MLB Player News

Bieber allowed three runs on three hits while striking out seven against one walk Tuesday against the Athletics, but he didn't factor into the decision.

Bieber allowed two runs in the third, and another run came across to score in the sixth on a wild pitch. The right-hander has gone six innings in both of his outings this year, and he's picked up two quality starts despite not factoring into either decision. He's scheduled to take the mound again early next week in a matchup with the Yankees.

Matz (0-1) was charged with the loss Tuesday against Atlanta after he allowed four runs on 10 hits and one walk across 5.1 innings. He recorded seven strikeouts.

The left-hander surrendered just three runs in four outings during spring training, but Atlanta got to him quickly Tuesday with home runs from Austin Riley and Orlando Arcia in the first and second innings, respectively. Matz generated 15 swinging strikes and topped out at 95.7 mph, which is a tick faster than his average fastball velocity last year, but he had trouble keeping runners off the bases. Matz will have to contend with the Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field for his next start, which tentatively lines up for Monday.

Dodd (1-0) earned the win Tuesday in St. Louis, allowing one run on six hits and no walks over five innings in a 4-1 victory. He struck out three.

The 24-year-old made Atlanta's season-opening rotation and was finally added to the MLB roster Tuesday afternoon, and he held down a strong Cardinals offense in his big-league debut. Dodd threw 52 of 73 pitches for strikes and also generated 12 whiffs. The left-hander should maintain his spot in the rotation with Max Fried (hamstring) and Kyle Wright (shoulder) on the injured list, with his next start tentatively lining up for Sunday versus San Diego.

Darvish did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over five innings in an 8-6 loss to Arizona. He struck out three.

Due to limited usage in the World Baseball Classic, Darvish's season debut was pushed back, as he needed a bit more time to build up his arm. While this wasn't his most dominant outing in terms of whiffs, and his command was spotty at times, Darvish completed five frames on 91 pitches and left with the lead. He will look to build on this performance his next time out in what projects as a road matchup against the Mets.

Bubic (0-1) took the loss Tuesday against the Blue Jays after he gave up two runs on seven hits and one walk over five innings. He struck out four.

The left-hander consistently worked from ahead and threw first-pitch strikes to 16 of the 22 batters he faced, and he also generated 14 swinging strikes. Bubic was saddled with the loss as Kansas City's offense mustered just four hits, but it was still an encouraging first outing of the season. He next lines up to pitch Sunday in San Francisco.

Gallen did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and one walk over six innings against the Padres. He struck out three.

Homers allowed to Nelson Cruz and Xander Bogaerts put Arizona in an early hole. It's been a disappointing start to the season for Gallen, who sits with a 7.59 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB through two outings (10.2 innings). He only induced eight swinging strikes on 86 pitches Tuesday. The silver lining here is that he completed six innings after failing to make it out of the fifth on Opening Day. It's also worth noting the opponents will get easier than the Dodgers and Padres.

Kikuchi (1-0) earned the win Tuesday at Kansas City after he allowed one run on three hits across five innings. He had two strikeouts and one walk.

The left-hander showed strong command in his season debut, throwing 47 of his 69 pitches for strikes. The improved control is a welcome sign after Kikuchi posted a 5.2 BB/9 last year, which helped lead to his move from the rotation to the bullpen. One outing is hardly a trend, and the 31-year-old will attempt to replicate his strong debut next time out Sunday against the Angels.

Valdez allowed three runs -- two earned -- on eight hits over seven innings in Tuesday's loss to Detroit. He walked one and struck out nine.

Valdez has pitched well in his first two starts of the season, but he hasn't been rewarded with a victory despite giving up a total of two runs in 12 innings (1.50 ERA.) The left-hander threw 66 of 103 pitches for strikes, and outside of Spencer Torkelson -- who drove in three in Tuesday's contest -- the Detroit lineup wasn't able to put much together. Valdez is scheduled to be back on the bump against the Pirates early next week.

Manning (1-0) allowed two runs on six hits across 5.2 innings to earn the win Tuesday against the Astros. He walked two and struck out four.

Pitching at Minute Maid Park against a potent Houston lineup is no small task, but Manning held his own, earning the win in his first start of the year. The righty once again dealt with injuries in 2022, though he showed some promise with a 3.43 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 63 innings. Manning will look to keep moving in the right direction in his next scheduled start on April 11 against the Blue Jays on the road, which looks like another tough matchup.

Heaney took the loss Tuesday, allowing seven runs on seven hits and two walks over 2.2 innings against the Orioles. He struck out two.

It was the first start as a member of the Rangers for Heaney, and it did not go well. The southpaw was able to get through the first without blemish, but he gave up five in the second including a three-run homer off the bat of Ryan Mountcastle, and he gave up a two-run homer to Jorge Mateo in the third before exiting. The left-hander was around the strike zone with 44 of 69 pitches going for strikes, but he didn't fool hitters whatsoever with his arsenal. Heaney is scheduled for a chance to rebound next week when he faces the Royals.