MLB Player News

Crochet allowed two runs on three hits while striking out five over five innings Sunday against the Royals. He did not factor into the decision.

Crochet continued his excellent stretch to begin the season, generating 15 whiffs while not walking a batter for the second time in three starts. The lone damage against him came off a fifth-inning two-run homer off the bat of Hunter Renfroe. Crochet currently leads the majors with 21 strikeouts and 18 innings pitched. He's found something with his slider with seven of his 15 whiffs Sunday coming from that pitch. The 25-year-old lefty will look to keep things going in a home meeting with the Reds this upcoming week.

Marsh allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out three over 4.2 innings Sunday against the White Sox. He was not involved in the decision.

Marsh was clean through three before the White Sox eventually broke through with two runs in the fourth and another in the fifth, leading to Marsh's exit from the game. The 26-year-old managed just five swings and misses on 78 pitches and will look to have a better showing his next time out, which currently lines up against the Mets on the road.

Hancock (1-1) took a bad loss Sunday against the Brewers, allowing eight runs on 11 hits and a walk while striking out six over 3.1 innings.

One positive to note for Hancock was that his six strikeouts doubled his previous career-best, as he has just a 14 percent strikeout rate over five starts. Sunday was also easily the roughest outing of his career. Eight of the 14 balls put in play against him were hard hit, which included two home runs. The 25-year-old will stay in the rotation for now and lines up for a home start against the Cubs in the upcoming week.

Rea (2-0) got the win over the Mariners on Sunday, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits over six innings. He struck out three.

Rea was uncertain to even make his start Sunday after he was reported to have been battling a stomach virus the day prior but turned in another successful outing. He gave up runs in back-to-back frames to open up the game but was unbothered after the Brewers staked him a 6-2 lead by the third. Rea's stuff hasn't been flashy by any means, but he's been an important piece to this rotation that does not have much depth. Things won't get any easier for the 33-year-old who is projected to face the Orioles in Baltimore during the upcoming week.

Gibson (1-1) took the loss Sunday against the Marlins, allowing seven runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out five over six innings.

The Marlins jumped all over Gibson in the first inning for six runs on five hits, which included two three-run homers off the bats of Jazz Chisholm and Nick Gordon. After a rough opening frame, Gibson was able to then settle in, allowing just two more hits the rest of the way. Gibson has been able to go at least six innings in both starts this season, though he's allowed nine runs on 11 hits (four home runs) in 13 innings. The 36-year-old will look to bounce back in a projected road start against the Diamondbacks this upcoming week.

Meyer (1-0) got the win over the Cardinals on Sunday after allowing just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out three over six innings.

Sunday was Meyer's first-career MLB win and quality start as he became the first Marlins starter to complete six innings so far this year. The 25-year-old retired the first 13 batters he faced before Nolan Gorman got to him in the fourth with a solo blast to center. Meyer's been extremely impressive in the early going and has possibly solidified himself a spot in the rotation even once the Marlins return some guys from injury. Meyer now has a 2.45 ERA and 0.73 WHIP over two starts and projects for a tough matchup against Atlanta coming up this week.

Dunning (1-1) allowed three runs on four hits and three walks over 6.2 frames Sunday, striking out seven and taking a loss against the Astros.

While it wasn't the cleanest line, Dunning has now turned in two straight quality starts to begin his 2024 season. The only damage against him Sunday came via Yordan Alvarez's three-run shot in the third inning. Dunning's velocity is noticeably down in 2024; his fastball averaged just 88.5 mph Sunday, and he threw it only six times. Despite that, the 29-year-old has produced a 14:7 K:BB through 13 frames. Dunning is currently projected for a rematch in Houston next weekend.

Nelson (0-2) took the loss Sunday against Atlanta, giving up three runs on five hits and no walks across five innings. He struck out seven.

Outside of solo homers allowed to Matt Olson and Michael Harris, Nelson held his own against one of MLB's top offenses. His strikeout total tied his career high, which was set in his first MLB appearance in September of 2022. While three runs over five innings won't quite right the ship after an awful debut, it's a step in the right direction for the 26-year-old, who's looking to improve upon his poor 5.31 ERA last season. However, he'll likely have only one more trip through the rotation with Jordan Montgomery shooting to join the big-league club as soon as April 19. For now, Nelson is projected for a date with the Cardinals on Saturday.

Sale (1-0) picked up the win Sunday against Arizona, surrendering two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings.

After throwing 83 pitches in his 2024 debut, Sale saw his pitch count rise to 96 on Sunday. However, the result was the same, as he lasted 5.1 innings with two runs allowed. As usual, the big question for Sale's fantasy value comes down to his durability -- he tossed 11.0 innings combined in 2021 and 2022 before rebounding with 102.2 innings across 20 starts in his last season with the Red Sox. For as long as he's healthy, fantasy managers should get some good performances from the talented veteran. While there's some rotational shakeup coming in the wake of Spencer Strider's (elbow) move to the 15-day IL, Sale's tentatively scheduled to face the Marlins in Miami next time out.

Blanco (2-0) allowed a hit and four walks over six shutout frames Sunday, striking out four and earning a win over Texas.

In his first start since firing a no-hitter against Toronto, Blanco carried a no-no through 5.2 frames before Adolis Garcia squeaked a single through the infield. The 30-year-old righty relied more heavily on his fastball Sunday, using it 50 percent of the time with a 93.7 mph average velocity. He's turned in 16 shutout frames with an 11:6 K:BB to begin the year. Blanco will look to continue riding the momentum in his next outing, which is lined up to be a rematch with the Rangers.