MLB Player News

Lorenzen (neck) struck out three over 2.2 innings while allowing three earned runs on three hits and two walks Saturday in his rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock.

Though he's officially on the 15-day injured list with a neck strain, Lorenzen isn't believed to be dealing with any major health concerns. Instead, he was placed on the IL prior to Opening Day so he could continue the ramp-up process in the minors since he missed most of spring training after not signing with the Rangers until March 22. Lorenzen didn't look especially overpowering in his first rehab start, but more importantly, he built up to 50 pitches (34 strikes). He's expected to make another rehab start with Round Rock on Thursday and will likely push his pitch count into the 65-to-70 range, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. If all goes well, Lorenzen could then return from the IL early next week and slot into the Texas rotation during the club's three-game series with Oakland that runs from April 9 through 11.

Rodon did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks over 5.1 innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out three.

Rodon struggled out of the gate, allowing a leadoff double to the first batter he faced and later surrendering solo home runs in the second and fifth innings. Five of the seven hits he allowed on the afternoon went for extra bases, while the veteran lefty also failed to make it through six innings for the second straight start to open the season. On a positive note, Rodon has held his opponents to two or fewer runs in each of those outings.

Stripling (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing one run on eight hits over seven innings against the Red Sox. He struck out three and did not issue any walks.

Stripling managed to hold the Red Sox to one run on the afternoon despite allowing six hits over the first four innings. Still, he would end up being tagged with his second loss as Oakland's offense was shut out for the second time in its last three games. The right-hander has now surrendered 15 hits over his first two starts (12 innings) and things won't get any easier next week when the A's travel to Arlington to take on the reigning World Series champions.

Ross came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the Twins, giving up two hits and five walks over 3.2 scoreless innings. He struck out three.

Making his first big-league start since late 2021, Ross threw only 38 of 73 pitches for strikes before being lifted, although he was able to avoid any damage from all the traffic he put on the basepaths. Despite the shaky outing, he might not be in much danger of losing his spot in the rotation for the time being. Per Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee will likely need to use a six-man rotation over the next month, as the team is scheduled for 13 games in a row and 26 over the next 27 days.

Manoah (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Single-A Dunedin, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Manoah pitched a three-inning simulated game Tuesday at the Jays' spring training facility without any issues, and he's slated to up his workload to four frames in his first rehab start. If Manoah's Single-A outing goes well, his assignment may move to a higher-level affiliate, but the 26-year-old is likely still several rehab appearances away from making his season debut with Toronto.

Civale (1-1) took the loss Wednesday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over six innings against the Rangers. He struck out eight.

Civale was excellent Wednesday, allowing just a solo home run to Corey Seager in the sixth inning. However, the Rays couldn't get anything going against Nathan Eovaldi on the other side, sticking Civale with his first loss. The 28-year-old right-hander's allowed just two runs in 12 innings through his first two starts, while showing more of a strikeout punch than he has in the past. Civale made 23 starts last year between Tampa Bay and Cleveland, going 7-5 with a 3.46 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 116:33 K:BB. He looks like a dependable fantasy option.

Eovaldi (1-0) earned the win Wednesday, allowing four hits and one walk over seven scoreless innings against Tampa Bay. He struck out eight.

Eovaldi was stellar Wednesday, punching out eight Rays while allowing just two runners to reach second base across seven scoreless frames. The 34-year-old Eovaldi's picked up where he left off last season, allowing two runs in 13 innings while striking out 11 through his first two starts of 2024. He's tentatively lined up for an enticing home matchup with the Athletics in his next outing.

Taillon (back) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Tennessee on Sunday, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Taillon didn't pitch at all during spring training due a strained back, but he was able to face hitters near the end of camp and has now been cleared to test his back in a game environment. It's unclear exactly how many starts the Cubs want Taillon to make before he returns to Chicago, but it will likely take him multiple outings to build up to a starter's workload.

Puk (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over four innings against the Angels. He struck out five.

Puk's transition to a starting pitcher hasn't gone according to plan thus far -- the 28-year-old left-hander has allowed eight runs (six earned) through just six innings in his first two starts. While Puk has had success out of the bullpen in the majors, the Marlins seem set on having him remain in the rotation, at least while Braxton Garrett (shoulder), Edward Cabrera (shoulder) and Eury Perez (elbow) are sidelined. Puk's currently lined up for a tough road matchup versus the Yankees in his next outing.

Verlander (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Verlander will throw one more bullpen session at Minute Maid Park on Thursday before heading out on his rehab assignment. He's expected to throw around 70-to-75 pitches Sunday for Sugar Land. Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that the team is confident Verlander will need just two rehab starts, which could put him on track to rejoin the rotation as soon as April 17 against Atlanta. Verlander has been working his way back from right shoulder inflammation.