MLB Player News

Flexen (0-1) was tagged with the loss against the Angels on Wednesday, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four batters over five innings.

Flexen entered the rotation as a result of Robbie Ray (elbow) hitting the injured list. Flexen put up a decent showing, but a Logan O'Hoppe two-run homer off him in the second inning was enough to pin him with a loss. Ray is expected to be out until at least May, so Flexen should get multiple turns in the rotation. Wednesday's outing was evidence that he's capable of keeping the Mariners competitive in his starts, but the right-hander's paltry strikeout numbers over the past two campaigns make him an unexciting fantasy option.

Muller completed 5.2 innings against Cleveland on Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five batters. He did not factor in the decision.

Muller breezed through five scoreless frames, but he departed after allowing back-to-back baserunners with two outs in the sixth. Domingo Acevedo came on in relief, and he gave up a two-run double, with both tallies being charged to Muller. Despite the disappointing ending, this was nonetheless another positive step for the southpaw, as it built upon his one-run, five-inning outing Opening Day. Muller is by no means a must-roster player in fantasy, but he's become a more intriguing pickup with his pair of solid outings to start the campaign.

Gaddis was tagged with a no-decision against Oakland on Wednesday despite pitching six scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and two walks while striking out four batters.

Gaddis gave up four runs over 3.2 innings against Seattle in his season debut, but he was much improved against the A's. The right-hander gave up only one hit -- a Jesus Aguilar double -- and breezed through six innings on 77 pitches. He departed in line for the win, but Cleveland's bullpen couldn't hold the lead as the game eventually went into extra innings. Gaddis is in the rotation due to Triston McKenzie's arm injury, and his performance Wednesday will almost certainly earn him at least another start. His next outing may be more challenging, however, as it's tentatively lined up to come against the Yankees.

Cole (2-0) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks in a 4-2 victory over the Phillies. He struck out eight.

The Yankees ace dazzled in his second start, providing six scoreless innings against a potent Phillies offense. Cole fought through multiple tough at-bats but attacked the corners efficiently, keeping the Philadelphia batters from making decent contact. The right-hander was relieved after a pitch clock violation resulted in his third walk of the game -- a baserunner that would later score following his departure from the game. The 32-year-old threw 103 pitches (68 for strikes) and sports a 0.73 ERA and 19:5 K:BB through 12.1 innings.

Kluber (0-2) took the loss Wednesday as the Red Sox were downed 4-1 by the Pirates, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over five innings while striking out two.

The veteran right-hander didn't pitch poorly, tossing 44 of 67 pitches for strikes before exiting, but Kluber left the game with the Red Sox down 1-0 and they never found a tying run. While his Cy Young days are behind him, Kluber could still be able to provide the Red Sox with solid outings. He'll take a 6.48 ERA and 6:5 K:BB through 8.1 innings into his next start, and while he potentially lines up for a two-step next week, the return of Garrett Whitlock (hip) could shuffle the team's rotation and provide Kluber with an extra day of rest instead.

Cease said he was under the weather during his start Wednesday against the Giants, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Cease told reporters that he didn't sleep well Tuesday night because of a mild illness and overcompensated with caffeine in the lead up to his afternoon outing on the South Side of Chicago. He issued five walks but tallied eight strikeouts and gave up only one hit -- a solo homer -- en route to a gutty victory versus San Francisco. The 27-year-old should be fully rested by his next scheduled turn in the rotation which lines up for Monday against the Twins.

Cease (1-0) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on one hit and five walks over five innings against the Giants. He struck out eight.

The only hit Cease allowed Wednesday was a solo blast from J.D. Davis in the top of the second inning. After not walking a batter Opening Day, the right-hander struggled with his command, but he was able to work around five walks thanks to eight strikeouts. Cease now has 18 strikeouts through his first 11.1 innings of work this season while allowing only three hits and two earned runs. His next start tentatively lines up for Monday in a road matchup against the Twins.

Lopez didn't factor in the decision in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Marlins, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out eight.

A solo shot by Jorge Soler accounted for the only run off Lopez on the afternoon, but Jesus Luzardo was also dealing for Miami and neither pitcher came away with a decision. Lopez produced 15 swinging strikes among his 88 pitches, and he's delivered a 0.73 ERA and 16:4 K:BB through his first 12.1 innings as a Twin. The 27-year-old righty could get two starts next week as he tentatively lines up to face the White Sox at home before a weekend road series against the Yankees.

Rodriguez (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings against the Astros. He struck out one.

Rodriguez allowed six hits but two of those were homers, including a two-run shot by Chas McCormick in the second inning. Given the opponent, it wasn't a horrible performance from Rodriguez, but he lacked strikeout stuff Wednesday and has received only one run from his offense over his first two starts, making him an unattractive fantasy option to start the campaign. Rodriguez is scheduled to pitch again next week in Toronto, which is another difficult matchup for the left-hander.

Javier (1-0) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on five hits and zero walks over six innings in a 8-2 victory over the Tigers. He struck out five.

Javier's lone run was surrendered on a two-out, infield single by Nick Maton in the third inning. Other than that, he kept the bases relatively clear and cruised to his first win of the season. Through his first two starts, Javier has 11 strikeouts across 11 innings and has walked only one batter. His next start lines up as a road matchup in Pittsburgh.