MLB Player News

Nola (1-2) took the loss Monday, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks over 4.1 innings against the Cubs. He struck out five.

Nola was undone by a four-run second inning, as a sinker left over the middle was turned into a three-run homer by Dansby Swanson. It's been a lackluster start for the veteran hurler, who has allowed three-plus runs in four of five starts and owns a 5.06 ERA and 1.46 WHIP across 26.2 innings. Nola will look to get back on track in his next outing, which is projected to come over the weekend against Atlanta.

Rea (3-0) earned the win Monday, allowing one run on six hits and two walks over 6.2 innings against Philadelphia. He struck out five.

Rea continued his strong stretch, quieting the Philadelphia bats and pitching into the seventh inning for the first time this season en route to his third consecutive win. Having been used as both a starter and multi-inning reliever through five outings, the veteran right-hander has posted a 3.00 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and a 20:5 K:BB across 24 innings. Even with Matthew Boyd (biceps) slated to return from the injured list this week, Rea's performance should keep him in the rotation moving forward.

Irvin (1-3) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits and no walks over five innings against Atlanta. He struck out four.

Irvin allowed just three hits, though one was a costly two-run homer as he took his third loss of the season. It's been a lackluster start for the right-hander, who owns a 6.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 24 innings (five starts). Monday marked the 29-year-old's first outing without issuing a walk, though he did hit Ronald Acuna twice. Irvin's next start is tentatively scheduled for Saturday against the White Sox.

Elder (3-1) earned the win Monday, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks over 6.2 innings against the Nationals. He struck out six.

Elder worked through a two-run first inning and pitched into the seventh frame to earn his third win of the season. After making 28 starts and posting a 5.30 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 156.1 innings last year, expectations were minimal for the right-hander entering 2026, but he has delivered strong results with a 1.50 ERA and 0.97 WHIP through five outings (30 innings). Elder's next start is lined up to come Saturday against the Phillies.

Dollander is slated to work as a bulk reliever behind an opener in Tuesday's game against the Padres, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Dollander was also deployed out of the bullpen to follow an opener during his most recent outing in Thursday's 3-2 victory over the Astros. The approach worked well for the right-hander, who picked up the win after firing 5.1 scoreless frames while striking out nine.

Wicks (elbow) struck out two batters and allowed one hit and one walk over three scoreless innings Saturday in a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa.

Heading into spring training, Wicks was expected to vie for a spot in the Cubs' Opening Day bullpen, but he was shut down early in camp with left elbow inflammation and was later placed on the injured list. Given that Wicks tossed 37 pitches in his first rehab appearance, the Cubs may now be looking to stretch him out for a starting role, after Chicago's rotation depth has already been tested early on this season. Matthew Boyd (biceps) appears likely to beat Wicks back from the IL to reclaim a rotation spot from either Javier Assad or Colin Rea, but the Cubs may still be compelled to give Wicks a look as a starter if he continues to thrive while on assignment in Iowa.

Freeland (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Monday, Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette reports.

Freeland landed on the 15-day IL last Wednesday due to left shoulder inflammation. He relayed to reporters that Monday's session was "good," a sign that he may be available to return from the IL when he's eligible to do so in late April. In the three starts prior to his injury, Freeland went 1-1 with a 2.30 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB across 15.2 innings.

Gray (elbow) remains shut down from throwing and will undergo additional testing, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

It's an ominous sign for Gray, who missed most of the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery before suffering a flexor strain at the end of spring training. Gray is already on the 60-day injured list and could be looking at another long-term absence.

Hoffmann gave up one run on two hits and one walk while striking out three in 2.1 innings Sunday against the Blue Jays.

The one run allowed came on a Kazuma Okamoto home run. Hoffmann was shifted between the majors and minors late last year to little success, posting a 6.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in 11 appearances (12.1 innings), but he's turned it around to the tune of a 1-0 record with a 1.74 ERA in six games so far in 2026. The 26-year-old broke camp after an excellent spring where he earned a 2.25 ERA and 10 strikeouts across eight innings while improving his slider. The right-hander is looking to get more high-leverage opportunities with A.J. Puk (elbow) and Justin Martinez (UCL) starting on the injured list.

Canning (Achilles) is scheduled to make his fourth rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A El Paso, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Through his first three starts with El Paso, Canning has compiled a 4.32 ERA, 1.92 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB across 8.1 innings. After his 2025 season came to an early end in June due to a torn left Achilles tendon that required surgery, Canning hasn't reported any setbacks since starting his rehab assignment and could be on track to return from the injured list as soon as next week. He built up to 67 pitches in his most recent start, so if he can get further stretched out in Wednesday's outing while showing improved control, the Padres may feel comfortable activating him. Matt Waldron would likely be most at risk of losing his spot in the rotation once Canning is deemed ready to join San Diego.