MLB Player News

Woodruff (0-1) gave up six runs on seven hits, three walks and two hit batsmen while striking out two in 3.2 innings in a 9-0 loss Saturday against the Cubs.

Woodruff needed 40 pitches to get through the three-run first and continued to struggle throughout his outing. It was death by a thousand cuts for the former All-Star, as the Cubs only had one extra-base hit and yet 11 of the 22 batters reached safely. Following a spring in which he allowed six home runs in 11.2 innings, Saturday's starts certainly raised some eyebrows. That said, the 29-year-old has been one of the best starters in baseball the last three seasons with a combined 3.00 ERA over 65 starts during that span. His next start should be late next week against St. Louis.

Marquez wasn't involved in the decision Saturday against the Dodgers as he allowed one run on three hits while fanning five across seven innings.

Marquez was particularly efficient in this game, as he needed 74 pitches (51 strikes) to get through seven frames en route to a quality start. Marquez had a 4.40 ERA last season, so there's no question this was a strong start to the campaign. He's expected to take the mound next week in the series against the Cubs, once again at Coors Field.

Gonsolin wasn't involved in the decision Saturday against the Rockies after giving up one run on five hits and a walk while striking out three across five innings.

Gonsolin couldn't have asked for a tougher environment to make his season debut, but he looked sharp and ended just three outs away from posting a quality start. Gonsolin started the second game of the series because Clayton Kershaw wasn't slated to pitch at Coors Field, and Gonsolin should be back on the mound next week in the series against the Reds.

Mikolas gave up two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out one in 3.2 innings in a 6-2 win Saturday against Pittsburgh.

Mikolas needed 41 pitches to get through the first inning and pitched around trouble all game. He was removed with the Cardinals leading 4-2 in the fourth rather than facing Bryan Reynolds for the third time. After pitching in only nine contests in the last two seasons because of forearm injuries, the 33-year-old pitched effectively in the spring and reportedly has a clean bill of health. The former All-Star looks to regain his 2018 form if he remains healthy this season. His next start will likely be at the end of next week in Milwaukee.

Keller (0-1) gave up four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four in four innings in Saturday's 6-2 loss in St. Louis.

Keller allowed a run in the first and three runs in the third, including a Paul DeJong two-run home run. The 26-year-old had a strong spring with a 2.92 ERA in four starts but struggled in his 2022 debut. While Keller has thrived in the minor leagues, he has yet to find his way for the Pirates outside of five good starts in 2020. His next start will likely be at home against Washington at the end of next week.

Peterson was recalled from the taxi squad Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Peterson was the team's final cut of spring training, but he'll be needed again right away with Edwin Diaz away on bereavement leave. Peterson may just be an extra bullpen arm for a few days until Diaz returns this time around, but he has the potential to enter the rotation later in the season if more Mets starters get injured.

While Contreras will be used out of the bullpen initially, the team will keep him on close to a starter's schedule and try to use him for multiple innings as he gets stretched out, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Contreras is arguably the most talented pitcher on the active roster, so he will eventually join the rotation, but the Pirates were going to have to monitor his innings regardless, so starting him off in a multi-inning relief role while keeping him on a starter's schedule makes sense. While his future is bright, we shouldn't assume the Pirates will keep him up in the majors all season.

Flaherty (shoulder) is working on building strength before beginning a throwing program, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

He did some outfield sprints Saturday and has also done plyometric exercises to build strength in his arm and shoulder. The next step would be a throwing program, but there is not a timetable for when that will begin.

Contreras is expected to pitch out of the bullpen after being recalled by the Pirates on Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Contreras was recalled after Duane Underwood (hamstring) was forced to the injured list. He's served exclusively as a starter throughout his minor-league career and projects to remain in that role in the long term. However, the team will stick with JT Brubaker, Mitch Keller, Jose Quintana, Zach Thompson and Bryse Wilson as the current starting rotation to open the 2022 campaign. There are likely to be plenty of starting opportunities for Contreras throughout the campaign, but he will bide his time in a multi-inning relief role for now.

Morton (1-0) picked up the win in Friday's 7-6 victory over the Reds, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

The Atlanta bullpen made things interesting late but never relinquished the lead, ensuring Morton would get the win in his first appearance since his World Series heroics on a broken leg. The veteran right-hander threw 51 of 78 pitches for strikes, and he should get a little more stretched out in his next outing, which tentatively lines up as a road start Thursday against the Padres.