MLB Player News

Eovaldi didn't factor into the decision Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings versus the Cubs. He struck out three.

Eovaldi was efficient Thursday, needing just 88 pitches to get through six innings, recording a quality start in the season opener. The 34-year-old right-hander went 12-5 last season with a 3.63 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 132:47 K:BB across 25 starts. The Rangers will rely on Eovaldi to anchor their rotation with Max Scherzer (back) and Jacob deGrom (elbow) both out until at least midseason. Eovaldi's tentatively lined up for a road start next week in Tampa Bay.

Bieber (1-0) tossed six scoreless innings against Oakland on Thursday, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out 11 batters to earn the win.

He wasn't exactly facing the stiffest competition, but Bieber was absolutely dominant Thursday, recording 18 swinging strikes en route to 11 punchouts. Per Mandy Bell of MLB.com, the double-digit strikeout effort was Bieber's third such performance on Opening Day, tying him for second in major-league history with four other hurlers behind Randy Johnson. Bieber is off to an outstanding start as he looks to bounce back from last year's injury-plagued campaign during which he posted a 3.80 ERA, his worst mark since his rookie 2018 season.

Sandoval (0-1) allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two across 1.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Angels.

Sandoval was handed a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but he allowed multiple runs in each frame that he appeared to take the loss. There was some poor batted ball luck involved, as he allowed only one extra-base hit, though there was still nothing redeemable from his first start of the new campaign. Sandoval has also had a WHIP over 1.30 in all but one season in the majors, and his struggles in limiting baserunners have carried over into 2024.

Gray (0-1) took the loss after he lasted four innings and allowed seven runs on eight hits and two walks Thursday against Cincinnati. He struck out six.

Gray got off to a rocky start to the new campaign, getting tagged by Nick Martini for home runs in the second and third innings as part of the abbreviated start. Although Gray posted a 3.91 ERA last season compared to a 5.02 ERA in 2022, Thursday's outing paired with an iffy spring makes his 2024 prospects seem bleak. He's tentatively scheduled to toe the rubber next against the Pirates.

Keller allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks over 5.2 innings during Thursday's Opening Day win at Miami. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

Keller threw 61 of his 85 pitches for strikes, but he was not sharp overall as Miami's bats seemed to have a bead on him all game. The Pittsburgh righty, who signed a five-year contract extension in the offseason, exited with a three-run deficit, but the Pirates were able to grind their way back into the game, eventually earning the victory and taking Keller off the hook. Expect Keller to rebound in his next start, tentatively scheduled for next week against the Nationals.

Burnes (1-0) allowed one earned run on one hit and no walks while striking out 11 over six innings during Thursday's win over the Angels.

Burnes served up a home run to Mike Trout in the first inning, which accounted for the only baserunner he allowed. All told, he racked up 12 swinging strikes across his 82 total pitches to cruise to his first victory with Baltimore, and he should continue building up his pitch count in subsequent starts. Burnes tentatively lines up for another favorable matchup in his second outing of the season against the Royals.

Luzardo tossed five innings, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out eight in Thursday's Opening Day loss to Pittsburgh. He did not factor into the decision.

Luzardo allowed a two-run home run to Bryan Reynolds but was otherwise unblemished in a solid first start of the season. Manager Skip Schumaker elected to pull Luzardo after 85 pitches with a three-run cushion, but the bullpen slowly leaked away the lead, finally losing the game in the 12th inning. The lefty begins the campaign as the ace of a Miami staff that is missing three starters due to injury.

Gray (neck) will start Sunday's game against the Cubs, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Gray failed to make his last start of the exhibition campaign due to a stiff neck, but the issue won't cost him any time to begin the regular season. He threw five innings March 14, so while his workload may be monitored, he shouldn't have significant limitations in his season debut Sunday.

Steele was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain Thursday and will be placed on the injured list, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Steele suffered the injury in Thursday's season opener against the Rangers as he attempted to field a bunt. Manager Craig Counsell didn't commit to a minimum 15-day stint for Steele, but a clearer timeline should emerge after he undergoes an MRI on Friday. With Jameson Taillon (back) also sidelined, the Cubs rotation is shorthanded. Drew Smyly is a candidate to shift from a relief to starting role as a result.

The Brewers placed Miley on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a left shoulder impingement.

Miley will be eligible to return from the IL on April 9 and appears to be trending toward a return at or around that date. According to MLB.com, Miley threw a three-inning simulated game at Citi Field on Wednesday without issue. The Brewers plan to have Miley either toss one more sim game or head out to a minor-league affiliate to make one or two rehab starts before he slots into the big-league rotation.