MLB Player News

Eovaldi (1-2) allowed three runs on five hits and six walks over 5.1 innings in a loss to Atlanta on Saturday. He struck out six.

Eovaldi had a brutal second inning in which he failed to retire any of the first six batters he faced, giving way to three runs coming home for Atlanta in the frame. The right-hander didn't allow another hit from the third inning on, though he did issue three free passes over that stretch while also hitting Travis d'Arnaud with a pitch. The six walks marked a season high for Eovaldi, as he hadn't walked more than two batters in any other start coming in. He's now lost two of his first three decisions to open the season, allowing eight runs and eight walks over his last two outings.

Martinez allowed two hits and struck out two over three scoreless innings, picking up his first hold in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Angels.

Martinez made his second relief appearance since being removed from the starting rotation. He's thrown multiple innings in each outing, allowing one run on five hits while striking out five over seven innings. That multi-inning relief role is one in which Martinez thrived as a member of the Padres in 2023.

Morton (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over six innings against the Rangers. He struck out four.

The only damage against Morton came in the second inning after the right-hander allowed two singles and a walk in the first three at-bats to open the frame. He would allow two runs in the inning before going on to retire 12 of the next 15 batters he faced in the contest. It marked Morton's first quality start of the season, though he's now allowed at least two runs in three consecutive outings, posting a 16:8 K:BB over that stretch.

Ragans (0-2) took the loss Saturday against the Orioles, allowing seven runs on nine hits over 1.2 innings while striking out four.

Ragans struck out three of the first four batters he faced in the contest before getting lit up for seven runs in the second inning. The lefty allowed eight hits in the frame before being relieved by Matt Sauer, marking the shortest outing of the season for Ragans after going at least five innings in each of his first four starts. He came into the contest with a 1.93 ERA but saw it jump to 4.32 following Saturday's loss.

Burnes (3-0) earned the win Saturday against the Royals, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk over 5.2 innings while striking out four.

Burnes cruised through the first five innings, going 1-2-3 through Kansas City's lineup three times over that stretch as the Orioles provided him with plenty of run support. The only runs he would allow on the day came via a three-run shot off the bat of Salvador Perez in the bottom of the sixth, before the right-hander was then relieved by Danny Coulombe with two outs in the frame. Burnes has now won each of his first three decisions to open the season and now holds a 3.09 ERA in April to go along with an 18:5 K:BB. Perhaps the only downside is that he's now surrendered a home run in four of his five outings.

Sandoval (1-3) took the loss to the Reds on Saturday, allowing seven runs on six hits and five walks over four innings. He struck out six.

The big blow was a grand slam off the bat of Tyler Stephenson in the first inning after Sandoval loaded the bases on a hit and a pair of walks. Sandoval appeared to take a step forward his last time out with five innings of one-run ball against Tampa Bay, but this outing represents two steps backward. He now has a 6.75 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 24:14 K:BB through 21.1 innings this season.

Freeland (elbow) won't need surgery but is expected to miss about 4-to-6 weeks, MLB.com reports.

Freeland is still resting the injury and could be out until late June, though it's a positive that he'll avoid surgery. He struggled mightily until being sidelined, as he posted a 13.21 ERA and 2.55 WHIP across 15.2 innings. Peter Lambert has entered the rotation in Freeland's place.

Ashcraft (3-1) earned the win over the Angels on Saturday, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over five-plus innings.

Three of the five runs against Ashcraft scored in the sixth inning as the right-hander ran out of steam -- he allowed a two-run homer to Miguel Sano in the sixth and reliever Nick Martinez allowed an inherited runner to score. The bullpen was scoreless from that point and in turn secured Ashcraft his third win already in the early going. He doesn't miss a ton of bats -- Ashcraft got a modest nine swings and misses Saturday -- and as a result he should be considered a volatile option best deployed judiciously by fantasy mangers. He tentatively lines up for a home start against the Phillies next week.

Vasquez (0-1) took the loss Saturday against the Blue Jays after he allowed four runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk over five innings. He struck out three.

The right-hander was called up for his season debut and surrendered a three-run homer to Daulton Varsho in the opening inning, though none of the runs were earned due to an error earlier in the frame. Toronto also scratched a run across in the second, but Vasquez then pitched through the fifth inning with no further damage. San Diego doesn't have a scheduled off day until May 2, so Vasquez could stick in the starting rotation while Yu Darvish (neck) is on the 15-day injured list.

Berrios (4-0) earned the win Saturday in San Diego after he struck out five and allowed five hits and two walks over six scoreless innings.

The veteran right-hander delivered his fifth straight quality start to begin the season and hasn't given up a run over his past three outings. Berrios has been one of the best pitchers in baseball early in 2024 and now has a 0.85 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 27:9 K:BB across 31.2 innings. He tentatively lines up to face the Royals on the road next week.