinging strikes, so he may have been lucky to escape with as little damage as he did. The right-hander with look to shake it off and deliver a better result when he next heads to the bump April 3 in Cincinnati.

Flaherty didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 9-5 win over the Brewers, allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk over 4.1 innings while striking out four.

He needed 89 pitches (52 strikes) to record 13 outs, and Flaherty gave up some loud contact when he was over the plate, with Ryan Braun's three-run shot in the third inning being the big blow. The right-hander will try to shake this one off and post a better result at home against the Padres on April 4.

Marquez (1-0) allowed one run on two hits and three walks over six innings while striking out seven to pick up the win in Friday's 6-1 victory over the Marlins.

His control wasn't the sharpest -- Marquez threw only 59 of 93 pitches for strikes, uncorking two wild pitches and a HBP in the process -- but Miami had trouble making much good contact against him, with Curtis Granderson's solo shot in the fourth inning being the only extra-base hit off the right-hander. With a successful season debut in the books, Marquez will next take the mound April 3 in Tampa Bay.

Urena was hit by a line drive on the inside of his left knee during Thursday's start but went through his normal post-start workout Friday despite a little swelling, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

Urena picked up the loss Thursday as he lasted only 4.2 innings and allowed six runs (four earned) on nine hits. According to Fernandez, the 27-year-old has a bullpen session Sunday that should clarify his status for Tuesday's start against the Mets.

Fried tossed a scoreless eighth inning in Thursday's 10-4 loss to the Phillies.

With the Braves' bullpen having an Opening Day meltdown, manager Brian Snitker brought in Fried in a mop-up role to calm things down. The southpaw was ticketed to start for Atlanta on April 4 against the Cubs once the team needs a fifth starter, and his 11-pitch outing here shouldn't impact that plan. If he's needed again between now and then, however, his first start of the season may have to wait.

Lugo picked up his first hold of the season in Thursday's win over the Nationals, striking out the side in a perfect seventh inning.

The right-hander carved through the bottom part of the Nats' order, firing 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes and topping out at 96 mph with his fastball. Lugo set career highs with 11 holds and a 9.2 K/9 in 2018 while bouncing between roles on the pitching staff, but if he gets a chance to settle into a seventh-inning setup assignment in front of Jeurys Familia and new Mets closer Edwin Diaz, he should be able to top those numbers and provide solid fantasy value.