MLB Player News

The fifth-overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft, Smith was an absolute strikeout machine during his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas. The 21-year-old left-hander, who checked in at 208 overall in Rotoworld’s latest dynasty rankings update, is one of the most dynamic pitching prospects in the game and should move quickly this season through Chicago’s minor-league system. He averaged 97 mph on his fastball and displayed an impressive slider in his spring debut. We can’t dismiss the possibility that he’ll be ready for the big leagues at some point in a few months.

The legend of Betts continues. He broke through to put the Dodgers on the board in the sixth inning, taking Chris Sale deep for a go-ahead, two-run shot. So much for his illness-induced weight loss possibly affecting his performance. The 32-year-old superstar is up to three homers in just 18 plate appearances.

Ozuna knocked a base hit to lead off the second inning and scored Atlanta’s only run on an error later in the frame. He followed with two walks to reach three times in the contest. The 34-year-old slugger has now walked ten times in 24 plate appearances while going 3-for-14. Ozuna is still searching for his first extra-base hit, though it’s only a matter of time before the power comes.

After Blake Treinen got the eighth inning, Scott took over in the ninth to close out the game with a two-run lead. He induced three groundouts, needing just ten pitches to secure the win for Los Angeles with his second save of the season. While Treinen and possibly Kirby Yates could remain in the mix for the occasional save chance, Scott is set to lead the group on a team that appears poised for triple-digit victories after starting 7-0.

What a return for May. Two years since his last start, the 27-year-old right-hander struck out the side to open the game. He allowed a single and a walk in the second before an error allowed an unearned run in. May then stranded a pair of walks before completing five frames on 81 pitches while striking out six. He should probably be universally rostered given the upside and team context. May is scheduled to make his next start on Monday on the road against the Nationals.

Sale was cruising through five scoreless frames, allowing just one hit until the Dodgers got to him in the sixth. Shohei Ohtani led off the frame with a base hit, then Mookie Betts put the Dodgers on top with a two-run blast. Tommy Edman followed with a single. That would be it for Sale. Edman would eventually score, ending Sale’s night with three runs allowed and five strikeouts over five innings. The 36-year-old left-hander is in line to take on the Phillies in Atlanta next Tuesday.

Another day, another home run for Tucker. This time he took Luis Severino deep for a solo shot in the third inning. It was his fourth consecutive game leaving the yard. The 28-year-old superstar is 12-for-39 (.353) with four homers, five doubles, 11 RBI, and a stolen base through eight contests.

Suzuki got the scoring started for the Cubs, taking Luis Severino deep for a three-run blast to open the game, his second home run of the season. He added a base hit in the third. The 30-year-old outfielder is heating up at the plate with three straight multi-hit efforts.

Rooker answered the Cubs three-run first inning with a two-run blast of his own off Justin Steele to put the Athletics on the board. He then drew a walk to lead off the third and scored on a two-run homer by Shea Langeliers. The 30-year-old slugger could be set for a monster season in the power department if Sutter Health Park is the hitter-friendly environment it’s been through the first couple of games.

After knocking a base hit in the first inning, Langeliers took Justin Steele deep for a two-run shot in the third for his second home run of the season. The 27-year-old catcher is 4-for-18 at the plate to start the season with just four strikeouts. He could lead the catching position at home runs considering the park upgrade moving from Oakland to Sacramento.

Pressly got the call in the ninth to close out the game with a three-run lead. He worked around a leadoff base hit, shutting the door on the A’s for his second save of the season. The 36-year-old right-hander has allowed three runs through four innings with four walks to one strikeout. He’ll need to improve on those numbers if he’s to hold the closer role.