MLB Player News

Ray (0-1) took the loss against the Yankees on Friday, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four across 5.1 innings. He did not issue a walk.

It was relatively smooth sailing through the first five innings of Ray's start Friday. That quickly changed in the sixth, when he yielded a two-run homer to Aaron Judge, and Ray ended up taking the loss after receiving zero run support from the Giants. It was still an encouraging performance out of the veteran southpaw, especially with the way he ended the 2025 regular season (8.33 ERA and 1.77 WHIP over 27.2 innings across his final six starts of the year). Ray is projected to make his next start during the Giants' four-game home series against the Mets that kicks off Thursday.

Schlittler (1-0) allowed one hit while striking out eight across 5.1 scoreless innings to pick up the win against the Giants on Friday. He did not issue a walk.

It was an outstanding start to the season for Schlittler, whose only hit allowed came in the second inning, when he yielded a double to Heliot Ramos. Schlittler was working through a back issue during spring training, so it wasn't surprising to see him toss just 68 pitches (49 strikes), but he still generated 13 whiffs despite the limited pitch count. It'll take a few more outings for Schlittler to be fully stretched out, so he'll probably operate under a similar pitch count in his next start, which is tentatively slated for next week on the road against the Mariners.

Smith (elbow) will serve as Arizona's designated hitter and bat fifth Friday against the Dodgers.

Smith was a late scratch from Thursday's lineup due to elbow soreness. MRI results on his elbow came back clean Friday, and after feeling good following pregame batting practice, he's been given the green light to DH. The 30-year-old will aim to get off to a fast start after slashing .318/.318/.545 across 44 plate appearances in the Cactus League.

Allen could be called up from Triple-A Columbus to make a start in next week's series versus the Dodgers in Los Angeles if Tanner Bibee (shoulder) needs to skip a start or eventually lands on the injured list, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Bibee was removed from his season-opening start Thursday against the Mariners due to shoulder inflammation, which at this point is deemed to be minor. The Guardians don't have any rest days between now and when Bibee is next scheduled to pitch (Tuesday), so Allen may be on standby at Columbus. Bibee reported feeling better Friday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, so the Guardians will wait and see how he fares coming out of that session before deciding if Allen will be needed to replace him in the rotation, if only temporarily.

Lambert signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The Astros released Lambert on Tuesday after informing him he hadn't made the Opening Day roster, but the 28-year-old right-hander will return to the organization after testing the free-agent market. He will begin the year as bullpen depth at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Taylor signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Taylor was with the Angels for spring training but was unsuccessful in making the team's Opening Day roster. He initially opted out of his contract March 20, but the veteran outfielder will return to the organization and likely play for Triple-A Salt Lake. Taylor appeared in 58 regular-season games between the Angels and Dodgers in 2025 and would be in line for a major-league call-up if the Angels require additional depth in the outfield.

Strickland signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Strickland gave up one earned run over five innings this spring with the Angels, and after exploring his options in free agency, he'll now return to the organization. The 37-year-old righty has turned in a 3.30 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 95.1 innings since he originally joined the Halos in 2024, and he could be welcomed back into the big-league bullpen if he bounces back nicely in Triple-A from the season-ending shoulder injury he suffered last July.

Keith is out of the lineup for Friday's game against San Diego.

The ascension of Kevin McGonigle has nixed Keith's opportunity to land a regular role at third base. While the Tigers found a spot for Keith at designated hitter on Opening Day, the 24-year-old is out of the starting nine Friday as Gleyber Torres serves as the DH and Zach McKinstry plays second base. McGonigle, after going 4-for-5 in the opener, is manning third once again.

Chafin signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Chafin was released by the Twins last Friday despite allowing just two earned runs over six innings in the Grapefruit League. The veteran lefty will now begin the regular season as organizational depth for the Reds, but he figures to have a strong chance to join Cincinnati's bullpen at some point after posting a 2.41 ERA in 33.2 frames last season.

De Los Santos (knee) will make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

De Los Santos opened up the season on the 15-day injured list because of a right knee strain he sustained at the start of spring training. The reliever made one appearance late in camp, and he'll continue his rehab at Triple-A.