MLB Player News

Ober did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over five innings against the Dodgers. He struck out seven.

Ober bounced back nicely after a terrible first start at Kansas City where he gave up eight runs in 1.1 innings. It was an especially impressive outing considering the opposing lineup. He next lines up to start Saturday at Detroit.

Eflin (1-2) took the loss against the Angels on Monday, allowing five runs on nine hits and no walks while striking out five batters over five innings.

Eflin fell behind 2-0 in the first inning and was lifted after giving up another pair of runs on four hits in the fifth frame. He allowed five Angels to cross the plate overall, the second time through three starts that he's allowed at least that many runs. Eflin's ERA now sits at 6.35 through 17 innings on the campaign, and he's given up four homers thus far. The right-hander does have a nice 15:2 K:BB on the season, but he's struggling to follow up on last year's career-best 16-win campaign.

Anderson (2-0) earned the win over Tampa Bay on Monday, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three batters over seven scoreless innings.

Anderson was a big disappointment in his first campaign with the Angels last year, but he's been outstanding in his first two starts this season. Monday's performance was his second straight seven-inning scoreless effort, with both performances resulting in a win. The left-hander's fantasy appeal will likely always be negatively impacted by his low strikeout totals -- he fanned just three batters Monday and has a modest eight punchouts through 14 innings on the season -- but his rostership is bound to rise if he continues to keep runs from crossing the plate. Anderson's next start is tentatively projected to come in Fenway Park against Boston this weekend.

Whitley (finger) allowed one run on one hit and struck out one across one inning at Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday against the Las Vegas Aviators.

Whitley struggled to put right middle finger inflammation behind him throughout spring camp, but he's since been cleared to begin his minor-league campaign. He's poised to work out of the bullpen in 2024 for the Space Cowboys after struggling to a 5.70 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 30 innings (six starts) a season ago at Triple-A.

Heaney (0-2) yielded six runs on four hits and three walks over 3.2 innings Monday, striking out two and taking a loss against Houston.

Heaney struggled immediately Monday, coughing up four runs in the first two frames. Despite only getting two punchouts, he managed to force 10 whiffs in the short start. He's thrown just 8.1 innings with a 7.56 ERA and a 9:3 K:BB through two appearances. Heaney is projected for a rematch in Houston this weekend.

Cortes (1-1) picked up the victory Monday against the Marlins, allowing two hits over eight scoreless innings. He struck out six.

After both teams failed to plate a run through three innings the Yankees provided Cortes with a six spot in the fourth, which was more than enough run production for the 29-year-old lefty. Cortes allowed seven runs over 10 innings through his first two starts of the season but was at the top of his game in his first home start, tossing 70 of his 102 pitches for strikes while allowing only two Marlins to reach base through eight scoreless innings. Cortes will look to use this outing as a springboard into his next start for the 9-2 Yankees, currently slated to take place over the weekend in Cleveland against the equally hot Guardians.

Olson (0-1) took the loss Monday, allowing six runs on nine hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against Pittsburgh. He struck out three.

After opening the season with 5.2 shutout innings against the Mets, Olson looked significantly less sharp Monday against the Pirates, allowing a career-high nine hits. Most disappointingly, the 24-year-old tallied only three strikeouts for his second straight outing, well below his 8.9 K/9 in 103.2 innings last year. Olson is slated to make his next start at home against the Twins.

McKenzie (1-1) earned the victory against the White Sox on Monday, allowing no runs on three hits and four walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out two.

It was not the cleanest outing for McKenzie, who allowed seven baserunners, including four free passes, but he was able to keep the hapless White Sox lineup in check to earn his first win of the season. However, after making only four starts last season due to lingering shoulder and elbow issues, a scoreless, healthy outing can't be considered anything but a plus for the talented right-hander, who will be looking to top 120 innings for just the second time in his five-year career. He's tentatively slated to make his next start at home during next weekend's series against the Yankees.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Monday that Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday and will have another minor-league rehab start on the weekend, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear which affiliate Verlander will start for, but the veteran right-hander appears to be progressing through his rehab well. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk over three innings in Sunday's outing with Triple-A Sugar Land, but he also struck out six batters.

Valdez was scratched ahead of his scheduled start Monday against the Rangers after experiencing soreness in the top of his left elbow after playing catch, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Valdez has been sent back to Houston to be evaluated by team doctors. Both Astros manager Joe Espada and general manager Dana Brown have downplayed the level of concern, noting that the lefty hasn't yet been placed on the injured list. That said, more won't be known until the team gets results of the exam, which won't be until at least Tuesday. Blair Henley is drawing a spot start Monday in Valdez's place.