MLB Player News

Ober didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Royals, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out four.

After allowing a run on three hits in the first inning, Ober settled in to blank Kansas City over his final five frames. While the Twins' bullpen failed to hang on to a one-run lead, it was certainly an encouraging outing for Ober, who was tagged for nine runs over just 6.2 innings in his first two starts this year. The 29-year-old right-hander will look to build on Thursday's outing in his next start, currently slated for next week against the Mets.

Wacha did not factor into the decision Thursday against Minnesota, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

Wacha was solid Thursday, holding the Twins to one run on a Ty France homer through five innings before the Royals' bullpen allowed an inherited runner to score after Wacha was pulled in the sixth. While it wasn't an ideal finish, it was a step in the right direction for Wacha, who had lost his first two starts this season, allowing five runs on 10 hits and five walks over 9.2 innings. The veteran right-hander currently lines up for a tough road matchup versus the Yankees in his next outing.

Manager Bud Black said after Thursday's win over Milwaukee that Feltner was pitching through a case of the flu, Suzie Hunter of Guerilla Sports reports.

Feltner put on his best Michael Jordan impression Thursday by delivering a strong performance while playing through the flu, giving up just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out seven batters in six innings. He's lined up to make his next start Tuesday against the Dodgers, though the Rockies may hold the righty out of action if he's not feeling better by then.

Priester didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Rockies after allowing one run on five hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out four.

Other than giving up a leadoff solo homer to Brenton Doyle in the first inning, Priester kept Colorado's bats in check in a tough spot at hitter-friendly Coors Field in his Brewers debut. Priester is helping fill in for the injured Nestor Cortes (elbow) among other sidelined starters, although the right-hander figures to be unlikely to maintain a rotation spot once Milwaukee's pitching staff gets healthier. As it stands, the former top prospect is tentatively scheduled to next face the Tigers at home early next week.

Cannon (0-2) took the loss Thursday against the Guardians, allowing six runs on seven hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

It was a tough outing for Cannon, who allowed a pair of two-run homers to Kyle Manzardo and Steven Kwan in the first and third innings. After blanking the Angels over five innings to start his season, Cannon has now allowed nine runs over nine innings in his last two outings. The 24-year-old right-hander will look to get back on track in his next start, currently scheduled for next week against the Athletics.

Williams (1-0 ) earned the win Thursday over the White Sox, allowing a run on three hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out seven.

Williams allowed a run in the first inning before settling down to blank the White Sox over his final four frames, retiring 12 of the last 13 batters he faced. Williams lowered his ERA to 3.46 with a 1.38 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through his first three starts (13 innings) this year. He'll look to build on Thursday's outing in his next start, tentatively lined up for next week in Baltimore.

Littell (0-3) took the loss Thursday against the Angels, allowing seven runs on eight hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out four.

Littell fell victim to the home-run ball Thursday -- he gave up a solo shot to Taylor Ward on his second pitch of the game before the Angels added five runs on three homers off Littell in the fifth. The 29-year-old Littell has now dropped three straight starts to open the year, posting a 6.88 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB across 17 innings. He's currently lined up for a home matchup with the Red Sox in his next outing.

Soriano (2-1) earned the win Thursday over the Rays, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over 7.2 innings. He struck out four.

Soriano was efficient Thursday, working into the eighth inning on just 93 pitches. He also got more than enough run support, as the Angels cruised to an 11-1 victory. Soriano's gotten off to a nice start this season, pitching to a 2.70 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB through his first three starts (20 innings). The right-hander is currently lined up for a road matchup with the Rangers in his next outing.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker indicated Thursday that the team plans for Strider (elbow) to make his season debut next week, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Strider yielded one run while striking out 13 over 5.1 innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday, getting his pitch count up to 90. While Snitker would not officially commit to Strider coming off the 15-day injured list next week, he could just be waiting to make sure the righty bounces back well from the outing Friday. Strider could start as soon as Tuesday in Toronto, but he's been pitching on five days' rest during his rehab assignment, so Wednesday might be the likelier target date.

The Twins could recall Matthews and install him as part of a temporary six-man rotation, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

David Festa is expected to be promoted to start Friday, filling the rotation spot vacated by Pablo Lopez (hamstring). However, Matthews is a candidate to get a look in the majors soon as well as the Twins look to build in some extra rest for their other starters. Matthews has been dynamite in his first two starts with Triple-A St. Paul this season, allowing two runs with a 13:1 K:BB over 10 innings. It's not yet clear when he might start for the Twins, but he's a good candidate to stash in fantasy leagues where he's still available.