MLB Player News

Berrios (1-0) went six innings and allowed two runs on six hits and one walk to earn the win Thursday against the Rays. He struck out six.

After kicking off 2023 with two straight losses, Berrios wasted no time getting in the win column to start the 2024 campaign, going six strong against Tampa Bay. Berrios was tagged for a solo homer by Yandy Diaz on just his fifth pitch of the game. However, he limited the Rays' Nos. 2 through 5 hitters to a combined 0-for-11. Berrios' next start is tentatively scheduled to come against the Astros.

Eflin (0-1) went 5.2 innings and allowed six runs on six hits and one walk to take the loss Thursday versus Toronto. He struck out five.

Eflin was roughed up by the Blue Jays' potent offense, giving up solo home runs to George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero and Cavan Biggio after allowing just 19 homers in 31 starts last year. Most of the damage against Eflin came in the sixth, when he surrendered five of his six runs. Eflin is set for another test to begin 2024 with a matchup against the Rangers on tap for his next projected start.

Eovaldi didn't factor into the decision Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings versus the Cubs. He struck out three.

Eovaldi was efficient Thursday, needing just 88 pitches to get through six innings, recording a quality start in the season opener. The 34-year-old right-hander went 12-5 last season with a 3.63 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 132:47 K:BB across 25 starts. The Rangers will rely on Eovaldi to anchor their rotation with Max Scherzer (back) and Jacob deGrom (elbow) both out until at least midseason. Eovaldi's tentatively lined up for a road start next week in Tampa Bay.

Bieber (1-0) tossed six scoreless innings against Oakland on Thursday, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out 11 batters to earn the win.

He wasn't exactly facing the stiffest competition, but Bieber was absolutely dominant Thursday, recording 18 swinging strikes en route to 11 punchouts. Per Mandy Bell of MLB.com, the double-digit strikeout effort was Bieber's third such performance on Opening Day, tying him for second in major-league history with four other hurlers behind Randy Johnson. Bieber is off to an outstanding start as he looks to bounce back from last year's injury-plagued campaign during which he posted a 3.80 ERA, his worst mark since his rookie 2018 season.

Sandoval (0-1) allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two across 1.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Angels.

Sandoval was handed a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but he allowed multiple runs in each frame that he appeared to take the loss. There was some poor batted ball luck involved, as he allowed only one extra-base hit, though there was still nothing redeemable from his first start of the new campaign. Sandoval has also had a WHIP over 1.30 in all but one season in the majors, and his struggles in limiting baserunners have carried over into 2024.

Burnes (1-0) allowed one earned run on one hit and no walks while striking out 11 over six innings during Thursday's win over the Angels.

Burnes served up a home run to Mike Trout in the first inning, which accounted for the only baserunner he allowed. All told, he racked up 12 swinging strikes across his 82 total pitches to cruise to his first victory with Baltimore, and he should continue building up his pitch count in subsequent starts. Burnes tentatively lines up for another favorable matchup in his second outing of the season against the Royals.

Gray (neck) will start Sunday's game against the Cubs, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Gray failed to make his last start of the exhibition campaign due to a stiff neck, but the issue won't cost him any time to begin the regular season. He threw five innings March 14, so while his workload may be monitored, he shouldn't have significant limitations in his season debut Sunday.

The Rangers placed Lorenzen on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right neck strain.

General manager Chris Young noted Wednesday that Lorenzen was set to open the season on the IL, but it wasn't until the Rangers made the transaction official Thursday that the team shed light on his injury. The neck strain isn't considered a concern; instead, Lorenzen likely just needs additional time to build up to a starter's workload after he didn't sign a one-year deal with the Rangers until last week. He'll likely make one or two rehab starts at Triple-A Round Rock before he returns from the IL and enters Texas' rotation.

The Blue Jays placed Manoah (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Manoah is opening the season on the IL while he recovers from right shoulder inflammation, which kept him from pitching in the Grapefruit League after he made his spring debut Feb. 27. He was able to throw a two-inning, 34-pitch simulated game Wednesday, so his next step could be heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Manoah will likely require multiple starts in the minors to get fully stretched out before the Blue Jays consider activating him from the IL and including him in the rotation.

Skubal (1-0) tossed six scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday against the White Sox. He allowed three hits, struck out six and didn't walk a batter.

Skubal left after tossing 83 pitches, and if it wasn't his first start of the season, he may have been allowed to go longer as he was dominant while in the contest. The southpaw compiled a 2.80 ERA and 0.90 WHIP across 15 outings last year, which got off to a delayed start due to left flexor tendon surgery in August of 2022. If Skubal can stay healthy and log a full workload in 2024, he could be in line for a true breakout campaign as Detroit's ace.