MLB Player News

Phillips struck out three batters in the contest while issuing one walk. The Mets scored four unearned runs in the opening inning, as Christopher Morel started the inning by making an error at first base that allowed the floodgates to open. Phillips then allowed an RBI triple to Carson Benge in the second inning. He got six swings and misses on 45 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 29 percent. Through four appearances in Grapefruit League action, Phillips holds a 1.50 ERA, 2.00 WHIP and a 6/4 K/BB ratio over six innings.

The veteran is struggling to start the season, with his hard contact rates among the lowest he’s posted in his career. Obviously, the Pirates are going to want his bat in the lineup, considering the contract they signed him to this off-season, so they’re likely treating this as a mini reset. Ryan O’Hearn is at DH, with Nick Yorke starting at third base.

It seemed like an injury to Austin Hays could open up a starting spot at designated hitter for Sosa, but it seems like the White Sox are content to play him only against Lefty. Dustin Harris will start in left field today with Miguel Vargas at DH. It’s unclear what Sosa could have done better last year to earn a starting spot in Chicago.

Turang claims that it’s a short term absence, and he plans to be back in the lineup on Friday. In the meantime, David Hamilton will make his second straight start at second base, with Luis Rengifo in the lineup at third base.

Even with tough left-hander Cole Ragans on the mound, the Guardians will have DeLauter back in the lineup after one day off. He will hit fifth instead of second, but it’s nice to see that he is not in a strict platoon. It does seem like Kyle Manzardo and Bo Baylor are in strict platoons, as both of them will sit yet again with Austin Hedges catching and Rhys Hoskins at first base.

With the Red Sox facing a left-handed pitcher, Mayer will head to the bench with Isiah Kiner-Falefa at second base. Trevor Story will also be at DH, so Andruw Monasterio will start at shortstop against his former team, the Brewers. Mayer is 1-for-2 with a home run off of left-handed pitchers this season, so it might be worth the Red Sox actually letting him see if he can handle lefties at the big league level.

Samaniego was part of the return the Red Sox got from the Pirates for outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia this offseason. The 27-year-old left-hander has allowed two earned runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings at Triple-A with three strikeouts and two walks. If he gets into a game for the Red Sox, it will be his MLB debut.

We found out yesterday that Slaten was dealing with the injury, and it appears to be one that will cost him a few weeks. The 28-year-old has thrown 3 1/3 scoreless innings so far this season with five strikeouts and two walks. His presence in the late innings will be missed for Boston.

Schweitzer is the White Sox’s 23rd-ranked prospect and has been working as a multi-inning reliever in the minor leagues. He has a low-90s fastball with a changeup that operates as his best pitch. He will take Shane Smith’s spot on the active roster but will likely operate in long relief as the White Sox decide who will take Smith’s rotation spot.

Pretty shocking to option your Opening Day starter after three starts, but Smith has allowed 12 runs (10 earned) on 12 hits in 8 1/3 innings this year with an 11/9 K/BB ratio. You have to assume this is a short-term move with the idea of the White Sox working out a mechanical flaw in a lower-stakes environment. Regardless, Smith should not be on fantasy rosters.

Dobbins also struck out seven and walked one while throwing 62 of his 91 pitches for strikes. The 26-year-old, who was acquired from the Red Sox in the offseason, is still working his way back from a torn ACL that ended his season last year. He has looked good to start the year, allowing four runs on eight hits in 10 1/3 innings while posting a 10/3 K/BB ratio. A couple more good starts and he could push for a call-up to join the Cardinals’ rotation.