MLB Player News

Sanchez's MRI revealed mild inflammation at the back of his right shoulder Friday, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

All things considered, the news could have been a lot worse for Sanchez and the Marlins, though any shoulder issue is a worry for a pitcher. That's doubly true for a pitcher like Sanchez, who's already battled his fair share of injuries despite being just 22 years old. He doesn't have a clear timetable for his return, but he no longer seems to be in the mix when the Marlins first need a fifth starter April 14. Even when he's ready to make his season debut, the Marlins -- who were already planning on capping his innings this season -- will likely continue to be very cautious with him given his health track record.

Manager Luis Rojas said Friday that Carrasco (hamstring) threw live batting practice earlier this week and is considered week-to-week, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The 34-year-old is progressing well in his recovery from a torn right hamstring, and he may even be ahead of schedule after being ruled out six weeks in mid-March. Carrasco could be ready to pitch in at the start of May or a bit earlier if he advances quickly to throwing simulated games.

DeGrom won't pitch against the Nationals this weekend after Saturday's and Sunday's games were postponed for additional COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.

The Nationals continue to deal with the fallout from multiple positive tests of COVID-19, leading to the postponement of the season-opening series. The Mets are scheduled to face the Phillies on Monday, when deGrom figures to take the mound.

Sanchez (shoulder) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Friday, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

The 22-year-old was removed early from Wednesday's simulated game after experiencing "slight discomfort" in his right shoulder, and the team is now attempting to determine the extent of the injury. The Marlins are likely to exercise caution with the young righty, but the specifics of Sanchez's recovery won't come into focus until after the MRI results are announced.

Gausman gave up one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out six in 6.2 innings Thursday against the Mariners. He did not factor in the decision.

The Mariners ended up tagging the Giants bullpen for seven earned runs, so Gausman was unable to get the win, despite a strong first start of 2021. He only threw 90 pitches (62 strikes) and almost made it through seven innings. Gausman lines up to start in San Diego on Wednesday.

Kershaw (0-1) allowed six runs (five earned) on 10 hits and one walk while striking out two across 5.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Rockies.

Kershaw had little trouble working through two scoreless innings to begin the game. However, he struggled from there and surrendered at least one run in two of his final three frames. Uncharacteristically, he had only 12 called strikes and five swinging strikes across 77 total pitches. While not an ideal way to start the season, Kershaw's next start at Oakland on Tuesday should give a fairer read of his form after a tough draw opening the season at Coors Field.

Marquez allowed one earned run on six hits and six walks while striking out two across four innings Thursday against the Dodgers. He didn't factor into the decision.

Marquez avoided a complete disaster, as he kept the ball in the yard and didn't allow an extra-base hit. However, he racked up 92 pitches and allowed 12 baserunners in his short outing because he couldn't find the strike zone with consistency. Given that he walked more than two batters in only three of his 13 starts in 2020, Marquez should showcase better control moving forward. His next opportunity to take the mound will come Tuesday at home against Arizona.

Flaherty gave up six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against the Reds on Thursday.

The Cardinals staked Flaherty to a six-run lead before he even took the mound, yet he couldn't secure the Opening Day win. Inefficiency and a couple long balls led to manager Mike Shildt turning to his bullpen in the fifth inning as Flaherty's pitch count ticked up to 94. A road matchup in Miami next week looks like a great spot for Flaherty to get right -- on paper, anyway.

Castillo (0-1) allowed 10 runs (eight earned) on eight hits and two walks over 3.1 innings in a loss to the Cardinals on Thursday. He did not record a strikeout.

This was about as ugly as it gets for an ace-level pitcher. Castillo just did not have it on a cold Opening Day in Cincinnati, and the defense behind him let him down; Eugenio Suarez's return to shortstop did not go well, with a pair of errors in the first two innings helping dig the early hole. It was a painful reminder that Castillo faces an uphill battle with the defense behind him, and his velocity was down, which bears watching. He lines up to face the Pirates at home next week.

Darvish allowed four earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out six across 4.2 innings Thursday against the Diamondbacks. He did not factor into the decision.

Darvish allowed three singles and an earned run in the first inning, but he went on to hold the Diamondbacks scoreless for the next four frames. However, his outing was derailed in his final inning of work when he allowed a solo homer and a two-run shot. Darvish also induced only nine swinging strikes on 93 total pitches. We can likely just chalk this up to an Opening Day hiccup, and Darvish will look to bounce back in his second start of the campaign Tuesday against the Giants.