MLB Player News

Flexen (1-2) picked up the victory during Friday's 4-1 win over Kansas City, allowing one run on six hits with five strikeouts in seven innings.

After allowing three earned runs and being tagged for the loss in each of his first two starts, Flexen shut down the Royals offense besides a Salvador Perez solo shot. Through three starts, the 27-year-old has an excellent 3.63 ERA -- nearly identical to last season's 3.61 mark -- and 11 strikeouts compared to just four walks through 17.1 innings. He's currently set to face off against Tampa Bay on Thursday for his next start.

Feltner (2-0) allowed one earned run on two hits and three walks while striking out 10 across five innings to earn the win Friday against Triple-A Round Rock.

Feltner turned in a dominant performance that continued his strong start to the season with Triple-A Albuquerque. He's maintained a 3.10 ERA with a 24:8 K:BB while allowing three home runs across 20.1 frames, marks that are made more impressive given the hitter-friendly nature of the PCL. Feltner made his major-league debut in 2021, and he should have the chance to enter the Rockies' rotation at some point in the 2022 campaign.

Smyly (1-1) was charged with the loss Friday against the Pirates after allowing four runs on six hits with four strikeouts and one walk across five innings.

The left-hander gave up two runs on two hits and a walk during the second inning, and Michael Chavis and Roberto Perez tacked on solo homers in the fourth and fifth frames. Smyly delivered 9.2 scoreless innings across his first two starts of 2022 but was bit Friday by Pittsburgh. He'll carry a 2.45 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB into his next start, which projects for Thursday in Atlanta.

Ober struck out six in five innings, allowing one run on five hits in a 2-1 win Friday over the White Sox. He did not factor into the decision.

Ober allowed just three harmless singles over his first four innings of work. He got into some trouble in the fifth when Andrew Vaughn tagged him for a leadoff home run and Reese McGuire added a double. The righty then retired the next three batters to complete his outing. The 26-year-old was roughed up in his first start of the season but has pitched well in his last two appearances, allowing three runs (one earned) and one walk in 11 innings of work.

Kopech struck out seven in five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and walking one in a 2-1 loss Friday in Minnesota. He did not factor into the decision.

Kopech never had a runner get past second base as he scattered three hits and a walk. He left the game leading 1-0 and in line to record his first win of the season but the bullpen was unable to hold the slim lead. The 26-year-old has allowed one run or less in each of his three starts and is sporting a 0.64 ERA. With 83 pitches Friday, Kopech has increased his pitch count in each appearance and could secure his first win soon if he continues with a similar workload.

Quintana allowed two runs on three hits and three walks over 4.2 innings during Friday's 4-2 win against the Cubs. He had three strikeouts and didn't factor in the decision.

Quinanta was solid through four frames and allowed a one-out single to Nico Hoerner during the fifth, and the left-hander was pulled at 87 pitches after Hoerner advanced to second base on a groundout. Quintana had to settle for a no-decision and remains in search of his first victory of 2022. The 33-year-old has a 3.86 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 8:8 K:BB across 14 innings through three starts, and he next lines up to pitch versus Milwaukee on Thursday.

Snell (groin) is expected to throw a simulated game Saturday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Snell went on the 10-day IL after groin tightness prevented him from making a scheduled start April 10. He threw a bullpen session April 19 and is scheduled to face batters in a simulated game Saturday. If that goes well, Snell could return to the Padres by the end of the month.

Taillon (1-1) allowed one run on seven hits across five innings Friday, striking out five and earning a win over the Guardians.

Taillon spread seven hits over five innings but the only real damage against him was Franmil Reyes' solo shot in the fourth. The 6-foot-5 righty has given up a homer in each of his first three starts this season but he lowered his ERA to 3.07 through 14.2 frames. He'll carry a 13:1 K:BB into next week's projected home outing against the Orioles.

Canning (back) is expected to toss a bullpen session Friday, Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports.

Canning threw 20 pitches -- all of which were fastballs -- in his previous bullpen Tuesday, and he's slated to get back on the mound Friday. The right-hander suffered a lower back stress fracture last July and encountered a setback in March as he prepared for the start of the season. Canning was subsequently placed on the 60-day IL and isn't eligible to return until late May.

Matz (2-1) earned the win Friday at Cincinnati after giving up one run on seven hits with six strikeouts and two walks across five innings.

The left-hander surrendered a run on two hits and walk during the fifth inning, though he otherwise kept the Reds off the board. Matz surrendered seven runs in his first start of the season, but he's allowed only one run with a 12:2 K:BB across 10.2 frames in his past two outings. The 30-year-old lines up to pitch against the Mets next week.