MLB Player News

Megill struck out five today and had a fine 32% CSW in the 88-pitch outing. He’s all set to occupy a spot in the Mets rotation, and while he’s a definite mixed-league sleeper, he’s not a stellar first-week play ahead of a likely start in Houston.

Thankfully for the Cubs and fantasy managers, Pressly was given a three-run lead. He needed all of them, as he gave up a two-run homer to Eugenio Suárez with no one out. He gave up another hit later in the frame, but he was able to escape with the save. Pressly has not looked good early on, but he should continue to see the save chances for Chicago.

Imanaga allowed two walks and struck out four. It was another impressive outing for the southpaw, and he’s allowed just a run over his first 11 innings to begin the 2025 campaign. The second-year starter isn’t going to pile up the strikeouts, but he’s a very difficult hitter to square up, and hitters have had fits picking up the baseball to start back-to-back season. He’s scheduled to face the Padres on Sunday.

Pfaadt struck out five and walked just one. Two of those runs allowed came on the first ever Cubs homer for Kyle Tucker, but outside of that the right-hander pitched well. He just didn’t get much run support with Shota Imanaga pitching sensationally over seven innings. Pfaadt will get the Nationals on Friday if the D-Backs stick with their current rotation order.

Shaw didn’t get the start, but did come off the bench to connect on his first MLB homer. The 23-year-old has above-average power in his right-handed bat, and as long as the other tools play, he should be able to give fantasy managers solid pop in his rookie campaign.

“It was just a little cramping,” Machado said. “It’s not a big deal.” The 32-year-old exited early Saturday with what was described as tightness in his calf, but it sounds like he’s avoided serious injury. Assuming this is all it is, Machado should be back soon, but he may get Sunday off as a precaution.

García had a two-run double in the first and then a solo homer in the fourth, both off Walker Buehler. It’s the first time he’s had three extra-base hits in a game since Aug. 2023, and it was definitely a welcome scene for the Rangers after his poor final five months last season.

Mahle walked four and gave up two hits to the 11 batters he faced. jacob Webb bailed him out in the second after a bases loaded walk to the struggling Rafael Devers plated the lone run he allowed. Mahle’s fastball velocity was pretty good tonight — his 93.1 mph average was up 1.7 mph from where he was in his return from Tommy John last year — but he was all over the place, throwing only 30 of his 61 pitches for strikes. He’ll make his next start Friday against the Rays.

Luke Jackson was unavailable after getting save chances the previous two nights, so the Rangers were forced to close with their best reliever tonight. Using Martin as a strict closer would be a bad idea, given that he needs a structured workload at age 38. Still, he should get saves from time to time.