MLB Player News

Dunning (1-1) allowed three runs on four hits and three walks over 6.2 frames Sunday, striking out seven and taking a loss against the Astros.

While it wasn't the cleanest line, Dunning has now turned in two straight quality starts to begin his 2024 season. The only damage against him Sunday came via Yordan Alvarez's three-run shot in the third inning. Dunning's velocity is noticeably down in 2024; his fastball averaged just 88.5 mph Sunday, and he threw it only six times. Despite that, the 29-year-old has produced a 14:7 K:BB through 13 frames. Dunning is currently projected for a rematch in Houston next weekend.

Nelson (0-2) took the loss Sunday against Atlanta, giving up three runs on five hits and no walks across five innings. He struck out seven.

Outside of solo homers allowed to Matt Olson and Michael Harris, Nelson held his own against one of MLB's top offenses. His strikeout total tied his career high, which was set in his first MLB appearance in September of 2022. While three runs over five innings won't quite right the ship after an awful debut, it's a step in the right direction for the 26-year-old, who's looking to improve upon his poor 5.31 ERA last season. However, he'll likely have only one more trip through the rotation with Jordan Montgomery shooting to join the big-league club as soon as April 19. For now, Nelson is projected for a date with the Cardinals on Saturday.

Sale (1-0) picked up the win Sunday against Arizona, surrendering two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings.

After throwing 83 pitches in his 2024 debut, Sale saw his pitch count rise to 96 on Sunday. However, the result was the same, as he lasted 5.1 innings with two runs allowed. As usual, the big question for Sale's fantasy value comes down to his durability -- he tossed 11.0 innings combined in 2021 and 2022 before rebounding with 102.2 innings across 20 starts in his last season with the Red Sox. For as long as he's healthy, fantasy managers should get some good performances from the talented veteran. While there's some rotational shakeup coming in the wake of Spencer Strider's (elbow) move to the 15-day IL, Sale's tentatively scheduled to face the Marlins in Miami next time out.

Blanco (2-0) allowed a hit and four walks over six shutout frames Sunday, striking out four and earning a win over Texas.

In his first start since firing a no-hitter against Toronto, Blanco carried a no-no through 5.2 frames before Adolis Garcia squeaked a single through the infield. The 30-year-old righty relied more heavily on his fastball Sunday, using it 50 percent of the time with a 93.7 mph average velocity. He's turned in 16 shutout frames with an 11:6 K:BB to begin the year. Blanco will look to continue riding the momentum in his next outing, which is lined up to be a rematch with the Rangers.

Houck (2-0) allowed four hits and two walks over six shutout frames Sunday, striking out seven and earning a win over the Angels.

Houck was dominant Sunday, allowing just one extra-base hit and, at one point, retiring 10 consecutive Angels. He's started the season with 12 shutout frames and a terrific 17:2 K:BB in two starts. Houck posted an 8.4 K/9 in both 2022 and 2023 but he's seemingly tapped back into the strikeout potential he displayed earlier in his MLB career. The 27-year-old is projected for a rematch with the Angels at home next weekend.

Silseth (0-1) allowed three runs on three hits and two walks over five innings Sunday, striking out seven and taking a loss against Boston.

All three hits against Silseth came in the span of four batters during the third inning, and all three left the park. He's now given up six earned runs through eight innings in two starts despite a strong 12:4 K:BB. Silseth forced nine swinging strikes on 91 pitches Sunday after getting 13 whiffs on 76 pitches in his season debut. Silseth is currently lined up for a rematch in Boston next weekend.

Stone (0-1) was tagged with the loss after he pitched three innings, giving up five runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out five in Sunday's 8-1 defeat against the Cubs.

Stone didn't have his best stuff Sunday, and combined with two fielding errors by his infield, he ended up with the loss. Through two starts in 2024, the right-hander has surrendered eight runs (four earned) on 11 hits and four walks over eight innings, navigating plenty of traffic on the basepaths. The 25-year-old is tentatively set to return to the mound Saturday at home versus the Padres.

Sanches (0-1) took the loss Sunday versus Washington, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks across 4.1 innings. He struck out one batter.

Sanchez's strikeout production took a 180 on Sunday, going from eight K's over five innings in his 2024 debut to just a single punchout. While the thought of Sanchez becoming a plus-strikeout pitcher was nice for fantasy managers who've invested in him, Sanchez has a career K/9 of 8.7 in 42 big-league appearances (23 starts) and will likely settle in near that number this season. He's tentatively scheduled to face the Pirates for his next start.

Abbott dropped to 0-1 in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Mets after allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out four.

Abbott allowed one run each in the first (unearned), third and fourth innings, which turned out to be too much for the Reds to overcome. It was not a bad start for the young lefty but also not the type of start that will force the Reds to stick with him. With Nick Lodolo's (calf) return from the injured list looming after making his final rehab start on Sunday, Abbott could be at risk of losing his rotation spot if manager David Bell elects to stick with a five-man starting staff.

Gore (1-0) picked up the win Sunday against the Phillies, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out six.

Gore has given up three or fewer runs in each of his first two starts of the new season and has carried over his strong strikeout production from 2023. However, he's been unable to make it through six innings in either appearance, being pulled midway through the sixth with his pitch count pushing toward 100. Gore also struggled with inefficiency last season, reaching the six-innings pitched mark in merely 10 of his 27 starts. Gore is set up to face the A's in Oakland for his next projected start.