MLB Player News

Kluber (0-1) took the loss on Opening Day, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight over eight innings against the Mariners.

He allowed a two-run homer to Nelson Cruz in the first inning, but after that, Kluber was Kluber. The right-hander got 14 swinging strikes on 91 pitches and induced 11 groundball outs. A road matchup against the Angels is next for Kluber, who is unanimously considered a top-four pitching option in fantasy.

Rodon (shoulder) threw 30-to-35 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

While his teammates were enjoying an Opening Day win in Kansas City, Rodon was on the fields in Arizona working his way back from injury. It was the third time Rodon had tossed a bullpen, and he incorporated his slider into a mix that had been primarily fastball/changeup. His June timetable could be moved up, but the White Sox aren't rushing the left-hander.

Sale pitched six innings and allowed no earned runs on one hit and three walks while striking out nine Thursday against the Rays.

Sale looked to be in midseason form in his first start of the season, requiring only 92 pitches to complete six innings. He also had his usual ability to miss bats working as well, generating 13 swinging strikes. The only flaws in his performance were that he couldn't collect a win and that he walked three batters. It's likely that Sale will see more difficult matchups in the future, last season the Rays ranked 26th in OPS as a team against left-handed pitching, but regardless of the strength of the opposing lineup, his season is off to a strong start.

Odorizzi allowed two hits and two walks across six scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Orioles on Thursday. He struck out seven batters.

It was an impressive debut for Odorizzi, though he was ultimately stuck with a no-decision as Dylan Bundy dealt seven scoreless for the Orioles. The 28-year-old was able to keep the contact light, allowing just two singles, which is encouraging given his home run issues from 2017 (he conceded at least one home run in 17 of his first 18 starts). Odorizzi's tenure with the Twins is off to a solid start, and he'll look to keep things up when he toes the rubber in his next start, which is scheduled for Wednesday against the Pirates.

Severino (1-0) pitched 5.2 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts to record the win against Toronto on Thursday. He allowed just a single hit and three walks.

It was a smooth season debut for the righty, as he threw 60 of 91 pitches for strikes and faced the minimum in three of his five full innings. Severino was a coveted asset in drafts this spring after recording a 2.98 ERA, 3.12 FIP, 1.04 WHIP and 10.7 K/9 last season, and fantasy owners should be thrilled with his Opening Day showing. He lines up to face the Rays at Yankee Stadium next time out.

Bundy allowed five hits and one walk across seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Twins on Thursday. He struck out seven batters.

It was an unfortunate outcome for Bundy, as the young righty certainly pitched well enough to earn the win. He was sharp all day, throwing just 88 pitches, 64 of which were strikes. Bundy racked up all seven of his strikeouts with his slider, which is noteworthy when considering his second half success in 2017 (3.58 ERA and 10.7 K/9 over his last eight starts) has been linked to his increased usage of that pitch. He'll look to keep things rolling in what will be a two-start week, both of which are difficult matchups (@HOU 4/3 and @NYY 4/8).

Hamels (0-1) surrendered three runs on five hits and four walks while striking out seven batters through 5.2 innings during Thursday's loss to Houston.

Drawing the defending champions in the season opener was a bit unlucky, and the Texas offense failed to provide any run support for the veteran lefty. Still, it was encouraging to see him fan seven hitters after posting a career-low 6.4 K/9 last year. Hamels projects to make his next start on the road against Oakland, which should prove to be a more favorable matchup.

Verlander (1-0) pitched six scoreless innings with five strikeouts to earn the win over the Rangers on Thursday. He allowed just four hits and two walks.

It took the veteran 90 pitches to breeze through six frames against an admirable Texas lineup, and including the postseason, he's now 10-1 in a Houston uniform. Verlander is positioned to rack up a huge win total with an excellent offense supplying run support, a solid defense behind him and a pitcher-friendly home park. Additionally, after posting a 1.95 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 10.7 K/9 in the second half last season, there's a lot to like about Verlander's fantasy upside moving forward.

The Angels placed Heaney (elbow) on the 10-day disabled list Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Heaney seems to be progressing well in his recovery from the left elbow inflammation that kept him out for the latter stages of camp, as Angels manager Mike Scioscia said earlier in the week that the southpaw completed a bullpen session Tuesday without incident. It's expected that Heaney will soon advance to facing hitters and then pitch in a simulated or rehab game, potentially putting him in line to be available when the Angels first need a sixth starter in the rotation April 11 against the Rangers.

Asher was designated for assignment by Baltimore on Thursday.

The Orioles made a slew of Opening Day roster moves, including casting Asher off the 40-man roster. He will remain at Triple-A Norfolk unless claimed by another team off waivers.