MLB Player News

Matz took a no-decision Thursday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk in 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

Though Matz threw a season-low 74 pitches, he was still able to turn in a solid outing overall. The veteran southpaw is putting together an effective transition back to the rotation with the Rays in 2026 so far, having now tossed at least five frames in each of his first four starts. Matz has a quality 3.80 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB over his first 21.1 innings, and he should maintain streaming appeal in his next scheduled start at pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field versus the Reds.

Valera exited his start Thursday against High-A Bowling Green in the second inning with right elbow inflammation, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Valera walked and struck out a batter in a scoreless first inning before he was forced to exit the game. The 19-year-old, who is one of Boston's top prospects, is without an official timeline for his return, but it wouldn't be surprising if he misses some time given the nature of the injury.

Griffin took a no-decision Thursday against the Pirates, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out seven in 5.1 innings.

It was smooth sailing for Griffin through four innings, but he ran into some trouble in the fifth after being handed a 4-0 lead. The 30-year-old allowed four runs of his own in the bottom of the frame, the biggest swing being a three-run home run from Marcell Ozuna. That blast snapped a streak of three straight starts in which the lefty had allowed two runs or fewer. On the bright side, Griffin has 19 strikeouts through 20.2 innings to begin the season, showing a little more dominance than anticipated. His next scheduled start will come against Atlanta, fourth in MLB with 24 home runs, early next week.

Imai (arm) played catch at Daikin Park on Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Imai landed on the injured list Monday due to right arm fatigue, but imaging came back clean and he has begun a throwing progression. The right-hander is eligible to return later this month, but a timetable for Imai rejoining the Astros' rotation won't be available until he gets further into his throwing program.

Chourio has a 1.42 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB in 12.2 innings through three starts for Single-A Columbia.

Despite the fact Chourio won't turn 19 until October, his assignment to Single-A was hardly surprising, as he had a 20.8 K-BB% and 1.06 WHIP in six starts for the Fireflies to close 2025. Chourio has an enviable combination of easy mid-90s fastball velocity, plus command and several high-quality secondary pitches. He, along with Seth Hernandez of the Pirates, leads an enticing group of lower-level arms that will vie for the title of No. 1 pitching prospect in baseball in 2027.

Solometo is sidelined at Double-A Altoona with recurring left shoulder discomfort, Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Solometo missed much of the 2025 season with shoulder problems, and they're evidently still nagging at him early on in the 2026 season. The lefty will get another opinion from Dr. Keith Meister before a decision is made on how best to proceed. He yielded four runs with a 0:2 K:BB over two innings in his first two appearances for Altoona before getting hurt.

Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Rodon (elbow/hamstring) will likely begin a rehab assignment following Saturday's live batting practice session, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rodon is joining Double-A Somerset to face hitters Saturday. He could stay there and begin his rehab assignment afterward as long as everything goes well with Rodon's BP this weekend. Boone added that Rodon will likely need at least three rehab starts before returning to the majors for his 2026 season debut. An early- to mid-May return could be in the works for the left-hander. With both Rodon and Gerrit Cole (elbow) nearing returns, the Yankees could soon be getting a massive boost to their rotation.

Falter (elbow) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk over one inning with Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday. He struck out one.

Falter made his first rehab appearance as he works his way back from left elbow inflammation. It wasn't a strong outing for the southpaw, as after opening the frame with a strikeout, he allowed loud contact and traffic on the basepaths that resulted in two runs. Prior to landing on the injured list, Falter made two relief appearances for the Royals, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks across 3.1 innings with four strikeouts. His next rehab outing is scheduled for Saturday, barring any setbacks.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday that Verlander's recovery from hip inflammation is "going a little slower than I think he anticipated or we anticipated," Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

"I think he's doing OK," Hinch continued. "I don't think he's necessarily taking a step forward, and he hasn't taken a step back. He had a bullpen yesterday that went OK. ... We're going to take it day by day." It sounds like Verlander is still dealing with discomfort in the left hip. He's made one start this season, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks with just one strikeout across 3.2 innings against the Diamondbacks on March 30. Keider Montero will continue to remain in the rotation for the time being.

The Nationals transferred Waldichuk (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Richard Lovelady. Waldichuk is likely headed for Tommy John surgery, though he will receive a second opinion before a final decision is made.