MLB Player News

Lauer (flu) was far from full strength Sunday and gave up two runs on three hits and three walks in two innings against the White Sox, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. Lauer took the loss.

Lauer's start was pushed back one day due to the illness, but it sounds like it still negatively affected his performance. Miguel Vargas plated two runs with a triple in the first inning, and Lauer was fortunate to strand two-thirds of his baserunners in this one. He will presumably be back to full strength for next weekend's matchup at home against the Twins.

Bassitt (0-2) took the loss Sunday against the Pirates, allowing six runs on six hits and two walks in two innings. He failed to record a strikeout.

Following a disappointing Orioles debut that saw him give up four runs to the Rangers, Bassitt was unable to get back on track. The veteran right-hander exhibited a significant lack of control, launching just 32 of his 62 pitches for strikes while laboring his way through only two frames before Baltimore pulled the plug. It's worth mentioning he did sign with the O's fairly late in the offseason, so Bassitt could still be shaking off some rust. He was also hit by a line drive from Oneil Cruz in the second inning Sunday but was able to stay in the game, and his next outing tentatively lines up to take place against the Giants next weekend.

Cecconi took a no-decision Sunday against the Cubs, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk in six innings. He struck out six.

The right-hander bounced back in a big way following his season debut, when he surrendered six runs in 4.1 innings against the Mariners. Cecconi yielded a lone hit and fired 55 of his 85 pitches for strikes Sunday, and he perhaps benefitted from the elements of a chilly afternoon at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Cecconi has a difficult assignment in Atlanta slated for his next start, which might limit his streaming appeal.

The Angels designated Lucchesi for assignment Sunday.

The left-hander signed with the Angels in late March after being let go by the Giants, but he surrendered two runs across 2.1 frames in his first three appearances of the season. Lucchesi was cut loose to free up a roster spot for George Klassen, who was promoted to start Sunday against Seattle.

The Astros recalled Roa from Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.

The right-hander was optioned to Sugar Land last Monday after making two relief appearances during the first weekend of the regular season, and he'll rejoin the big club with Hunter Brown (shoulder) landing on the injured list. Roa should fill a low-leverage role while up with the big club.

The Angels selected Klassen's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake to start Sunday's game against the Mariners, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

The 24-year-old missed out on the Halos' Opening Day rotation despite a strong showing during spring training, but he'll now make his MLB debut Sunday after Ryan Johnson (illness) was a late scratch. Klassen gave up one run with five strikeouts over 4.2 frames during his lone start for Salt Lake this year and struggled at the Double-A level in 2025 with a 5.35 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 126:46 K:BB across 102.2 innings.

Johnson won't start as scheduled Sunday against the Mariners due to an illness, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Johnson's second start of the season will be pushed back since he's feeling under the weather. George Klassen will instead take the mound for the Angels in the series finale.

The Astros placed Brown on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a right shoulder strain.

The right-hander presumably sustained the injury during his previous start versus Boston on Tuesday, when he picked up his first win of the season after striking out eight and giving up one run on a hit and two walks over six innings. Brown will be eligible to be reinstated in mid-April, but it wouldn't be surprising if a shoulder issue necessitates a longer absence. The loss of Brown is a huge loss to the Astros and fantasy managers after the right-hander opened the campaign in dominant form, allowing just one run with a 17:6 K:BB in his first two starts.

Rodon (elbow/hamstring) experienced "some soreness" following his workout Saturday, but manager Aaron Boone said that the soreness is "to be expected," Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rodon is continuing to work his way back from both offseason elbow surgery and a recent battle with right hamstring tightness. The veteran pitcher's workout Saturday consisted of a bullpen and agility work, and though he felt some soreness, it doesn't appear the issue will set him back. Rodon is next expected to throw another side session before potentially beginning a minor-league rehab stint.

Wacha (illness) is slated to start against Cleveland on Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Wacha came down with an illness in the middle of this week and couldn't make his scheduled start Friday versus Milwaukee. However, the right-hander appears to have turned a corner in his recovery over the weekend and will now slot back into the rotation Monday. Noah Cameron is slated to start Tuesday, while Cole Ragans is scheduled to start the series finale Wednesday.