MLB Player News

Strider (1-0) picked up the win in Saturday's 7-1 victory over the Nationals, allowing three hits and three walks over six scoreless innings while striking out nine.

The 24-year-old right-hander picked up right where he left off in 2022, generating 16 swinging strikes among his 96 pitches (68 strikes) as he sliced through an overmatched Washington lineup. Strider racked up 202 strikeouts in only 131.2 innings last year, and a full season in the rotation could allow him to post some unthinkable strikeout numbers in 2023. His next start will likely come at home against the Padres next week.

Flaherty (1-0) picked up the win Saturday, throwing five no-hit, scoreless innings and striking out four but walking a career-high seven batters in a 4-1 victory over the Blue Jays.

The right-hander also hit a batter with a pitch and ultimately threw only 49 of 95 pitches for strikes, but Flaherty was able to wriggle out of every jam he created. Making the win even more remarkable, the Cards' go-ahead runs in the third inning were all unearned as Kevin Gausman was posting excellent numbers for the Jays. Flaherty hasn't worked more than 78.1 innings in a season since 2019 due to various injuries, so his inability to find the plate consistently in his 2023 debut is at least a little concerning. The 27-year-old's next turn lines up for a series next weekend in Milwaukee.

Cabrera did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on two hits and six walks over four innings in a 6-2 loss to the Mets. He struck out two.

Only 40 of Cabrera's 85 pitches went for strikes. He fell behind in the count initially to 10 of the 20 batters he faced. It was an afternoon to forget for Cabrera after he generated additional buzz in the Grapefruit League (1.80, 0.93 WHIP, 14:6 K:BB in 15 innings). He showed real potential across 14 starts last season, but until he reins in his control, Cabrera has to be considered a volatile fantasy option. The 24-year-old lines up for a road start against these same Mets next week.

Megill (1-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over five innings against Miami. He struck out seven.

Filling in for Justin Verlander (teres major strain), Megill walked two of the first seven batters he faced Saturday, showing some of the same control issues that plagued him in spring training. He buckled down from there, however, and would go on to complete five innings on 93 pitches. Megill and David Peterson will essentially continue their spring training competition into the regular season, though it's entirely possible both pitchers stick around long term if there are additional injuries to the starting rotation.

Steele struck out eight batters in six scoreless innings Saturday against the Brewers, walking one and allowing three hits. He did not factor in to the decision.

Steele impressed last season to the tune of a 3.18 ERA in 24 starts, and his first outing of 2023 indicates there's more where that came from. Saturday's outing stands as one of the best of his young career, as only once last season did he throw six shutout innings (incidentally also against the Brewers). It wasn't enough to secure the victory, however, as the Brewers would go on to take a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning. Steele will look to have another strong start next week against the Rangers.

Woodruff took a no-decision versus the Cubs on Saturday despite allowing just one run on three hits and a walk in six innings while striking out eight.

Woodruff left the game with his team trailing, but it's hard to blame him for that fact. He didn't allow more than one baserunner in any inning, with the Cubs' lone run coming on a sixth-inning solo shot by Ian Happ. It was an excellent start to the year for Woodruff, who cruised to a 3.05 ERA last season even while missing time due to Raynaud's syndrome. He's lined up to return to the mound at home next week against the Cardinals.

Wright (shoulder) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Wright missed the Opening Day roster with a sore shoulder, but he's been on track for a brief absence. If all goes well with his rehab start, he could be activated when first eligible.

Sanchez (triceps) threw a pair of simulated innings Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Sanchez was shut down in mid-March with left triceps soreness. Injuries to Ranger Suarez (forearm) and Andrew Painter (elbow) as well as Sanchez have allowed Matt Strahm to open the season in the rotation. Sanchez could take that spot if he's the first injured pitcher to return but is unlikely to be anything more than the seventh starter when everyone is healthy.

Suarez (forearm) threw a bullpen session Friday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Suarez missed the Opening Day roster due to forearm inflammation, but he's trending in the right direction. He's thrown a pair of bullpen sessions and is scheduled for another one Monday.

Fried (hamstring) will be placed on the injured list, though Atlanta doesn't need to make the move just yet with the bullpen still fresh, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Fried left his Opening Day start with a strained hamstring. It was clear after the game that he'd miss at least one start, and he'll now be forced to miss at least two. Whether or not a longer absence is required is not yet clear. One of Ian Anderson or Bryce Elder will likely step into the rotation in his absence.