MLB Player News

Darvish went 4.1 innings Saturday against the Marlins, allowing five earned runs on five hits and two walks in a no-decision. He struck out four.

After posting a 2.79 ERA across 19.1 innings in spring training, this was not the start to the regular season that Darvish was hoping for. The right-hander gave up a two-run homer to Derek Dietrich two batters into the game, which set the tone for the night. Darvish was able to keep the Marlins off the board over the next three innings, but he got into trouble again in the fifth and ultimately got pulled after 102 pitches. He'll look for better results in his next start, which is slated for Friday in Milwaukee.

Greinke struck out nine and allowed one run on five hits over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against the Rockies on Saturday.

The 34-year-old raised some alarms when he struggled with his fastball velocity in the spring, but Greinke quickly put any concerns to rest with a dominant first outing in the regular season. He threw 59 of 83 pitches for strikes, including first-pitch strikes to 16 of the 22 batters he faced, and his only real mistake resulted in a Charlie Blackmon solo homer in the sixth inning. Due to scheduled off days for the D-backs, Greinke will get a bit of extra rest before taking the mound again next Saturday in St. Louis.

Velasquez (0-1) gave up seven runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks in 2.2 innings during the Phillies' 15-2 loss Saturday to the Braves. He struck out four.

The 13.5 K/9 did little to make up for the rest of the damage in the short outing. Velasquez did log 47 strikes on 69 pitches, but Atlanta did plenty when its bats connected. It was an uninspiring start to a critical season for Velasquez, whose 2017 season was cut short due to surgery on his right middle finger last year. Velasquez remains an intriguing talent with a big ceiling for strikeouts, and the Phillies seem intent on giving him some leash to prove he belongs in the rotation. However, if he struggles to quiet doubts over his health and his ability to pitch deep into games, he could find himself in a relief role as the season moves along. He's next slated to host the Marlins on Thursday, so maybe that'll provide a chance to rebound.

Marquez struck out four and allowed one unearned run on four hits and four walks over five innings in a no-decision against Arizona on Saturday.

The right-hander threw 55 of 89 pitches for strikes, and while his control wasn't at its sharpest, Marquez was able to limit the damage. The 23-year-old posted a 147:49 K:BB in 162 big-league innings last season, so expect better numbers in that department once he settles into the rhythm of the season. Marquez will next take the mound Friday at home against the Braves.

Woodruff said he suffered bruising but is fine after being struck by line drives from two consecutive hitters Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

In the seventh inning, Freddy Galvis and Cory Spangenberg both hit comebackers. The first hit his triceps, and the second deflected off his right buttocks, per McCalvy, but Woodruff remained in the game. This shouldn't affect the promising hurler's plan to join the Brewers' rotation Friday at home against the Cubs.

Ray's fastball velocity was clocked at an average of 92.6 miles per hour and peaked at 95 miles per hour during his season debut in Friday's 9-8 victory over the Rockies, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic Arizona reports. The lefty averaged 94.5 miles per hour on his fastball in 2017 and typically peaked around the 97-to-98 range.

Though he was credited with the win and picked up eight strikeouts Friday, Ray labored throughout the start, lasting five innings and ceding seven runs (six earned) on seven hits -- including three home runs -- and three walks. Manager Torey Lovullo believes some early season rust was in play and is optimistic the lefty will regain velocity in subsequent outings, but making up a nearly two-tick deficit is a tall order for any pitcher to accomplish during the season. Those who roster Ray in deeper leagues will probably still want to activate him for his next projected start Thursday in St. Louis, but it may not be a bad idea for owners in shallower formats where the replacement value is higher to put him on the bench for the week and keeps tabs on his velocity in the outing.

Musgrove threw six innings in a minor-league game Saturday with no issues, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Musgrove is slightly behind schedule after dealing with a shoulder injury early in camp, but he appears to be on the cusp of a return. The right-hander got up to 92 pitches in Saturday's outing and reported feeling fine afterwards, essentially clearing the way for him to make his 2018 big-league debut. The Pirates haven't confirmed Musgrove's next step, but he's currently lined up to start against the Reds on Thursday.

Castillo earned the loss in his first start of the season Saturday against the Nationals, striking out six but allowing six runs on six hits -- including two home runs -- and a walk.

Castillo received a lot of helium this draft season after a strong showing in 15 starts last season, but his first start of the year was a disappointment. There will be few assignments more difficult for Castillo this year than facing the Nationals at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, but the 25-year-old didn't come close to navigating the matchup successfully. He was jumped on right away with a three-run homer by Matt Adams in the first inning. He proceeded to allow a run in three of the next four innings and was pulled after the fifth. His six strikeouts provided a bit of a silver lining, and it would be wrong to penalize the youngster too much for one poor performance against a tough lineup. He'll look to get back on track in an easier assignment April 6 in Pittsburgh.

Strasburg recorded a win in his first start of the 2018 season Saturday against the Reds, striking out seven in 6.1 innings while allowing three runs (one earned) on eight hits, a walk and one home run.

A fourth-inning solo shot by Scott Schebler was the primary blot on an otherwise solid performance by Strasburg. He pitched the entire game with at least a three-run lead after the Nationals scored three in the top of the first inning and never came close to giving it up, save for a two-run rally in the bottom of the sixth which followed a Trea Turner error. The 29-year-old has struck out over a batter per inning in every season except his injury-shortened 2011 campaign, and he opens 2018 on track to do the same. He's expected to next take the mound Thursday against Jacob deGrom and the Mets in Washington.

Wacha allowed four earned runs in 4.2 innings Saturday against the Mets, striking out just two batters while allowing five hits, four home runs and two walks.

The performance earned Wacha a loss in his season debut. It's too early to worry about him after just one start, though it was certainly a disappointing one. The 26-year-old has suppressed home runs thus far in his career, with a 10 percent HR/FB rate, though he gave up solo shots to Travis d'Arnaud and Yoenis Cespedes on Saturday. The lack of strikeouts is also concerning, though it's just one start. Wacha will remain startable in most leagues until he posts a few more duds like this one.