MLB Player News

DeLauter went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three total runs scored in a 6-4 win against Seattle on Thursday.

It was an explosive regular-season debut for DeLauter, who started in right field and batted second. He took Logan Gilbert deep for a solo homer to open the scoring in the first inning and tacked on another solo shot off reliever Cooper Criswell in the ninth. DeLauter should have plenty of runway for production this season as Cleveland's everyday right fielder, though he's battled injuries in the past several campaigns and has never played more than 66 games in a professional season.

Gilbert allowed three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out seven batters over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against Cleveland on Thursday.

Gilbert gave up a solo homer to the second batter he faced in the game (Chase DeLauter), but he was able to get through four frames with only that tally on his line. However, he served up two more runs in the fifth inning and was pulled after retiring the only batter he faced in the sixth. Gilbert didn't get the win, but he did show good strikeout stuff with 12 whiffs and seven punchouts. The right-hander posted a career-best 11.9 K/9 during the 2025 regular season and could be among the AL's strikeout leaders if he's able to stay healthy throughout the current campaign.

Smith earned a save against Seattle on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

Smith entered in the ninth frame with Cleveland up two runs. He made quick work of three Mariners hitters, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. Smith took over Cleveland's closer role last year following Emmanuel Clase's legal troubles and ended up with a career-high 16 saves in 76 regular-season appearances. He should easily exceed that mark this year as the Guardians' clear-cut closer.

Skubal (1-0) earned the win over San Diego on Thursday, allowing one unearned run on three hits and no walks while striking out six batters over six innings.

Skubal already had a 4-0 lead when he took the mound in the bottom of the first inning, and the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner never let the Padres get back into the game. He didn't yield a run until the sixth frame, and that came about only after a fielding error behind him. Skubal tossed 49 of 74 pitches for strikes and racked up 11 whiffs while cruising toward a season-opening victory. It was a major improvement upon his start to 2025, when he went 0-2 in his first two outings and gave up seven runs over 10.2 frames. Skubal is tentatively slated to make his second start next Wednesday in Arizona.

Bibee exited Thursday's start against the Mariners with right shoulder inflammation, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Bibee was in discomfort while warming up ahead of the bottom of the sixth inning and walked off with the training staff. The right-hander will likely undergo further testing in the coming days. Prior to leaving Thursday, Bibee allowed three runs on four hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out seven and gave up three solo home runs. It's unclear if Bibee will be able to make his next scheduled start against the Dodgers next week.

Meidroth went 1-for-2 with two walks and a solo home run Thursday against the Brewers.

Meidroth was one of the few bright spots for the White Sox in a blowout loss. He led off the game with his first home run of the season and also continued to showcase his ability to get on base after posting a .418 on-base percentage across 52 at-bats this spring. Meidroth led off against righty Jacob Misiorowski, and the middle infielder's skill set suggests he should continue to hit toward the top of the order and play nearly every day.

Aranda went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional RBI in Thursday's 9-7 loss to the Cardinals.

The left-handed-hitting Aranda managed to take southpaw Matthew Liberatore yard for his first long ball of the season. The first baseman hit third in his season debut, which should help his fantasy upside while occupying a premium lineup spot. Aranda was a strong four-category producer when available for the Rays in 2025, batting .316 with 14 homers, 59 RBI and 56 runs scored over 370 regular-season at-bats (106 games).

Bibee exited Thursday's start against the Mariners ahead of the bottom of the sixth inning after suffering an apparent injury, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Bibee finished throwing his warmup pitches between innings and winced in discomfort before ultimately walking off with the training staff. Prior to leaving, Bibee allowed three runs on four hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out seven and surrendered a trio of solo home runs on 78 pitches. Bibee's status should be updated in the near future as he continues to be evaluated.

DeLuca went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Thursday's 9-7 loss to the Cardinals.

With left-hander Matthew Liberatore on the mound for St. Louis, DeLuca got the start in right field and batted sixth for Tampa Bay. He drove in a pair with a single in the sixth inning. DeLuca missed most of the 2025 season battling shoulder, hamstring and quadriceps injuries, requiring two stints of the 60-day injured list. Now healthy, DeLuca figures to see regular playing time against left-handed pitching to begin the season.

The Athletics announced Thursday that Hoglund has been diagnosed with a lumbar spine strain.

The back injury is apparently the bigger issue for Hoglund, who also missed time during spring training with a knee injury. The right-hander was officially placed on the 15-day injured list this week and will miss at least the first couple weeks of the season. Hoglund made his MLB debut last year, registering a 6.40 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 23:11 K:BB across 32.1 innings.