MLB Player News

Sanchez didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Nationals, allowing one run on four hits and four walks while fanning seven across 5.1 innings.

Sanchez finished just two outs shy of recording what would've been a second consecutive quality start, but this outing represented some regression after his dominant showing on Opening Day. Still, Sanchez should remain a dependable arm at the top of the Phillies' rotation even if he has some command issues on occasion. Through his first 11.1 innings, Sanchez has 17 strikeouts while allowing just one run, so there are plenty of positives despite the four walks Wednesday. Sanchez tentatively lines up to take the mound next week against the Giants on the road.

Cavalli did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out three across six innings.

Cavalli recorded his first quality start of the season after a rocky Opening Day effort against the Cubs where he allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and three walks across 3.2 frames. Cavalli made 10 starts last season, posting a 4.25 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP and 40:15 K:BB across 48.2 innings by allowing three earned runs on eight and five walks. His 8:5 K:BB, as well as the fact that he's hit two batters and tossed a wild pitch through 9.2 innings, suggest command and control could be an issue for Cavalli.

Alcantara (2-0) pitched a complete game shutout Wednesday against the White Sox, allowing three hits and striking out seven without walking a batter.

The right-hander produced his second career Maddux, needing just 93 pitches (69 strikes) to blank Chicago. Alcantara has enjoyed a favorable start to the season with matchups against the Rockies and White Sox. However, the star right-hander has made the most of the opportunity by allowing one unearned run on seven hits and two walks while fanning 12 across 16 innings over those two outings. Alcantara will try to continue his excellent start to the season in his next turn through the rotation, which is tentatively scheduled to come against the Reds at home next week.

Freeland didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Blue Jays. He tossed five innings of one-run ball, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out six.

This was a clear step in the right direction for Freeland, who took the loss in his 2026 debut after allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 4.1 innings against the Marlins on Friday. Freeland has been a reliable innings-eater for Colorado in recent years, and he lines up to make his next start against the Astros on the road.

Gausman didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against Colorado. He tossed six scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out 10.

Gausman enjoyed an impressive 2026 debut after striking out 11 across six innings in a no-decision against the A's on Friday, and he built off that performance to record double-digit strikeouts for the second game in a row. Few pitchers in the majors have looked as dominant as Gausman over the first two outings of the season; however, the star right-hander will have a tougher assignment the next time he steps on the mound, as he's tentatively scheduled to make his next start next week at home against the Dodgers.

Ryan (0-1) allowed five runs on nine hits and struck out three without walking a batter over four innings to take the loss Wednesday versus the Royals.

Ryan didn't give up a ton of hard contact, but the Royals strung together a three-run tally in the second inning and added an additional run in each of the third and fourth frames. The right-hander exited at 77 pitches (49 strikes) in a disappointing follow-up to his 5.1 scoreless innings versus the Orioles on Opening Day. Ryan is keeping the walks down with a 10:2 K:BB over 9.1 innings so far, but he will need to avoid putting traffic on the bases, which can bite him if an opponent can generate some power against the flyball pitcher. Ryan is tentatively lined up to make his next start at home in a tough matchup versus the Tigers early next week, which could be the first outing of a two-start week for the Twins' ace.

Yamamoto (1-1) allowed two runs on four hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch while striking out two over six innings to take the loss versus the Guardians on Wednesday.

The right-hander was outdueled by Gavin Williams, who struck out 10 over seven scoreless frames. Yamamoto's missteps came in the third inning, as Daniel Schneemann doubled, stole third and scored on an errant throw before Gabriel Arias went yard for a solo home run. This was still a second straight quality start for Yamamoto, who has allowed four runs on nine hits and one walk with eight strikeouts over 12 frames in his first two outings of the season. The Japanese ace allowed just 14 home runs over 173.2 regular-season innings across 30 starts last season, so he should be able to get that under control after giving up a long ball in both of his starts in 2026. The Dodgers are using a six-man rotation for the week ahead, but with extra rest built in for Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto is tentatively projected to make his next start in Toronto.

Williams (1-1) allowed two hits and three walks while striking out 10 over seven scoreless innings to earn the win over the Dodgers on Wednesday.

Williams looks to have corrected the mechanical issue that led to him walking six batters in his season debut versus the Mariners. The right-hander was excellent in this contest, though he's unlikely to ever be an elite control pitcher. That didn't get in his way in 2025, and he's now given up a modest three runs over 12 innings while posting a 17:9 K:BB through his first two starts of 2026. Williams is projected to make his next start at home versus the Royals next week.

Kirby (1-1) took the loss Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out six.

The right-hander gave up just one run through five frames, but Paul Goldschmidt's three-run homer in sixth inning left a big mark on Kirby's ledger. Kirby has now gone at least six innings in each of his first two starts of the year, but he's now been taken deep twice already. The right-hander will try to keep the ball in the yard the next time he takes the mound, which is set come in Texas versus the division-rival Rangers next week.

Schlittler (2-0) notched the win Wednesday against the Mariners, allowing no runs on two hits and no walks in 6.1 innings. He struck out seven.

After giving up just one hit in his season debut against the Giants, Schlitter was nearly unhittable again Wednesday. The Mariners offered very little resistance against the right-hander, who pounded the zone for 58 strikes out of his 79 pitches while posting a strong 13 swings-and-misses. Schlittler has a shiny 15:0 K:BB through his first 11.2 frames of 2026, and he'll be looking to touch the 80-pitch marker for the first time this year in his next scheduled outing against the Athletics.