MLB Player News

Valdez (0-1) allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out three in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Rangers.

Valdez, a minor-league starter being used as a reliever in the majors, made his season debut Tuesday when the Astros needed length after starter Justin Verlander was chased in the fifth inning. The left-hander worked a scoreless sixth inning but ran into trouble in the seventh. With the pull-happy Joey Gallo at the plate and baserunners on second and third in a tie game, the Astros could not deploy their usual shift against the slugging left-handed batter, who pulled a groundball against a traditional look into right field to plate the go-ahead runs. Valdez will continue to work in a similar role and could be deployed as a spot starter if needed.

Gonzales (3-0) picked up the win Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over 8.1 innings while striking out three in a 2-1 victory over the Angels.

The southpaw threw 100 pitches (70 strikes) in the outing, but after giving up a one-out walk and single in the ninth inning, Gonzales gave way to Anthony Swarzak and was denied a shot at his second career complete game. Gonzales will look to keep his win streak going Tuesday in Kansas City.

Sale (0-2) took the loss Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over six innings while striking out one in a 1-0 loss to the A's.

The southpaw settled in nicely after giving up a first-inning homer to Matt Chapman, but unfortunately for Sale, Boston's bats never did. Of more concern was his velocity -- he had trouble breaking 90 mph with his fastball, and Sale managed only six swinging strikes on 87 pitches.

Keller didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Twins, giving up five runs on three hits and four walks over six innings while striking out five.

The 23-year-old does get credit for his second quality start, but this outing was a far cry from his showing against the White Sox five days ago. Keller threw only 52 of 101 pitches for strikes and also plunked Byron Buxton as he struggled to find the strike zone all night. Assuming he stays on schedule, Keller would next take the mound Sunday in Detroit.

Berrios didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Royals, allowing three runs on seven hits over seven innings while striking out four.

The right-hander is now 2-for-2 in quality starts to begin the season, although Berrios wasn't as dominant in this one as he was in the Twins' opener. He threw 59 of 86 pitches for strikes but also gave up some hard contact, including a monster home run to right-center field by Ryan O'Hearn. Berrios will face a tougher test in his next start, on the road Sunday against Bryce Harper and the Phillies.

Verlander allowed four earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four across four innings Tuesday against the Rangers. He did not factor into the decision.

Verlander had surprisingly spotty command, with his four walks representing his highest total in a regular-season game since July 8, 2017. Things unraveled for him in the fifth inning when he allowed the first four batters to reach base, resulting in two earned runs. It could have been even worse, as he left the game with runners on first and third but Will Harris worked out of the jam without allowing further damage. Verlander will look to bounce back in his next start, likely to come Monday against the Yankees.

Stroman (0-1) was handed the loss Tuesday against the Orioles as he allowed two runs on nine hits across 5.2 innings. He struck out five and walked one.

Stroman started off with five scoreless frames but ran into trouble during the sixth inning as he gave up two singles, a triple and a walk. Toronto's offense didn't manage to score until the ninth inning, saddling the 27-year-old with the loss. Stroman next lines up to start Sunday against the Indians.

Snell (1-1) allowed two hits and walked one while striking out 13 across seven shutout innings to earn the win Tuesday against the Rockies.

Snell dominated from start to finish, not allowing a hit until the fifth inning. He generated 25 swinging strikes and didn't allow a runner past first base. This was a big bounce-back performance from Snell after he was roughed up by the Astros in his season debut.

McCullers (elbow) was cleared to throw and did so Tuesday, Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports.

McCullers, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October, threw off flat ground in the first step toward what's expected to be a return in 2020. He's currently on the 10-day injured list but is a prime candidate to be moved to the 60-day IL to create room on the 40-man roster.

Winn will begin the year in extended spring training before being sent to an affiliate, Sam Dykstra of MiLB.com reports.

The 15th overall pick in last year's draft, Winn did not debut after signing, as the Rangers wanted to manage his innings. It will be more of the same to start 2019, but the 19-year-old right-hander should make his pro debut in May or June.