MLB Player News

Cease (2-1) allowed four earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three across 5.1 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Guardians.

Cease surrendered his first home run of the season in the third inning to Franmil Reyes, which accounted for two of his earned runs. The trouble continued when he allowed six runners to reach base across his final 1.1 frames, resulting in two additional runs being scored. While Cease has largely been strong to begin the season, he has issued multiple free passes in all three of his starts so far. Even so, he has a strong 3.38 ERA with a 19:7 K:BB across 16 innings early on in the campaign.

Montgomery (0-1) allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out five across six innings to take the loss Thursday against the Tigers.

Montgomery was excellent in the start, with the only earned run he allowed coming in the fourth frame stemming from a leadoff walk. He otherwise stayed out of trouble, limiting the Tigers to only one extra-base hit while also racking up 14 swinging strikes on 86 pitches. Montgomery has turned in consecutive outings of at least five innings, during which he's allowed just one run. He's still looking for his first win of the year and is currently projected to take his next turn through the rotation Wednesday against Baltimore.

Wells (0-2) took the loss after allowing two runs on five hits over 2.1 innings in Thursday's 6-4 loss to the A's.

Wells appeared to right the ship after a dreadful beginning of the season, but he was pulled early Thursday for the second time in 11 days. He's also suffering from control issues with six walks across eight innings this season. Wells figures to remain in the rotation for now with Dean Kremer (oblique) and John Means (elbow) not expected back anytime soon.

Blackburn (2-0) earned the win over Baltimore on Thursday, allowing one run and three hits while striking out four.

Blackburn lowered his ERA to 1.80 thanks to the solid outing, although his second win was in jeopardy after an offensive surge from the Orioles in the seventh and eighth innings. It wouldn't be the first time his bullpen betrayed him, as they cost him a win after five solid innings in his last appearance on the mound against the Rays. After looking like more of a desperation option in Oakland's rotation, Blackburn has pitched well early in 2022 with a 14:1 K:BB and 1.39 FIP.

Gray is dealing with a low-grade MCL sprain in his left knee and will require a trip to the injured list, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Gray returned from the injured list for Tuesday's start against the Mariners after missing time with a finger issue. Although Gray will require an IL stint due to his knee injury, general manager Chris Young said that the injury isn't expected to force the right-hander to miss much time. Glenn Otto will now start Friday's series opener against Oakland, while Spencer Howard (finger) will be pushed back to Sunday. However, the Rangers are optimistic that Gray will be able to return after missing just one turn through the rotation.

Houck (1-1) took the loss after giving up two runs on three hits across five innings during Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out four and walked one.

Houck tossed another solid game, but he took his first loss of the season after allowing two runs to the middle of Toronto's order in the top of the third inning. Over his last two appearances, the 25-year-old has allowed just two runs across 10.2 innings, but his 8:7 K:BB isn't nearly as appealing. He also is unavailable to pitch in Toronto, which means his next start isn't scheduled until Saturday, April 30 in Baltimore. Alex Speier of The Boston Globe speculates that Garrett Whitlock, who tossed 2.1 scoreless innings behind Houck in the latter's most recent start Saturday against the Twins, could be stretched out enough to fill the temporary opening in the rotation while Boston is in Toronto next week.

Gausman (1-1) earned the win after allowing one run on seven hits across eight innings during Thursday's 3-2 win over the Red Sox. He struck out eight and didn't record a walk.

Gausman scattered six hits through eight scoreless innings, but Trevor Story smacked the first pitch of the ninth inning into right field for a single, which ended Gausman's afternoon. Story came around to score on a Xander Bogaerts double off Jordan Romano, but the Blue Jays closer was able to thwart the comeback and earned the save. Through three appearances with his new squad, Gausman sports a 2.89 ERA across 18.2 innings with a ridiculous 22:0 K:BB. His next start is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday in a rematch against the Red Sox in Toronto.

Greinke (0-1) took the loss after allowing one run on six hits across five innings during Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Twins. He struck one and walked one.

Greinke scattered six hits and one walk thanks to three double-play groundballs. The veteran continues to pitch well, but he's registered just two strikeouts across 16 innings, which hinders his overall fantasy potential. The 38-year-old's next start is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 27.

Ryan (2-1) earned the win Thursday against the Royals, allowing zero runs on two hits and one walk across six innings while striking out five.

Ryan submitted his best outing of the season and earned a win in consecutive appearances after taking the loss in his first start. The 25-year-old is off to a hot start in his first full MLB campaign and currently sports a 1.69 ERA across 16.0 innings with a 16:5 K:BB. His next start is tentatively schedule for Thursday, April 28 against the Tigers.

Raya is having his wisdom teeth removed, which is why he is on the 7-day injured list at Low-A Fort Myers, Seth Stohs of Twins Daily reports.

Raya is coming off a dominant start Tuesday, when he struck out 10 and allowed one baserunner in six scoreless innings. According to Geoff Pontes of Baseball America, he was sitting 94-95 mph with his fastball into the sixth inning while commanding an 83-85 mph sweeping slider and also mixing in a 79-81 mph curveball.