MLB Player News

Berrios (1-0) went six innings and allowed two runs on six hits and one walk to earn the win Thursday against the Rays. He struck out six.

After kicking off 2023 with two straight losses, Berrios wasted no time getting in the win column to start the 2024 campaign, going six strong against Tampa Bay. Berrios was tagged for a solo homer by Yandy Diaz on just his fifth pitch of the game. However, he limited the Rays' Nos. 2 through 5 hitters to a combined 0-for-11. Berrios' next start is tentatively scheduled to come against the Astros.

Eflin (0-1) went 5.2 innings and allowed six runs on six hits and one walk to take the loss Thursday versus Toronto. He struck out five.

Eflin was roughed up by the Blue Jays' potent offense, giving up solo home runs to George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero and Cavan Biggio after allowing just 19 homers in 31 starts last year. Most of the damage against Eflin came in the sixth, when he surrendered five of his six runs. Eflin is set for another test to begin 2024 with a matchup against the Rangers on tap for his next projected start.

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.