MLB Player News

Burke is expected to serve as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Tyler Gilbert in Friday's game against the Athletics in Sacramento, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The White Sox's Opening Day starter began the season on a high note, holding the Angels scoreless over six innings en route to a win. Things have gone south for the young right-hander ever since, with Burke going 0-3 with an 8.62 ERA, 1.91 WHIP and 12:9 K:BB in 15.2 innings over his subsequent four outings. White Sox manager Will Venable will deploy Burke behind an opener in the hopes that the arrangement yields better results, and working in relief should give Burke a better chance of securing a win than if he were to be used as a traditional starter.

Freeland (finger) is listed as the Rockies' probable pitcher for Friday's game against the Reds in Colorado.

Freeland suffered a blister during his most recent start this past Sunday against the Nationals, but he'll be ready to pitch on his normal four days' rest after completing his between-starts bullpen session without incident. The lefty enters Friday's outing having gone 0-4 with a 4.85 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 26 innings through five starts.

Burnes allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out eight in 5.1 innings Thursday against Tampa Bay. He didn't factor into the decision.

It was a nice performance overall by the star right-hander, though he couldn't stick around long enough to get his third straight quality start. Burnes began the game with three clean innings and yielded a season-low three hits and one earned run, also tying a season high with eight punchouts. He committed a fielding error in the sixth inning, so both of the runs allowed in the frame were unearned, much to the delight of fantasy managers. Burnes still has work to do to improve his 4.05 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 25:12 K:BB over 26.2 innings (five starts), but things won't get much easier in his next scheduled outing at New York against the Mets.

Rasmussen allowed four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five in five innings Thursday against Arizona. He didn't factor into the decision.

Although Rasmussen did yield a season-high four runs and five hits, he still pitched at least five innings in his fifth straight start to open the campaign. The right-hander also gave up his first homer, a leadoff solo shot in the fifth frame to Tim Tawa, but it's been a steady beginning to the season overall. Rasmussen will be looking to reach the 90-pitch marker for the first time this year in his next start, which is poised to come versus the Royals at home. He boasts a 2.10 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 27:6 K:BB over 25.2 innings.

DeGrom didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Athletics after allowing two runs on six hits and no walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

DeGrom was able to keep the ball in the yard at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park, and this was his second start of the year in which he didn't lend a free pass. The star right-hander also induced 12 whiffs Thursday. The Rangers are being careful with the oft-injured deGrom's workload, as he's reached the 90-pitch threshold in just one his first five outings. DeGrom holds a strong 3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 26:7 K:BB across 27 innings ahead of his next scheduled appearance, currently set to come at home against these same Athletics.

Ginn didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Rangers after allowing three runs on six hits and two walks in 3.2 innings. He struck out two.

The long ball proved to be a major problem for Ginn, who gave up a career-high three home runs Thursday. It was also the shortest outing of the year so far for the right-hander, and he recorded a season-low two punchouts. Ginn could have some streaming value in fantasy against softer lineups, as he entered play with an elite 61.5 percent groundball rate, but he has a 4.61 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB over 13.2 innings (three starts). He doesn't shape up as an appealing option in his next projected outing in Texas for a rematch with the Rangers.

Hart was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

Hart has had an up-and-down start to the season while in the Padres' rotation, but the result is a 6.00 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 21 innings. The team's exact plans are unclear, though Stephen Kolek was in competition for a rotation spot during spring training and is on the same starting schedule as Hart.

Kent was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, SI.com reports.

Kent joined the big-league club Monday and threw three innings Wednesday, allowing one earned run with four strikeouts. He'll immediately head back to Columbus but should have the chance to contribute again in Cleveland later in the campaign.

Mlodzinski didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Angels after allowing three runs on five hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out four.

It wasn't until the fourth inning where Mlodzinski ran into trouble, as he gave up three consecutive hits to open the frame, the last of which was a three-run jack by Logan O'Hoppe. Three of his five hits allowed went for extra bases Thursday, and Mlodzinski has now failed to exceed five innings in any of his first five starts this season. The right-hander doesn't shape up as a recommended fantasy option in his next scheduled outing versus the hard-hitting Cubs, especially since he carries a 6.95 ERA, 1.82 WHIP and 18:9 K:BB across 22 innings.

Anderson didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Pittsburgh after allowing three runs on six hits and no walks in six innings. He struck out one.

Anderson struggled to keep the ball in the yard, giving up two home runs over the first two innings, but he was still able to settle in and register a quality start in his second straight outing. Despite tallying a season low in strikeouts, the crafty lefty managed to induce 14 whiffs, so he did keep Pittsburgh off balance Thursday. Anderson will take a strong 2.60 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 22:12 K:BB over 27.2 innings (five starts) into his next projected start, which lines up for next week against Seattle at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park.