MLB Player News

Estevez (0-1) took the loss and a blown save Saturday against Atlanta, allowing six runs on four hits and two walks in one-third of an inning.

It was a nightmarish season debut for Estevez, who failed to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning. After showing diminished velocity during spring training, the right-hander's fastball topped out at 92.3 mph Saturday over his 23 pitches, which appears to be a major concern after he averaged 95.9 mph on his four-seamer last season. There's still time for him to find his form as Kansas City's closer, but the Royals have capable alternatives in Lucas Erceg and Matt Strahm if Estevez can't steady the ship.

Wacha took a no-decision Saturday against Atlanta, allowing no runs on three hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out seven.

Wacha performed about as well as one could have expected in his season debut against a tough Atlanta lineup, scattering three singles across six shutout frames. The veteran right-hander had been in line for the win, but Carlos Estevez imploded in the ninth inning by yielding six runs and blowing the save. Wacha threw 80 pitches Saturday, so he'll be looking to increase his pitch count in his next scheduled start at home versus the Brewers.

Abreu went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two RBI in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Reds.

Abreu took a splitter from Emilio Pagan over the wall in the top of the ninth inning to tie the game 5-5 and send it to extra innings. Abreu had an RBI double two innings prior and is now 3-for-9 at the plate with the one home run and two RBI through two games to begin the regular season. Abreu should be in the lineup again Sunday versus Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder.

Gray allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits and one walk across four innings in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Reds. He struck out five.

Making his regular-season debut with the Red Sox, Gray labored through the first inning, needing 35 pitches to get through the frame while allowing two runs. Gray allowed at least one run in each of the first three innings, including a solo home run by Sal Stewart in the third. The right-hander also gave up a career-high 25 homers in 32 starts last year with St. Louis. Gray will look to be more efficient in his next scheduled start against the Padres next weekend.

Burger went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Phillies.

Burger had a big spring training and has carried it over to start the regular season. After homering in Thursday's season-opening 5-3 loss, Burger again went deep Saturday, taking a knuckle curve from Aaron Nola over the fence in the top of the third inning. Burger later added a single in the eighth inning. Through two games, Burger has gone 5-for-9 at the plate with two home runs and four RBI, though he's also struck out four times and committed two errors already.

Seager went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Phillies.

Seager took a 92-mph fastball from Aaron Nola over the fence for his first home run of the season in the top of the first inning. Seager later singled in the fifth inning. Through two games, Seager is 4-for-8 at the plate with the home run and a pair of runs scored. The veteran shortstop was limited to 102 games last year due to hamstring issues and an appendectomy, but he was productive when available with 21 homers and an .860 OPS.

Garcia surrendered two unearned runs on one hit and one walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning during Saturday's 5-4 win over the Phillies.

With the Rangers leading 3-0 going into the bottom of the ninth inning, manager Skip Schumaker called Garcia's number in Texas' first save situation of the season. Garcia struck out Kyle Schwarber and got Bryce Harper to ground out to begin the frame. After dispatching those tough lefty batters, the southpaw reliever ran into trouble against two righty batters. Alec Bohm singled ahead of a walk by pinch hitter Edmundo Sosa. Garcia was then pulled in favor of Chris Martin, but Martin was unable to close the door after a Jake Burger error opened the flood gates. The early pull helped Garcia avoid a blown save, but it's clear he was the first option to close out the game. Both he and Martin are expected to get save chances for Texas this season.

Martin (1-0) blew the save but came away with the win in Saturday's 5-4 victory over the Phillies. He allowed one unearned run on two hits and struck out one while recording one out.

With the Rangers up 3-0, manager Skip Schumaker actually called on Robert Garcia to open the ninth inning. However, Garcia recorded just two outs while allowing one hit and one walk with one strikeout before giving way to Martin to protect the 3-0 lead. Martin surrendered two hits and three runs, two of which were charged to Garcia, to send the game to an extra inning. With neither pitcher faring well in their first outing of the season, Garcia would seem to continue to hold the slight edge for save opportunities for Texas.

Gaddis (forearm) allowed one walk while striking out one batter in a scoreless inning during his rehab appearance with Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Gaddis opened the regular season on the 15-day injured list due to a right forearm strain that cropped up in early March. He got some games under his belt toward the tail end of spring training, and the 27-year-old right-hander could be back in the majors by mid-April depending on how his rehab assignment goes. Across 73 regular-season games in 2025, Gaddis posted a 3.11 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, three saves (in seven attempts) and a 73:21 K:BB across 66.2 innings.

Latz struck out three and walked one across four scoreless and hitless innings in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Phillies.

With Jacob deGrom scratched due to neck stiffness, Latz made the spot start for Texas after he lost out to Kumar Rocker for the fifth spot in Texas' rotation over the spring. Latz made easy work of the Phillies on 68 pitches but didn't factor into the decision. As long as deGrom is cleared for his next turn through the rotation, Latz should slot back into a long-relief role in the bullpen.