MLB Player News

Judge went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during the Yankees' 3-0 win over the Giants on Friday.

Judge's 2026 campaign got off to a horrid start Wednesday, when he struck out four times in five plate appearances. He struck out another two times Friday, but the three-time AL MVP gave the Yankees the lead for good in the sixth inning, when he belted a two-run home run off Robbie Ray. Judge has won AL MVP honors in each of the last two seasons, and he's looking to become the fourth player in MLB history to hit 50 or more home runs in three consecutive seasons.

Schlittler (1-0) allowed one hit while striking out eight across 5.1 scoreless innings to pick up the win against the Giants on Friday. He did not issue a walk.

It was an outstanding start to the season for Schlittler, whose only hit allowed came in the second inning, when he yielded a double to Heliot Ramos. Schlittler was working through a back issue during spring training, so it wasn't surprising to see him toss just 68 pitches (49 strikes), but he still generated 13 whiffs despite the limited pitch count. It'll take a few more outings for Schlittler to be fully stretched out, so he'll probably operate under a similar pitch count in his next start, which is tentatively slated for next week on the road against the Mariners.

Allen could be called up from Triple-A Columbus to make a start in next week's series versus the Dodgers in Los Angeles if Tanner Bibee (shoulder) needs to skip a start or eventually lands on the injured list, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Bibee was removed from his season-opening start Thursday against the Mariners due to shoulder inflammation, which at this point is deemed to be minor. The Guardians don't have any rest days between now and when Bibee is next scheduled to pitch (Tuesday), so Allen may be on standby at Columbus. Bibee reported feeling better Friday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, so the Guardians will wait and see how he fares coming out of that session before deciding if Allen will be needed to replace him in the rotation, if only temporarily.

Lambert signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The Astros released Lambert on Tuesday after informing him he hadn't made the Opening Day roster, but the 28-year-old right-hander will return to the organization after testing the free-agent market. He will begin the year as bullpen depth at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Taylor signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Taylor was with the Angels for spring training but was unsuccessful in making the team's Opening Day roster. He initially opted out of his contract March 20, but the veteran outfielder will return to the organization and likely play for Triple-A Salt Lake. Taylor appeared in 58 regular-season games between the Angels and Dodgers in 2025 and would be in line for a major-league call-up if the Angels require additional depth in the outfield.

Strickland signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Strickland gave up one earned run over five innings this spring with the Angels, and after exploring his options in free agency, he'll now return to the organization. The 37-year-old righty has turned in a 3.30 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 95.1 innings since he originally joined the Halos in 2024, and he could be welcomed back into the big-league bullpen if he bounces back nicely in Triple-A from the season-ending shoulder injury he suffered last July.

Keith is out of the lineup for Friday's game against San Diego.

The ascension of Kevin McGonigle has nixed Keith's opportunity to land a regular role at third base. While the Tigers found a spot for Keith at designated hitter on Opening Day, the 24-year-old is out of the starting nine Friday as Gleyber Torres serves as the DH and Zach McKinstry plays second base. McGonigle, after going 4-for-5 in the opener, is manning third once again.

De Los Santos (knee) will make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

De Los Santos opened up the season on the 15-day injured list because of a right knee strain he sustained at the start of spring training. The reliever made one appearance late in camp, and he'll continue his rehab at Triple-A.

Sousa's oblique injury has been diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain, and he isn't expected to miss more than the minimum 15 days, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Sousa was officially placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, and further testing showed he's not dealing with a severe injury. While he may not be ready for activation immediately after the minimum 15 days, he should be back shortly thereafter. Once healthy, Sousa will likely serve as one of the Astros' top relievers.

Hader (biceps) threw a bullpen session Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Hader's scheduled bullpen seemingly went as planned, which means the veteran lefty is still on schedule. Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Hader will begin facing hitters by mid-April, so he's still a ways away from returning.