MLB Player News

Verlander gave up four runs (three earned) on six hits over 5.2 innings, striking out nine and walking one in Houston's 10-6 victory over Baltimore on Tuesday. He did not factor into the decision.

Verlander wasn't at his absolute sharpest on Tuesday, giving up home runs to Jonathan Schoop and Adam Jones, but he still managed to post a solid stat line in limiting to the damage to three earned runs and logging nine strikeouts. He's looked every bit like his old dominant self for the Astros since his arrival to the club last year and he's got a 2.31 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP through his first two starts of 2018.

Gonzales allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two batters through 6.1 innings to earn his first win of the season against San Francisco on Tuesday.

The lefty posted a 2.08 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 7.3 K/9 over 26 innings through seven starts during spring training, and he continued pitching well Tuesday. The final two runs he allowed were on an Evan Longoria home run in the seventh inning, and there's a strong case to be made that he shouldn't have taken the hill against the heart of the lineup after going six strong. Gonzales missed all of the 2016 season following Tommy John surgery, so his 2017 results should probably be taken with a grain of salt. Considering he was a highly-regarded prospect with first-round pedigree, there's upside here, and especially with Safeco Field projecting to remain a pitcher-friendly venue.

Montgomery allowed a single run on two hits and four walks while striking out four batters through five innings during Tuesday's 11-4 win over Tampa Bay. He didn't factor into the decision.

After an admirable rookie season, Montgomery was solid in his 2018 debut. In fact, considering the final score, he was a little unlucky to settle for a no-decision. The 24-year-old lefty has the potential to pitch his way into being a reliable option against most opponents, and fantasy owners shouldn't fret Tuesday's four walks. He posted a 3.0 BB/9 last year, so it probably won't be an ongoing concern. Montgomery lines up to face the Orioles on Sunday in his second start of the week.

Groome will begin the 2018 season on the minor-league disabled list with a left arm strain, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Groome finished the 2017 season with a similar flexor strain, but he has apparently avoided a serious injury. The 19-year-old is expected to return to Low-A Greenville in a few weeks after starting the season with an injury for the second consecutive year.

Bridwell will start Friday when the Angels face the A's, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

As expected, Bridwell will fill in for Matt Shoemaker (forearm) and start Friday's series opener against Oakland. Bridwell pitched 21 games (121 innings) for the big club last season. While he posted a sound 3.64 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, his 5.4 K/9 left much to be desired.

Bridwell is expected to start Friday's game against Oakland, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Although the Angels have yet to announce Bridwell as Friday's starter, the expectation is that he'll head to the hill when Los Angeles hosts the A's. This move makes sense, as Bridwell was recalled to replace Matt Shoemaker, who was scheduled to start Friday before landing on the DL with a strained forearm.

Blackburn is still dealing with forearm soreness and will remain shut down, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

There had been hope that Blackburn would be able to resume throwing in the coming days. However, an MRI revealed that his injury was still lingering, so Blackburn will stay on the shelf. Until Blackburn is ready to come off the DL, Daniel Gossett will remain in Oakland's rotation.

Bridwell was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.

With Matt Shoemaker (forearm) landing on the disabled list, the Angels opted to bring Bridwell up to the big club. Shoemaker was expected to start Friday's game against Oakland, so Bridwell will likely be the leading candidate to start in his place. Bridwell pitched in 21 games for the Angels last season, with 20 of said games being starts. In that time he threw to the tune of a 3.64 ERA and 1.20 WHIP.

Boyd (0-1) was saddled with the loss Tuesday despite giving up just one run on four hits over six innings against the Royals. He struck out one batter and did not issue a walk.

It was far from a dominant showing, and Boyd will face much tougher opponents next week in the Indians and Yankees. That being said, for a player who had a 5.27 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 135 innings last year, this was a step forward and provided some hope that Boyd could stick in the Tigers' rotation all year. That kind of projected volume gives him some appeal in deeper leagues, but even AL-only owners will want to pick their spots carefully. Boyd is not yet a recommended option for standard mixed formats.

Rodriguez (knee) could start Sunday's game against the Rays, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Previous reports suggested that Rodriguez might need a pair of minor-league starts before returning to the big-league rotation, but this makes it seem as if one may be enough (Rodriguez was slated to make a minor-league start at extended spring training Tuesday). The Red Sox haven't officially named a starter, though Chris Sale is another option as he would be on normal rest.