MLB Player News

Castillo allowed one run on two hits over 5.2 innings, striking out eight and walking three during a no-decision against the Pirates on Opening Day.

Behind a strong changeup, Castillo looked very sharp and induced 14 swinging strikes. He left after just 91 pitches and arguably should have stayed in for at least one more batter to try and record the final out of the sixth. Jared Hughes came on instead and allowed a two-run single two batters later. One of those runs was charged to Castillo. Owners hoping Castillo would get back to his 2017 form after an inconsistent 2018 have to be pleased with this first performance of the season.

The Dodgers placed Kershaw (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

The transaction doesn't result in any change with regards to Kershaw's outlook, as manager Dave Roberts confirmed more than a week ago that the southpaw would open the season on the IL. Kershaw is slated to throw a three-inning simulated game Saturday, after which the Dodgers will decide the next step in the rehab process for their ace.

Soroka (shoulder) has been pitching in minor-league games but will not be summoned to the majors anytime soon, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

It's good to hear that he's at least able to throw to live hitters, but after being unable to pitch in games this spring, Soroka will need to accumulate significant minor-league innings before he is properly tuned up to face MLB hitters. The hope is that he just stays healthy and gradually builds up before hopefully joining the Braves sometime this summer.

Hill (knee) will attempt long toss Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

He was placed on the 10-day IL and threw off flat ground Thursday. Hill says he feels better each day, but it remains unclear when he will return to the rotation. It's possible he will be ready later next week.

Gonzalez was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals and then optioned to Double-A Springfield.

The Cardinals presumably want to try to continue developing Gonzalez as a starting pitcher at Double-A. He had been used primarily as a reliever by the Marlins last year, but had been a starter prior to that, although his strikeout rate has been awful above Low-A. Brett Cecil was transferred to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

Finnegan has been designated for assignment by the Reds.

The Reds claimed Jose Lopez from the Giants, and it spelled the end of Finnegan's run on the 40-man roster. He was one of the headliners the Reds received from the Royals in the Johnny Cueto trade at the 2015 trade deadline, but never made good on his high pedigree. It would not be surprising to see another team roll the dice on Finnegan.

Darvish tested his finger in a bullpen session and confirmed that he is good to go for Saturday's start against the Rangers, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

He was always expected to make this start, but needed to test his finger/blister one final time Thursday before it was official. This will be a homecoming for Darvish, who spent the first five and a half years of his MLB career as a member of the Rangers.

Senzatela (foot) was placed on the 10-day IL.

He threw a bullpen session over the weekend, but will likely need a couple more weeks to build back up to the point that he can join the big-league rotation.

Nix (elbow) was placed on the 10-day IL.

He is dealing with a UCL tear in his right elbow, and it is unclear if he will undergo Tommy John surgery or opt for rest and rehab instead. Nix should be considered out indefinitely.

The Pirates placed Lyles (side) on the injured list Thursday.

Pittsburgh isn't expected to need a fifth starter -- Lyles' expected role -- until late next week. He is symptom-free but still building up his workload. The expectation is that he will throw a six-inning, 100-pitch sim game later this week and if all goes well he will take the ball April 7 against the Reds. Lyles, a free agent acquisition, registered a 5.06 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 16 spring innings.