MLB Player News

Steele struck out eight batters in six scoreless innings Saturday against the Brewers, walking one and allowing three hits. He did not factor in to the decision.

Steele impressed last season to the tune of a 3.18 ERA in 24 starts, and his first outing of 2023 indicates there's more where that came from. Saturday's outing stands as one of the best of his young career, as only once last season did he throw six shutout innings (incidentally also against the Brewers). It wasn't enough to secure the victory, however, as the Brewers would go on to take a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning. Steele will look to have another strong start next week against the Rangers.

Woodruff took a no-decision versus the Cubs on Saturday despite allowing just one run on three hits and a walk in six innings while striking out eight.

Woodruff left the game with his team trailing, but it's hard to blame him for that fact. He didn't allow more than one baserunner in any inning, with the Cubs' lone run coming on a sixth-inning solo shot by Ian Happ. It was an excellent start to the year for Woodruff, who cruised to a 3.05 ERA last season even while missing time due to Raynaud's syndrome. He's lined up to return to the mound at home next week against the Cardinals.

Urquidy stuck out five batters in four innings Saturday against the White Sox but gave up three runs on seven hits and a walk. He did not factor into the decision.

The long ball was a problem for Urquidy, as he gave up a solo shot to Yoan Moncada in the second inning and a two-run homer to Seby Zavala in the fourth. He was able to finish that frame but didn't come out for the fifth. The right-hander doesn't keep the ball on the ground well, so homers could continue to be an issue, as his 1.51 career HR/9 indicates. He'll try to keep the ball in the park next week against the Twins in his next start.

Giolito allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk in five innings Saturday against the Astros, striking out six. He did not factor into the decision.

Giolito gave up two runs on four singles in the first frame but settled down after that, allowing just one unearned run on one hit and a walk in his final four innings. It wasn't enough to bring home a win, but it was a passable performance against the defending champions. His next start lines up for next week in Pittsburgh.

Wright (shoulder) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Wright missed the Opening Day roster with a sore shoulder, but he's been on track for a brief absence. If all goes well with his rehab start, he could be activated when first eligible.

Sanchez (triceps) threw a pair of simulated innings Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Sanchez was shut down in mid-March with left triceps soreness. Injuries to Ranger Suarez (forearm) and Andrew Painter (elbow) as well as Sanchez have allowed Matt Strahm to open the season in the rotation. Sanchez could take that spot if he's the first injured pitcher to return but is unlikely to be anything more than the seventh starter when everyone is healthy.

Suarez (forearm) threw a bullpen session Friday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Suarez missed the Opening Day roster due to forearm inflammation, but he's trending in the right direction. He's thrown a pair of bullpen sessions and is scheduled for another one Monday.

Kremer didn't factor into the decision after allowing five runs on six hits and three walks over three innings Saturday against the Red Sox. He struck out three.

Kremer was provided with plenty of run support with the Orioles scoring seven runs against Chris Sale while he was on the mound, but he wasn't able to work deep enough to qualify for a decision. The right-hander gave up two homers in the contest -- one to Adam Duvall and one to Alex Verdugo. He's scheduled to be back on the mound next week in a home start against the Yankees.

Sale allowed seven runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out six over three innings, taking a no-decision Saturday against the Orioles.

Sale gave up two homers to Ryan Mountcastle and Austin Hays in the first and another in the third to Cedric Mullins. It's a disappointing first outing for Sale albeit one that showed he can still miss bats, but the command was well below average for the 34-year-old. He'll get a chance to rebound next week against the Tigers in Detroit.

Fried (hamstring) will be placed on the injured list, though Atlanta doesn't need to make the move just yet with the bullpen still fresh, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Fried left his Opening Day start with a strained hamstring. It was clear after the game that he'd miss at least one start, and he'll now be forced to miss at least two. Whether or not a longer absence is required is not yet clear. One of Ian Anderson or Bryce Elder will likely step into the rotation in his absence.