MLB Player News

Strider got 15 whiffs on 40 swings today, but he also gave up eight hits. Nine of the 19 balls in play against him were hit at least 99 mph. Strider ends his first year back from Tommy John surgery 7-14 with a 4.45 ERA and a 24.3% strikeout rate. His average fastball was down 1.7 mph from 2023, when he struck out 36.8% of the batters he faced. One imagines he’ll put in a lot of work this winter in trying to improve his diminished vertical break on his fastball. He probably shouldn’t be looked at as top-20 SP for 2026, but he could move back into that territory if he looks particularly good in the spring.

After replacing Corbin Carroll (back), Barrosa hit his first homer of the season and second of his MLB career with a runner on. The 25-year-old hasn’t had much offensive success at the highest level, but if Carroll misses time, he may get a chance to get some run.

Vladdy Jr. was one of several Blue Jays to have a big game Sunday, as Toronto was able to put up eight runs in the first inning. With the three hits, Guerrero now has a slash of .333/.429/.436. Everything but the slugging percentage is pleasing to the eye, and it’s only a matter of time until that ticks up.

Lukes also singled. The 31-year-old hit leadoff during Sunday’s blowout win, and improved his slash to .214/.244/.262 over 42 at-bats. He has had three hits in back-to-back games, however, so those who believe in playing the hot hand may wanna take a closer look.

Okamoto launched his third homer of the season with a shot to center off Andrew Hoffmann in the third inning. He also doubled in two runs, and drew a walk to see his slash spike to .221/.294/.364 with eight RBI over 21 games.

Gausman didn’t have to be near his best to get a win considering Ryne Nelson gave up eight runs in 1/3 of an inning, but it was a solid outing for the 35-year-old; and a nice bounceback from a so-so start versus the Brewers on Tuesday. The right-hander did allow seven hits, but he was able to keep the Diamondbacks from taking advantage of the traffic while striking out and issuing one walk. Gausman’s first win of the year sees his ERA rise slightly to 2.54, and he’ll be a worthy fantasy starter for his scheduled outing versus the Guardians over the weekend.

Well, that’s not the goal. Nelson gave up hits to the first seven hitters he faced, and then issued a walk. After getting his only out, he gave up a two-run double, and that was it. Nelson had pitched solidly in his first few outings of the year, but it’s gonna take awhile to erase this one. His 3.54 ERA ballooned to 6.97 in the process. Assuming everything is ok, he’ll face the Padres next week.

The Reds already had the lead before Hinds’ liner into the left field corner, but they definitely wanted the insurance, even if they didn’t end up needing it. Though they’ve faced nothing but right-handers, Hinds, who has typically played more versus lefties in the past, has started five of six games since being called up to replace Noelvi Marte on the Reds. He’s hitting just .118/.158/.176 with seven strikeouts in 19 plate appearances, but he might get hot for a spell if the Reds stick with him.

Singer allowed five hits, walked four and struck out two before leaving down 3-1, so it was a particularly weak quality start. Still, the Reds came back and won in 10 innings. Singer has a 5.32 ERA and a 16/7 K/BB in 23 2/3 innings over five starts. With his velocity down some from last year and his strikeout rate standing at 14.5 percent, he seems like a weak bet right now. He’ll face the Tigers next.

Pagán surrendered doubles to James Outman and Austin Martin in the ninth before preserving the tie. It’s his second blown save, but it doesn’t seem like a big problem with the Reds winning in 10 innings anyway. That said, Tony Santillan, who got a save with Pagán resting Saturday, looks like the better reliever right now.