MLB Player News

McCullers' start Friday began to unravel in the fifth inning when he was facing San Diego hitters for a third time through the lineup, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Not all of McCullers' problems occurred the third time through the order -- runners reached base in each of the first four innings -- but it only cost him when batters got a third look at the curveball master, as he gave up four hits and only retired one hitter who saw him for a third time. That comes on the heels of his previous start against the Rangers, when two of the three batters seeing him a third time reached base safely via a hit. Going back to 2017, 118 opponents seeing McCullers a third time slugged .567 with a 1.000 OPS. The takeaway is that McCullers will be susceptible in games where Houston's offense doesn't give him a lead. That could mean a higher ERA, a higher WHIP and lost opportunities to win.

Bridwell allowed six runs on seven hits -- including three home runs -- through just 1.2 innings during Friday's 13-9 win over Oakland. He didn't factor into the decision.

This was a disappointing season debut for Bridwell, and lasting just 1.2 innings caused manager Mike Scioscia to use six different relievers out of the bullpen. The 26-year-old righty posted a 3.64 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 121 innings last season, but his 5.4 K/9, 1.4 HR/9 and 4.88 FIP shouldn't be overlooked. His upside is limited, and it's likely best to be selective with his matchups in most settings, especially since his struggles with the long ball continued Friday.

McCullers (1-1) took the loss against San Diego on Friday, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits with seven strikeouts and three walks in Houston's 4-1 defeat.

McCullers didn't miss a start after he was hit in the ankle by a comebacker in his last outing, and although he wasn't at his absolute sharpest, he still managed a decent stat line and was unlucky to get outdueled by Luis Perdomo. McCullers now has a 3.48 ERA along with 17 strikeouts against just four walks to start off his 2018 campaign.

Gausman came away with a no-decision in Friday's extra-inning win over the Yankees, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over five innings while striking out three.

The right-hander threw 61 of 96 pitches for strikes while generating 11 swinging strikes, and Gausman left the game in line for the win before Didi Gregorius launched a game-tying homer off Miguel Castro in the eighth inning. Gausman's 8.00 ERA in two starts isn't pretty, but he'll take a respectable 8:3 K:BB through nine innings into his next start Wednesday at home against the Blue Jays.

Carrasco (2-0) picked up the win over the Royals on Friday, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over six innings while striking out four.

Both runs scored on Carrasco -- in fact, all the offense in the game -- came in the first inning, but he settled into a groove after that with an assist from the chilly conditions at Progressive Field. The right-hander threw 64 of 92 pitches for strikes while generating 14 swinging strikes, and his one free pass was of the intentional variety. Carrasco now has an 8:1 K:BB through his first 11.2 innings, and he gets a plus matchup in his next start Wednesday at home against the Tigers.

Cobb will pitch six innings against the Twins in an extended spring training game Monday, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

This obviously rules Cobb out for making his Oriole debut against the Blue Jays on Monday, though it's expected that he will take the mound in the majors next weekend in Boston. The 30-year-old recently tossed a five-inning simulated game Wednesday and should be close to being fully stretched out following Monday's outing.

Canning tossed four scoreless innings in his California League debut, allowing three baserunners while striking out six San Jose Giants.

The 21-year-old righty has a chance to really shoot up prospect lists this year. His stuff was better than advertised in this one, and he already had the potential to get to the majors with four average or better pitches. If he continues to miss bats like this, he will need to be added in most serious dynasty leagues.

McCullers (leg) will make his second start of the season against the Padres on Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

McCullers was drilled on the ankle by a comebacker during his outing Saturday against Texas, but he was able to stay in the game and won't miss any time due to the scare. In that start, the right-hander earned the win, striking out 10 while allowing two runs over 5.1 innings. McCullers shouldn't be restricted heading into Friday's game.

Chirinos struck out four and did not walk a batter while holding the Red Sox to three hits over five scoreless innings Thursday.

Chirinos was impressive in the latest of the Rays' "bullpen days," as he got the start and needed only 54 pitches to complete five innings. This was his second extended outing of the season, and he has now pitched a total of nine innings without allowing an earned run. If Chirinos continues to work efficiently and for several innings per outing, he can be a useful staff filler even with limitations in the win column created by the Rays' usage of him.

Gibson allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out three across 4.1 innings Thursday against the Mariners.

Gibson wasn't able to follow up his impressive season debut with an equal performance, but this was far from a disaster outing. He induced only four swinging strikes -- down from 17 in his first start -- but kept the Mariners without any extra-base hits and surrendered only one walk. If he can continue to limit home runs and walks -- both of which have held him back in past seasons -- he could take the step forward that many have expected of him.