MLB Player News

Francis (0-1) took the loss Monday against the Astros, going 5.1 innings and allowing seven runs on 10 hits and a walk. He struck out seven.

Francis made his 22nd MLB appearance Monday. However, the outing marked his first start. The 28-year-old's lack of starting experience showed, as he served up a two-run homer to Kyle Tucker and a solo home run to Yainer Diaz in the first inning before being tagged by Jeremy Pena for a solo shot in the second frame. Despite the awful 2024 debut, fantasy managers should hold some level of hope for Francis if he makes another trip around the rotation considering his 1.73 ERA over 36.1 innings in 2023. While it's certainly possible the Blue Jays look elsewhere to fill in for Alek Manoah (shoulder), Francis is tentatively scheduled to face the Yankees on Sunday.

Blanco (1-0) tossed a no-hitter in Monday's 10-0 win over the Blue Jays, striking out seven and issuing two walks over nine innings.

Blanco claimed the first no-hitter of the 2024 campaign, spinning an absolute gem in just his eighth career start at the MLB level. The 30-year-old was pushed into the rotation with both Justin Verlander (shoulder) and Jose Urquidy (forearm) on the IL after not factoring into Houston's planned rotation this offseason. However, if Blanco continues to pitch this well, he could force Manager Joe Espada to keep him in the Astros fivesome. Blanco will close out what's expected to be a two-start week Sunday at Texas.

Pepiot (0-1) allowed six runs on four hits and four walks over 5.2 frames Monday, striking out three and taking a loss against Texas.

Pepiot served up a three-run homer to Josh Jung in the first inning but was able to keep the Rangers off the board for the next four frames. Texas broke through again in the sixth inning to tack on three more runs. Pepiot threw just 53 of 94 pitches for strikes, including 11 whiffs. He'll look for better results in his next outing, which is currently projected to be in Colorado this weekend.

Estevez allowed a hit in a scoreless inning and picked up a save over the Marlins on Monday.

Estevez allowed a leadoff single but had no trouble working around it to finish off the 7-4 win. He's fired two scoreless frames to notch a pair of saves so far in 2024, but he's yet to strike a batter out. Estevez registered an 11.3 K/9 with 31 saves during the 2023 campaign.

Silseth allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks over three innings Monday. He struck out five and did not factor into the decision during the win over Miami.

Silseth was tagged for all four runs in the first inning and was able to settle in for a pair of scoreless frames. He needed 76 pitches in the short outing but managed to force 14 whiffs on 37 swings. However, his velocity was down a touch, with the fastball averaging 93.8 mph. Silseth is currently projected for a home matchup with the Red Sox this weekend.

Manaea yielded a hit and two walks over six shutout frames but did not factor into the decision Monday. He struck out eight during the Mets' loss to the Tigers.

Manaea was dominant Monday, retiring the first 12 batters he faced. The Mets offense couldn't get anything going, preventing the veteran southpaw from picking up a win in his team debut. Manaea threw 55 of 88 pitches for strikes and forced 13 whiffs on 41 swings. He's currently lined up to start in Cincinnati this weekend.

Diaz struck out two in a perfect ninth inning during the Mets' loss to Detroit on Monday.

Diaz kept the game tied in the ninth inning to force the game into the 10th but the Mets ultimately fell to 0-4. The star closer has yet to see a save attempt in 2024 but he's fanned three batters in two scoreless frames. He's locked into his closing role with the Mets and should begin to see the save chances rolling in soon.

Foley (1-0) allowed one hit in a scoreless inning Monday, striking out two and earning a win over the Mets.

The Tigers won in the 10th inning after Foley quickly worked through the ninth. The 28-year-old has already converted two saves and earned a win this season as he's seemingly locked himself into Detroit's ninth-inning role. Foley has four punchouts through 2.1 innings so far.

Kimbrel (1-0) blew the save but collected the win Monday against the Royals. He allowed one run on one hit and no walks with two strikeouts over an inning.

Kimbrel provided a taste of his typical rollercoaster self in his first Orioles appearance Monday. Even though he blew the save, it was not his standard meltdown. The Royals played small ball to collect the run off Kimbrel as Kyle Isbel knocked a single and was substituted for Dairon Blanco, who proceeded to steal second and third. Maikel Garcia then drove home Blanco with a sacrifice fly. Despite the blown save to start his tenure in Baltimore, Kimbrel should be firmly cemented as the Orioles closer ahead of Yennier Cano.

Chapman picked up the save Monday against Washington. He pitched one-third of an inning with no strikeouts.

Chapman entered the ninth inning with two outs and runners on first and second after Ryder Ryan already allowed a run in the inning. The veteran lefty induced a flyball from Lane Thomas to secure the Pirates' fifth straight win and his first save in black and gold. Chapman is the fourth different Pittsburgh reliever to collect a save this season, but the closer's job still belongs to David Bednar currently.