MLB Player News

Fried is scheduled to start the Braves' sixth game of the season April 4 against the Cubs, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Assuming Fried isn't used out of the bullpen during the first five games, the southpaw will join Atlanta's rotation during the team's second series of the season. With Kevin Gausman (shoulder) expected to join the rotation shortly after his scheduled start -- and Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) and Mike Soroka (shoulder) not far behind -- Fried's stay in the rotation could be brief. Fried owns a 2.35 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB through 15.1 innings this spring.

Gausman (shoulder) will begin the season on the injured list, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Gausman is behind schedule due to a minor shoulder issue that delayed him earlier in camp, so the right-hander will stay back at extended spring training to get up to speed before joining the rotation when first eligible (April 5 against the Marlins). He tossed 58 pitches in a minor-league game Tuesday but will need to get up to 90 pitches before being cleared to join the rotation.

Manager Bud Black confirmed Freeland will start for the Rockies on Opening Day, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

This comes as no surprise. Freeland will look to build off his breakout 2018 campaign that saw the southpaw compile a 2.85 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 33 starts (202.1 innings).

Wright has made the Braves' rotation and will start next Sunday's series finale against the Phillies.

Wright entered spring training trying to earn a spot in the Braves' starting rotation, and he's now set to take the mound during the opening series of the season. The 23-year-old posted a 2.51 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB over 28.2 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett last season before joining the Braves in September.

Lucchesi will start the Padres' second game of the season Friday against the Giants, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Lucchesi was in the running to start Opening Day for the Padres, but Eric Lauer will instead get the call. The 25-year-old made 26 starts as a rookie in 2018 and had a 4.08 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 145:43 K:BB across 130 innings.

Lauer will start for the Padres on Opening Day.

Lauer will get the ball first for the Padres after dominating through three spring appearances (0.50 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB in 10 scoreless innings). The southpaw, who compiled a 4.34 ERA and 8.0 K/9 in 23 starts (112 innings) as a rookie in 2018, will be followed in the rotation by Joey Lucchesi.

Toussaint was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, as the right-hander appeared to have the inside track at a rotation spot following injuries to Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) and Mike Soroka (shoulder). Toussaint posted an unsightly 8.62 ERA through six spring appearances (15.2 innings), but his 20:3 K:BB over that stretch is a better reflection of how he pitched. The young right-hander figures to join the big-league rotation at some point in 2019, though he'll head to the minors to work some kinks for the time being.

Taillon allowed four earned runs on eight hits in four innings Saturday. He struck out three batters without issuing a walk.

Poor defense contributed to his lackluster final spring tuneup, but he hasn't been particularly sharp. The righty pitched in three simulated games before making his Grapefruit League debut. Since then, Taillon has thrown in three spring contests, compiling a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings. On the positive side, he's crafted an 11:0 K:BB. He's set to start Thursday on Opening Day against the Reds in Cincinnati

Ray allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out 11 over 5.1 innings Saturday against the Giants.

Ray has been a strikeout machine this spring, fanning 32 over 16.1 innings. The Diamondbacks are hoping they get the 2017 version of Ray (2.89 ERA, 12.1 K/9). In 2018, he struggled with an oblique injury and inconsistency. "This year, he's a different guy," manager Torey Lovullo told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. "His stuff is really standing out, it's coming out hot and I know he worked hard to make that happen. So we're looking for him to have a big year." The Diamondbacks are pleased with the increase in Ray's fastball velocity, which is back to where it was in 2017. The left-hander is expected to start the second game of the season, March 29, against the Dodgers.

Senzatela (foot) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Senzatela has been battling an infected blister on his right heel, casting his availability for Opening Day in serious doubt. With him just getting back on a mound five days before the start of the season, a trip to the injured list seems likely.