MLB Player News

Bubic allowed five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three over 4.2 innings Thursday against the Tigers. He did not factor into the decision.

Bubic ran into trouble due to his own command issues, as he issued three walks and tossed two wild pitches that directly led to runs in the second and fourth innings. Aside from those mistakes, the left-hander showed effectiveness with his changeup, generating 10 swings and six whiffs, but he couldn't limit the damage in key moments and was forced out before completing five innings for the first time this season. Bubic now owns a 3.97 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 26:10 K:BB across 22.2 innings and will look to bounce back in his next start, slated to come against Baltimore on Tuesday

Fried (2-1) took the loss Thursday against the Angels, allowing five runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three over 5.1 innings.

Fried took a punch early when he surrendered his first long ball of the season, a two-run homer by Oswald Peraza in the opening frame, but the left-hander settled in quickly and kept Los Angeles hitless over the next four innings. Things unraveled in the sixth when the Fried allowed three consecutive baserunners, bringing home a run and forcing his exit with two runners on -- both of whom later scored. Thursday marked the first time this season Fried failed to complete six innings after opening the year with four straight quality starts. Due to that prior success, the 32-year-old still holds a 2.97 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB across 33.1 innings this season, and he is lined up to face Boston in his next start.

Baz (0-2) took the loss Thursday against the Guardians, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out six.

While Baz put together his longest outing of 2026 and fanned a season-high six, it was still a shaky performance overall. The right-hander has now walked multiple batters in three consecutive starts, and he's given up at least six hits three times through four appearances. Baz will be trying to steady the ship the next time he takes the hill in Kansas City, where he'll carry a lackluster 4.91 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 19:8 K:BB across his first 22 frames.

Matz took a no-decision Thursday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk in 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

Though Matz threw a season-low 74 pitches, he was still able to turn in a solid outing overall. The veteran southpaw is putting together an effective transition back to the rotation with the Rays in 2026 so far, having now tossed at least five frames in each of his first four starts. Matz has a quality 3.80 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB over his first 21.1 innings, and he should maintain streaming appeal in his next scheduled start at pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field versus the Reds.

Valera exited his start Thursday against High-A Bowling Green in the second inning with right elbow inflammation, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Valera walked and struck out a batter in a scoreless first inning before he was forced to exit the game. The 19-year-old, who is one of Boston's top prospects, is without an official timeline for his return, but it wouldn't be surprising if he misses some time given the nature of the injury.

Imai (arm) played catch at Daikin Park on Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Imai landed on the injured list Monday due to right arm fatigue, but imaging came back clean and he has begun a throwing progression. The right-hander is eligible to return later this month, but a timetable for Imai rejoining the Astros' rotation won't be available until he gets further into his throwing program.

Chourio has a 1.42 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB in 12.2 innings through three starts for Single-A Columbia.

Despite the fact Chourio won't turn 19 until October, his assignment to Single-A was hardly surprising, as he had a 20.8 K-BB% and 1.06 WHIP in six starts for the Fireflies to close 2025. Chourio has an enviable combination of easy mid-90s fastball velocity, plus command and several high-quality secondary pitches. He, along with Seth Hernandez of the Pirates, leads an enticing group of lower-level arms that will vie for the title of No. 1 pitching prospect in baseball in 2027.

Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Rodon (elbow/hamstring) will likely begin a rehab assignment following Saturday's live batting practice session, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rodon is joining Double-A Somerset to face hitters Saturday. He could stay there and begin his rehab assignment afterward as long as everything goes well with Rodon's BP this weekend. Boone added that Rodon will likely need at least three rehab starts before returning to the majors for his 2026 season debut. An early- to mid-May return could be in the works for the left-hander. With both Rodon and Gerrit Cole (elbow) nearing returns, the Yankees could soon be getting a massive boost to their rotation.

Falter (elbow) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk over one inning with Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday. He struck out one.

Falter made his first rehab appearance as he works his way back from left elbow inflammation. It wasn't a strong outing for the southpaw, as after opening the frame with a strikeout, he allowed loud contact and traffic on the basepaths that resulted in two runs. Prior to landing on the injured list, Falter made two relief appearances for the Royals, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks across 3.1 innings with four strikeouts. His next rehab outing is scheduled for Saturday, barring any setbacks.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday that Verlander's recovery from hip inflammation is "going a little slower than I think he anticipated or we anticipated," Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

"I think he's doing OK," Hinch continued. "I don't think he's necessarily taking a step forward, and he hasn't taken a step back. He had a bullpen yesterday that went OK. ... We're going to take it day by day." It sounds like Verlander is still dealing with discomfort in the left hip. He's made one start this season, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks with just one strikeout across 3.2 innings against the Diamondbacks on March 30. Keider Montero will continue to remain in the rotation for the time being.