MLB Player News

Lowe went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two walks in Sunday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Mets.

Lowe reached base four times, highlighted by a solo shot that put the Pirates up 2-1 in the third inning. The 31-year-old has now homered three times in as many games to open the campaign, reaching base in seven of his 14 plate appearances. He should see near-everyday run in the heart of the order and has topped the 20-homer mark in each of the four seasons in which he's played over 100 games.

Matz (1-0) notched the win Sunday against the Cardinals, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out two.

Matz hardly pitched well enough to deserve the win Sunday, but the Rays gave him plenty of run support. The veteran southpaw produced a respectable 10 whiffs on the day, and it's notable he was able to throw 81 pitches in his first start since April of last year. The expectation entering the season was that Matz would be on a pitch count initially, making his workload something to monitor in next week's scheduled outing in Minnesota versus the Twins.

Lowder did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Red Sox, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks with five strikeouts over five innings.

Lowder surrendered a two-run homer in the fourth inning but also managed four scoreless frames. He threw 56 of 86 pitches for strikes while generating an impressive 14 whiffs, including six on his slider. The former first-round pick logged just 9.1 minor-league innings last season due to multiple injuries but is getting an opportunity to stick with the Reds in 2026. He's slated for a road matchup against the Rangers next weekend.

Early did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Reds, allowing one run on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts over 5.1 innings.

Early exited with a 2-0 lead and a runner on first in the sixth inning before Greg Weissert came on and allowed a three-run homer. The 23-year-old generated just seven swinging strikes in an otherwise solid debut, and it was encouraging to see manager Alex Cora let him reach 96 pitches. The southpaw posted a 2.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 29:4 K:BB across 19.2 regular-season major-league innings last season and lines up for a home matchup against the Padres next weekend.

Waters was outrighted to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.

Waters was designated for assignment by the Royals on Wednesday, and he will now head to Omaha after clearing waivers. The outfielder played in 71 contests with Kansas City in 2025, batting .243 with a home run, 14 RBI, 21 runs scored and five stolen bases, and he'll likely get another shot with the major-league roster down the road this year.

Beeter earned the save Sunday against the Cubs, throwing a clean ninth inning.

Beeter was locked in Sunday, firing each of his six pitches for strikes to nail down the save. The 27-year-old right-hander drew Washington's first save opportunity of the year, suggesting he's at the front of the line when it comes to the closer role. Cole Henry may be in the mix as well, but Beeter could push him back into a setup job with a strong start to the campaign.

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run during the Brewers' 9-7 win over the White Sox on Sunday.

Sanchez made his first start of the season Sunday at first base as the Brewers opted to sit the lefty-hitting Jake Bauers against White Sox southpaw Anthony Kay, and Sanchez put Milwaukee on the board with a two-run homer in the first inning. Sanchez signed a one-year deal with the Brewers in February after spending the 2025 season with the Orioles, where he appeared in just 30 regular-season games. He could see some regular playing time at first base and behind home plate this season on days where one or both of Bauers and William Contreras are rested or serving as the team's DH.

Irvin (1-0) notched the win Sunday against the Cubs, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out seven.

It was an impressive season debut overall for Irvin, who posted 14 whiffs en route to fanning seven. The right-hander tossed 93 pitches as well, so he appears to be just about fully built up already on the young campaign. That said, Irvin was tagged for a pair of home runs Sunday, and he's unlikely to make for a recommended fantasy streamer in his next scheduled outing against the Dodgers despite his strong first appearance.

Yelich smacked a three-run home run during the Brewers' 9-7 win over the White Sox on Sunday.

The lefty-hitting Yelich opened Sunday's game on the bench due to the White Sox sending southpaw Anthony Kay to the mound for the series finale. Yelich was brought in as a pinch hitter in the eighth frame, and he finished off the Brewers' six-run inning with a towering, three-run home run to right field. He is off to a terrific start to the 2026 campaign, going 6-for-10 with five RBI and one steal over his first three games.

Imanaga (0-1) took the loss Sunday against the Nationals, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out seven.

The left-hander wasn't sharp to begin his season debut, as he was ambushed by Washington for three runs in the opening frame, but he was at least able to settle in a bit thereafter. Imanaga displayed plenty of swing-and-miss stuff as well, registering an impressive 16 whiffs Sunday. Imanaga will be trying to get back on track in his next scheduled outing, which is set come in Cleveland versus the Guardians next weekend.