Yesterday’s Top Major League Performances!
Freddy Peralta, SP, NYM
(W, 1-0) 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Freddy Peralta delivered a pristine start for the Mets in their 2-0 blanking of the Phillies on Friday night, scattering no hits over three innings while fanning three on just 29 pitches. His perfect command anchored New York’s pitching staff, paving the way for the bullpen to preserve the shutout in a pitcher’s duel. The Mets improved to 4-1 early in the season, signaling a strong rotation amid NL East contenders jostling for position after aggressive winter moves. League scouts raved about Peralta’s velocity touching 97 mph, reinforcing his ace aspirations. As low-scoring games swept the majors, Peralta’s efficiency highlighted pitching dominance, boosting New York’s playoff odds in a competitive division.
MLB Rank: #245
STS Projection: 3.90 ERA, 172 IP, 61 BB, 186 K, 9.7 K/9, 1.27 WHIP
Rhett Lowder, SP, CIN
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, BB
Rhett Lowder showcased pinpoint control in the Reds’ 5-2 triumph over the Pirates, firing three scoreless frames with three strikeouts and one walk. His gem limited Pittsburgh to weak contact, allowing Cincinnati to build a comfortable lead against a divisional foe. The Reds extended their winning streak to three games, riding young arms like Lowder’s to solidify their NL Central standing amid a hot start. Around the league, Cincinnati’s farm system infusion drew praise, with Lowder’s 70% strike rate echoing top prospect hype. His performance quelled early doubts about the rotation depth, as the club eyes contention following key acquisitions. Friday’s slate featured dominant starters, amplifying the trend of pitching reclaiming early-season supremacy.
MLB Rank: #595
STS Projection: 4.12 ERA, 144 IP, 47 BB, 116 K, 7.2 K/9, 1.36 WHIP
Carlos Lagrange, SP, NYY
(H, 1) 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Carlos Lagrange locked down a crucial hold in the Yankees’ 6-3 comeback win versus the Blue Jays, striking out four over three hitless innings while navigating a hit-by-pitch and stolen base. Entering in the fourth, his electric stuff bridged starters effectively, preserving a one-run edge that New York exploded from. The Yankees climbed to 3-2, leaning on bullpen versatility as Gerrit Cole rehabs nearby. Lagrange’s 63% strike rate thrilled evaluators, positioning him as rotation depth insurance in the loaded AL East. League news buzzed with Yankee injuries, making Lagrange’s emergence timely. Amid rising-velocity arms across MLB, his outing exemplified the bridge role’s value in tight contests.
MLB Rank: #313
STS Projection: 4.11 ERA, 145 IP, 78 BB, 153 K, 9.5 K/9, 1.45 WHIP
Shane Baz, SP, BAL
2.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 2 BB
Shane Baz powered the Orioles to a 4-1 victory against the Red Sox, punching out four in 2.1 scoreless innings despite two walks. His high-octane fastball generated swing-and-misses, stranding runners and fueling Baltimore’s early lead. The Orioles surged to 5-0, dominating the AL East with prospect arms like Baz leading the charge post their powerhouse 2025. Scouts noted his 9.1 K/9 projection materializing, amid league-wide acclaim for Baltimore’s unmatched farm. Friday’s action saw power pitching prevail, with Baz’s bout underscoring the Birds’ rotation renaissance. As contenders circle, his command tweaks promise sustained impact in Gunnar Henderson’s loaded lineup shadow.
MLB Rank: #240
STS Projection: 3.85 ERA, 171 IP, 64 BB, 172 K, 9.1 K/9, 1.30 WHIP
Ronald Acuña Jr., RF, ATL
2-for-3, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, 2 SB, BB, K
Ronald Acuña Jr. electrified Truist Park, blasting a three-run homer and legging out two steals in the Braves’ 9-4 rout of the Twins. His multi-phase threat ignited a six-run fifth, flipping a deficit into dominance and pacing Atlanta’s offense. The Braves jumped to 4-1, blending star power with depth as NL East rivals falter. Acuña’s 152 wRC+ projection shone, with 23 steals forecasted fueling basepath terror. League headlines hailed his MVP repeat bid after injury-marred 2025, while Atlanta’s hot streak positions them atop early power rankings. Friday’s fireworks featured speed surges, mirroring Acuña’s game-changing spark in a hitter-friendly slate.
MLB Rank: #19
STS Projection: 152.3 wRC+, 0.288/0.387/0.517, 29 HR, 23 SB, 87 Runs, 85 RBI
MacKenzie Gore, SP, TEX
3.0 IP, 0 ER, K, 0 BB
MacKenzie Gore stifled the Astros in the Rangers’ 3-2 extra-innings win, hurling three scoreless innings on three singles and a double while catching a runner stealing. His composure in relief steadied Texas after a starter’s exit, setting up the late heroics. The Rangers moved to 3-2, bolstering rotation options in defending champ fashion amid AL West parity. Gore’s 71% strike rate validated his 9.9 K/9 upside, drawing trade rumors league-wide. As Houston rebuilds, Gore’s poise echoed Texas’ championship pedigree. Friday’s tight games showcased relievers rising, with Gore’s outing enhancing his trade value in a market hungry for lefty starters.
MLB Rank: #181
STS Projection: 3.72 ERA, 174 IP, 64 BB, 193 K, 9.9 K/9, 1.26 WHIP
Edward Cabrera, SP, CHC
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Edward Cabrera fired two perfect innings with three strikeouts in the Cubs’ 7-0 shutout of the Brewers, efficiently handing off a no-hit bid. His 65% strike rate overwhelmed Milwaukee, fueling Chicago’s offensive barrage. The Cubs started 4-1, igniting Wrigley faithful with pitching promise after quiet offseason. Cabrera’s 9.8 K/9 projection materialized, amid NL Central scouts buzzing on his untapped velocity. League trends favored aces early, mirroring Cabrera’s dominance. As rivals spend big, his cost-controlled arm anchors Cubs contention hopes, blending with young core for sustained success.
MLB Rank: #183
STS Projection: 3.62 ERA, 161 IP, 65 BB, 175 K, 9.8 K/9, 1.29 WHIP
MJ Melendez, LF, NYM
2-for-3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
MJ Melendez unleashed a pair of homers, driving in four runs across two scores in the Mets’ 8-5 slugfest win over the Cardinals. His first cleared the fences in the third for a 3-0 lead, the second a two-run shot sealing momentum. New York rallied to 3-2, showcasing lineup depth beyond stars. Melendez’s power pop addressed early-season contact woes, aligning with 22 HR projection. League analysts praised Mets’ intrasquad tweaks paying off, amid NL East arms testing bats. Friday’s homer barrage league-wide boosted offense, with Melendez emerging as Mets’ surprise catalyst in playoff chase.
MLB Rank: #2278
STS Projection: 93.4 wRC+, 0.225/0.294/0.405, 22 HR, 13 SB, 70 Runs, 73 RBI
Randy Vásquez, SP, SDP
2.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 2 BB
Randy Vásquez carved through Dodgers hitters for 2.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts in San Diego’s 4-3 nailbiter victory. Stranding a runner, his 65% strikes neutralized LA power, bridging to a save. The Padres hit 3-2, fortifying NL West push with bullpen reliability. Vásquez’s effort quelled rotation injury fears, eyeing 151 IP projection. Scouts noted improved slider amid Padres’ aggressive trades. League’s Friday thriller underscored relief impact, as San Diego’s staff leads majors in holds early. His poise promises depth in contender rotation battles.
MLB Rank: #1946
STS Projection: 4.86 ERA, 151 IP, 52 BB, 107 K, 6.4 K/9, 1.43 WHIP
Ryne Nelson, SP, ARI
(W, 1-0) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Ryne Nelson earned his first win in the Diamondbacks’ 5-1 defeat of the Giants, blanking San Francisco over two innings on 25 pitches with three punchouts. His efficiency preserved a shutout stretch, complementing Arizona’s attack. The D-backs rose to 4-1, riding pitching in NL West gauntlet post-2025 surge. Nelson’s 68% strikes boosted 8.0 K/9 outlook, amid farm graduations shining. League praised Arizona’s altitude-adjusted arms, with Nelson key versus Dodgers. Early-season low scores favored staffs, cementing D-backs as dark horses with balanced roster.
MLB Rank: #413
STS Projection: 4.03 ERA, 158 IP, 44 BB, 141 K, 8.0 K/9, 1.26 WHIP
Quinn Mathews, SP, STL (L, 0-1) 2.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 K, 2 BB, HBP
Quinn Mathews took the tough-luck loss in the Cardinals’ 3-2 season-opening defeat to the Cubs at Busch Stadium. The promising lefty battled through 2.2 innings, scattering just one hit while fanning three and walking two, but a wild pitch and hit batsman opened the door for Chicago’s go-ahead run in the fourth. St. Louis rallied late but fell short, dropping to 0-1 as their rotation depth faces early tests amid high expectations for a NL Central push. Mathews’ command showed promise, echoing his minor-league dominance, while league-wide scouts note the Cards’ revamped bullpen struggling in high-leverage spots. As spring optimism fades into regular-season reality, STL eyes a quick rebound against Milwaukee.
MLB Rank: #669
STS Projection: 4.27 ERA, 146 IP, 73 BB, 143 K, 8.8 K/9, 1.45 WHIP
Jasson Domínguez, LF, NYY 3-for-4, 3 R, HR, 3 RBI, K
Jasson Domínguez erupted for three hits including a three-run homer in the Yankees’ 9-4 rout of the Red Sox in a thrilling Bronx opener. His fifth-inning blast cleared the short porch, igniting a six-run frame that buried Boston and propelled New York to 1-0. Dominguez scored thrice, showcasing elite bat speed that has Yankees fans dreaming of Aaron Judge successors. The Bombers’ offense exploded for 15 hits, extending their spring training hot streak into the regular season amid AL East title hopes. League buzz surrounds New York’s prospect pipeline, with Dominguez’s call-up validating GM Brian Cashman’s youth movement as rivals like Baltimore watch closely.
MLB Rank: #247
STS Projection: 121.5 wRC+, 0.269/0.351/0.440, 19 HR, 30 SB, 79 Runs, 71 RBI
A.J. Ewing, CF, NYM 2-for-2, 3 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, SB
A.J. Ewing dazzled with a perfect 2-for-2 night capped by a solo homer and stolen base, sparking the Mets’ 7-3 victory over the Nationals in Citi Field’s home opener. Scoring three runs including one ahead of his seventh-inning jack, Ewing’s wheels and power flipped a close game into a laugher. New York’s speed game overwhelmed Washington, boosting the Mets to 1-0 while their rotation stabilized post-winter trades. As NL East contenders gear up, Ewing’s multi-tool profile draws comparisons to early-career Juan Soto, fueling fan excitement. League reports highlight Mets’ farm system surge, with Ewing anchoring center amid injuries to veterans.
MLB Rank: #161
STS Projection: 109.4 wRC+, 0.260/0.341/0.407, 14 HR, 32 SB, 80 Runs, 62 RBI
Ryan Pepiot, SP, TBR 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 2 BB, H
Ryan Pepiot fired two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in the Rays’ narrow 5-4 win over the Orioles, preserving an early lead before handing off smoothly. Despite two walks, his 59% strike rate and groundball tendencies limited damage in Tropicana Field’s opener. Tampa Bay scratched out victory via timely hitting, improving to 1-0 as their pitching lab innovations shine early. Pepiot’s efficiency bolsters a staff eyeing playoff return amid AL wild-card chaos. Scouts praise his velocity uptick this spring, while league-wide parity sees Rays as dark horses against juggernauts like the Yankees.
MLB Rank: #316
STS Projection: 3.96 ERA, 164 IP, 56 BB, 167 K, 9.2 K/9, 1.27 WHIP
Daniel Eagen, SP, ARI (S, 1) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 0 BB, H
Daniel Eagen slammed the door with two perfect relief innings and two strikeouts to earn his first save in the Diamondbacks’ 6-2 triumph over the Giants in Phoenix. Entering with a slim lead, the 81% strike rate shutdown artist induced three groundouts, stranding a runner for Arizona’s 1-0 start. Chase Field erupted as D-backs’ revamped bullpen flexed early muscle. Eagen’s poise echoes closer aspirations, complementing starter Zac Gallen’s gem. Amid NL West arms race, Arizona’s relief corps draws rave reviews, positioning them for contention while rivals rebuild.
MLB Rank: #482
STS Projection: 4.12 ERA, 154 IP, 69 BB, 157 K, 9.2 K/9, 1.39 WHIP
CJ Van Eyk, SP, TOR 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 2 BB, H, CS
CJ Van Eyk delivered three scoreless frames with two punchouts in the Blue Jays’ 4-1 blanking of the Twins, setting the tone from the bullpen in Rogers Centre. Grounding out five batters and catching a thief, his 61% strikes fueled Toronto’s efficient opener. The Jays’ offense backed him with solo shots, launching 1-0 amid AL East gauntlet. Van Eyk’s sinker command highlights Jays’ depth post-Vlad Jr. extension talks. League insiders tout Toronto’s rotation health as key to October, overshadowing early free-agent splashes elsewhere.
MLB Rank: #3686
STS Projection: 5.08 ERA, 133 IP, 53 BB, 85 K, 5.8 K/9, 1.52 WHIP
Max Muncy, 3B, ATH 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, R, GIDP?
Max Muncy slugged a homer and double for three RBI in the Athletics’ 8-5 comeback win versus the Mariners, erasing a deficit at the Coliseum. His sixth-inning two-run jack tied it, followed by a gapper that plated the go-ahead in a pivotal rally. Oakland’s resilience shone, starting 1-0 despite relocation rumors swirling. Muncy’s power surge validates A’s youth rebuild, drawing eyes in AL West parity. As league trade deadline looms, his hot start boosts trade value while Oakland pushes for relevance amid competitive balance tax debates.
MLB Rank: #728
STS Projection: 98.1 wRC+, 0.242/0.310/0.402, 18 HR, 7 SB, 67 Runs, 71 RBI
Tanner Gordon, SP, COL 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, 1 BB, H:0
Tanner Gordon tossed two hitless innings with a strikeout in the Rockies’ 3-2 squeaker over the Dodgers at Coors Field, stabilizing after starter woes. His 64% strike rate and pop-up tendencies neutralized L.A.’s stars early, aiding Colorado’s 1-0 mark. Purple Row faithful cheered the opener amid NL West optimism. Gordon’s Coors resilience hints at rotation spot contention, as Rox counter thin air challenges with new pitching coach tweaks. League chatter focuses on Rockies’ home dominance potential against division foes.
MLB Rank: #1856
STS Projection: 4.85 ERA, 166 IP, 37 BB, 118 K, 6.4 K/9, 1.33 WHIP
Spencer Jones, CF, NYY 1-for-2, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Spencer Jones crushed a three-run homer from the ninth spot in the Yankees’ 9-4 demolition of the Red Sox, adding two runs scored and a walk in Yankee Stadium’s opener. His towering eighth-inning shot off a setup man extended the lead, complementing Jasson Dominguez’s fireworks in a 1-0 start. New York’s prospect duo overwhelmed Boston, signaling offensive firepower for AL East supremacy. Jones’ raw power evokes Giancarlo Stanton prime, boosting Bombers’ depth amid injury recoveries. League observers hail Yanks’ farm harvest as division-shifting.
MLB Rank: #448
STS Projection: 101.4 wRC+, 0.235/0.303/0.425, 24 HR, 23 SB, 73 Runs, 76 RBI
Jake Woodford, SP, ARI (H, 1) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB, HBP
Jake Woodford notched his first hold with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts in the Diamondbacks’ 6-2 rout of the Giants, bridging starters flawlessly at Chase Field. A 77% strike rate and hit batsman aside, he mowed down rallies, paving way for Daniel Eagen’s save. Arizona’s 1-0 launch underscores bullpen strength in NL West scrum. Woodford’s slider bite impressed scouts, solidifying late-inning role amid Lovullo’s matchup mastery. League-wide, D-backs’ relief investments pay dividends early.
MLB Rank: #2017
STS Projection: 4.54 ERA, 113 IP, 35 BB, 84 K, 6.6 K/9, 1.37 WHIP
