MLB Player News

Gausman did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing one run on two hits in 4.1 innings against the Rays. He struck out six.

Gausman looked sharp in his debut, allowing only three baserunners while striking out six, but was on a pitch count and was pulled with one out in the fifth after 69 pitches. The only blemish to Gausman's line came on a first-inning home run by Randy Arozarena. Gausman was an All-Star selection for the second time last season, leading the league with 237 strikeouts and finishing third in AL Cy Young voting. Despite the abbreviated outing, Gausman showed similar form in Sunday's start. The veteran righty will look to stretch out further in his next start, tentatively slated for next weekend in the Bronx against the Yankees.

Barlow (0-1) took the loss Sunday versus the Athletics, allowing a run on two hits and a walk over one-plus innings while striking out one.

Barlow pitched a perfect eighth inning but allowed three straight baserunners aboard to start the ninth. Eli Morgan then walked the only batter he faced, which forced in the decisive run. It's not unusual for Barlow to be tasked with getting more than three outs at a time, so his usage Sunday isn't particularly noteworthy. The big concern here is that he's allowed two runs and walked three batters over two innings to begin the season. Barlow is projected to be a setup man to closer Emmanuel Clase, but he could lose those assignments if he can't get on track quickly. Morgan and Nick Sandlin are also experienced relievers who could be in the mix for high-leverage work.

Garcia went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 11-0 win over the Twins.

Garcia didn't show much pop last season with just four homers over 123 contests, but he's already halfway to matching that total in 2024. Both of his hits across three games this season half left the yard. Garcia has also struck out four times. The 24-year-old looks locked in as the Royals' third baseman and leadoff hitter, and he has plenty of protection in the lineup with Bobby Witt batting second.

Isbel went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a double in Sunday's 11-0 win over the Twins.

Isbel had started the season quietly prior to his big Sunday. He was one of five Royals to slug a homer in the contest. He's started all three games in center field to begin the season, though he's also hit at the bottom of the batting order. The Royals have yet to face a left-handed starter, so it's still unclear if Isbel will be a full-time starter or just a platoon player.

Langford started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a walk, a triple and two RBI in Sunday's 9-5 loss to the Cubs.

Langford's fourth-inning triple was the first extra-base hit of his career and knocked in two runs to tie the game. This was also his first start in the field after appearing twice as the designated hitter.

Caballero went 1-for-3 with a stolen base Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Caballero has opened the season as the Rays' starting shortstop in the absence of Taylor Walls (hip) and has performed well. He has at least one hit in all four games and has also scored twice while driving in three. Caballero also swiped his first base of the campaign after stealing 26 bags in only 280 plate appearances in 2023.

Leclerc (0-1) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on one hit and three walks over two-thirds of an inning against the Cubs.

It wasn't a save situation, but it was a troubling performance that recalled Texas' bullpen struggles of 2023, when Leclerc lost the closer's job early on. Leclerc, who's had an issue with free passes during his career, walked a run in Sunday and has walked five over 1.2 innings thus far. The Rangers' closer has allowed runs in each of his first two outings. He was the victim of an incorrect call by an umpire Opening Day, but Sunday was all on him.

Rosario went 0-for-3 with a walk Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Rosario wasn't in the starting lineup for the Rays' first two games but has since made consecutive starts in right field -- one of which came against a lefty. He's gone a combined 2-for-7 with a walk in that span, also collecting a double and an RBI. So long as Josh Lowe (oblique) and Jonny DeLuca (hand) are sidelined, Rosario should be locked into a short-side platoon role while also picking up occasional starts against righties.

Kepler (leg) was not available for Sunday's game and the Twins may be considered for an injured list stint if he's not ready to play by Tuesday, manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Twins do not play Monday.

The 31-year-old fouled a ball off his right leg in Thursday's game, which resulted in his early departure. X-rays after the game came back as negative, but Kepler didn't play in either game this weekend. The Twins initially said he would be fine, but the discussion about his injury sounded more ominous Sunday.

Paddack is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against the Brewers at American Family Field.

After making his return from Tommy John surgery late last season, Paddack's lone three appearances with Minnesota came as a reliever, so he'll be making his first regular-season start since May 8, 2022 when he takes the hill Wednesday. The right-hander broke camp with a rotation spot in hand despite not being particularly sharp during Grapefruit League play, finishing with a 4.73 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB in 13.1 innings.