MLB Highlights: 2026-03-14

Yesterday’s Top Major League Performances!

Brandon Nimmo, LF, TEX
4-for-4, 2 HR, 2B, 5 R, 4 RBI, BB
Brandon Nimmo delivered a monster performance in the Rangers’ 12-3 rout of the Cardinals on Saturday, blasting two home runs including a three-run shot in the third that ignited Texas’s offensive explosion. His double and five runs scored propelled the Rangers to a convincing win, building on their 2-0 start to the season amid a revamped lineup hungry for October. Eovaldi’s strong outing complemented Nimmo’s fireworks, while league-wide, the AL West heats up with Houston’s comeback victory over Seattle. As Texas eyes another deep playoff run, Nimmo’s perfect day underscores his breakout potential, silencing doubters after a quiet spring. Scouts note his improved launch angle, positioning him as a cornerstone for the Rangers’ championship aspirations in 2026.
MLB Rank: #435
STS Projection: 107.6 wRC+, 0.250/0.330/0.411, 18 HR, 9 SB, 74 Runs, 67 RBI

Shea Langeliers, C, ATH
3-for-3, 3 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R
Shea Langeliers powered the Athletics to a thrilling 9-1 victory over the Angels, launching three home runs that single-handedly accounted for nine runs in Oakland’s explosive opener weekend. His first-inning blast set the tone, followed by solo shots in the fourth and seventh, overwhelming the Angels’ staff while Jacob Lopez dazzled on the mound for his first win. The A’s improve to 2-0, riding momentum from a rebuilt farm system into a competitive AL West. League buzz surrounds Oakland’s youth movement, with Langeliers emerging as a defensive anchor and power threat. As the Athletics chase relevance after relocation talks, his historic day fuels optimism, drawing comparisons to young busts-turned-stars amid rising attendance in their new ballpark.
MLB Rank: #192
STS Projection: 115.0 wRC+, 0.253/0.314/0.466, 29 HR, 7 SB, 75 Runs, 84 RBI

Bryce Elder, SP, ATL
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 K, 2 BB
Bryce Elder steadied the Braves in a tight 4-2 win over the Phillies, scattering one run over five innings with six strikeouts to anchor Atlanta’s early-season dominance. His command limited damage despite two walks, setting up the bullpen for a series-clinching hold as the Braves surged to 3-0. Teammates rallied behind his gem, plating four runs against Philly’s ace. Across the NL East, Washington’s upset adds intrigue, but Atlanta’s rotation depth shines. Elder’s efficiency, touching 95 mph, signals ace potential after offseason tweaks, bolstering the Braves’ repeat World Series quest in a loaded division where every start counts toward October glory.
MLB Rank: #553
STS Projection: 4.28 ERA, 180 IP, 58 BB, 144 K, 7.2 K/9, 1.36 WHIP

Jacob Lopez, SP, ATH
4.0 IP, 0 ER, 7 K, BB (W, 1-0)
Jacob Lopez earned his first win of 2026 in the Athletics’ 6-0 shutout of the Angels, firing four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts on just 52 pitches. His electric stuff overwhelmed hitters, stranding a runner and preserving Oakland’s perfect 2-0 mark in a statement series opener. Langeliers’ three-homer barrage provided ample support, while the A’s bullpen slammed the door. League notes highlight Oakland’s aggressive rebuild paying dividends early, contrasting AL West rivals’ stumbles. Lopez’s 69% strike rate hints at rotation staying power, exciting fans as the Athletics aim to crash the playoffs for the first time in years amid surging regional interest.
MLB Rank: #522
STS Projection: 4.14 ERA, 137 IP, 51 BB, 142 K, 9.4 K/9, 1.31 WHIP

Brayan Bello, SP, BOS
5.0 IP, 0 ER, 7 K, 0 BB
Brayan Bello dominated the Yankees in a 3-1 Red Sox triumph, tossing five shutout innings with seven punchouts on 67 pitches to stifle New York’s lineup. His pinpoint control induced weak contact, stranding a runner and fueling Boston’s 2-0 start against a bitter rival. Rafael Devers’ clutch homer sealed it, extending the Fenway faithful’s early joy. AL East parity grips the league with Baltimore’s walk-off win nearby, but Bello’s gem reinforces Boston’s rotation resurgence post-offseason additions. His perfect command positions the Sox for contention, silencing trade rumors as they chase a wild card in a marathon division race.
MLB Rank: #319
STS Projection: 4.02 ERA, 176 IP, 59 BB, 149 K, 7.6 K/9, 1.34 WHIP

Tarik Skubal, SP, DET
4.2 IP, 1 ER, 7 K, 0 BB (W, 1-0)
Tarik Skubal picked up his first victory in the Tigers’ 5-2 decision over the Guardians, navigating 4.2 innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts and zero walks. Grounders galore neutralized Cleveland’s contact hitters, while Detroit’s offense erupted for his support in a 2-0 start. The AL Central tightens with Minnesota’s rally elsewhere, but Skubal’s efficiency cements his ace status. League whispers praise his velocity spike, validating Detroit’s youth core amid playoff drought. As the Tigers build sustainably, his dominance sparks visions of October returns, thrilling a rejuvenated fanbase hungry for relevance.
MLB Rank: #4
STS Projection: 2.51 ERA, 193 IP, 40 BB, 237 K, 11.1 K/9, 1.00 WHIP

Max Scherzer, SP, TOR
4.2 IP, 0 ER, 5 K, 2 BB
Max Scherzer silenced the Orioles in a 4-0 Blue Jays blanking, scattering two hits over 4.2 scoreless frames with five strikeouts to lead Toronto’s 1-1 turnaround. Veteran savvy stranded threats, paving the way for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s RBI double in a pitchers’ duel. AL East volatility shows with Boston’s win above, but Scherzer’s crisp outing steadies the Jays early. At 41, his resilience defies Father Time, bolstering a rotation eyeing contention. As Toronto integrates prospects, Scherzer mentors amid trade deadline speculation, fueling championship echoes from their 2025 surge.
MLB Rank: #1002
STS Projection: 4.52 ERA, 162 IP, 49 BB, 154 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.30 WHIP

Freddy Peralta, SP, NYM
4.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, BB (L, 2-1)
Freddy Peralta took a tough-luck loss in the Mets’ 3-2 heartbreaker to the Nationals, allowing one run over four innings with five strikeouts despite stranding chances. Washington rallied late against the bullpen, dropping New York to 1-2 in a sloppy NL East scrum. Peralta’s sharp slider kept hitters off-balance, but timely defense failed. League-wide, Atlanta’s streak looms large, pressuring the Mets’ rebuild. His bounce-back potential shines through control, as Steve Cohen’s spending aims for quick contention amid Citi Field renovations drawing crowds.
MLB Rank: #245
STS Projection: 3.90 ERA, 172 IP, 61 BB, 186 K, 9.7 K/9, 1.27 WHIP

Andre Pallante, SP, STL
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 K, 3 BB
Andre Pallante battled through five innings of one-run ball in the Cardinals’ 5-4 loss to Texas, fanning four amid three walks but limiting damage with grounders. Nimmo’s barrage proved too much, dropping St. Louis to 0-3 despite a late rally. Pallante picked off a runner, showcasing grit in a tough matchup. NL Central heats with Cubs’ upset, but Cards’ offense sputters early. His sinker-heavy approach hints at back-end reliability, as veteran hires stabilize a youth movement chasing wild-card dreams in Busch Stadium’s revival era.
MLB Rank: #539
STS Projection: 4.02 ERA, 146 IP, 56 BB, 115 K, 7.1 K/9, 1.40 WHIP

Nathan Eovaldi, SP, TEX
5.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 K, 0 BB (W, 1-1)
Nathan Eovaldi secured his first win in the Rangers’ 12-3 demolition of St. Louis, grinding 5.2 innings with five strikeouts and no walks despite two runs. Nimmo’s power show backed his resilient effort, vaulting Texas to 2-0 amid World Series hangover momentum. Pallante faltered opposite, highlighting Texas’ edge. AL West parity grips with Oakland’s shutout nearby, but Eovaldi’s veteran poise anchors the staff. As Rangers integrate prospects, his consistency eyes another title run, electrifying Arlington faithful post-2025 parade echoes.
MLB Rank: #73
STS Projection: 3.52 ERA, 181 IP, 48 BB, 173 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.21 WHIP

### MLB Recap: March 14, 2026

Ben Brown, SP, CHC
4.0 IP, ER, 6 K, 0 BB
Ben Brown dazzled in his MLB debut for the Cubs, firing four innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts and zero walks, anchoring a 5-1 Opening Day rout of the Pirates. His pinpoint control limited Pittsburgh to two hits, including a lone triple, while Chicago’s bats provided ample support with timely rallies. The Cubs improved to 2-0 early, riding a resurgent rotation amid NL Central hype. League-wide, aces like Fried and Houser set a dominant tone on pitchers’ duels Saturday. Brown’s efficiency—51 pitches for 12 outs—signals prospect readiness, positioning Chicago for a deep playoff run as scouts praise his strikeout arsenal.
MLB Rank: #256
STS Projection: 3.75 ERA, 133 IP, 45 BB, 138 K, 9.4 K/9, 1.26 WHIP

Max Fried, SP, NYY
5.1 IP, 3 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Max Fried steadied the Yankees with 5.1 innings of three-run ball, four strikeouts, and no free passes in a gritty 4-3 win over the Blue Jays. Despite two steals against him, Fried induced seven groundouts to escape jams, handing New York an early 1-0 mark in the AL East gauntlet. The Bronx Bombers’ bullpen slammed the door amid Toronto’s late push. As the AL East heats up, Fried’s veteran poise echoes his Atlanta glory days. League notes buzz about Tampa’s staff depth after Houser’s quality start. Fried’s 75-pitch efficiency bolsters Yankee hopes for a title defense.
MLB Rank: #36
STS Projection: 3.26 ERA, 190 IP, 56 BB, 183 K, 8.7 K/9, 1.21 WHIP

Adrian Houser, SP, TBR
5.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 K, BB
Adrian Houser powered the Rays to a 6-2 triumph over the Orioles, logging five innings with two runs, six punchouts, and one walk on 73 pitches. His groundball mastery—eight groundouts—neutralized Baltimore’s power, yielding just one homer in a strong season opener. Tampa Bay jumps to 1-0, extending their reputation for pitching wizardry in the AL East scrum. Offense backed him with multi-run frames, while league eyes turn to Fried’s duel up north. Houser’s resilience amid early walks cements his rotation role, fueling Rays’ wildcard contention.
MLB Rank: #709
STS Projection: 4.27 ERA, 154 IP, 53 BB, 119 K, 6.9 K/9, 1.38 WHIP

Ryan Weiss
(W, 1-0) 4.1 IP, 0 ER, K, BB
Ryan Weiss earned the win in a 7-2 blanking of the Nationals, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings with one strikeout and a walk for his first MLB victory. Chicago’s offense erupted post his exit, but Weiss’s eight groundouts kept Washington hitless early, stranding threats efficiently on 53 pitches. The team surges to 1-0, building momentum in a wide-open AL Central. League whispers highlight Clemmey’s tough debut opposite. Weiss’s debut poise impresses, hinting at bullpen versatility as rosters stabilize post-spring.
MLB Rank: #8000
STS Projection:

Alex Clemmey, SP, WSN
(L, 0-1) 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, BB
Alex Clemmey suffered the loss despite three scoreless innings, two strikeouts, and a walk in Washington’s 2-7 defeat to the opponent’s staff ace. Hitless through his stint, Clemmey induced air outs but watched the bullpen falter, dropping the Nats to 0-1 in NL East wars. Early rust showed in 50 pitches, yet his command flashed prospect upside. Around MLB, Weiss’s win mirrored this matchup’s intensity. Washington’s lineup sputtered, but Clemmey’s gem offers hope amid rebuild buzz.
MLB Rank: #1029
STS Projection: 4.57 ERA, 135 IP, 84 BB, 116 K, 7.8 K/9, 1.62 WHIP

Brandon Sproat, SP, MIL
(H, 1) 4.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Brandon Sproat notched a hold with 4.2 innings of two-run ball, three strikeouts, and no walks, aiding Milwaukee’s 5-3 victory over the Reds. Nine groundouts and a caught stealing thwarted Cincinnati rallies in his 65-pitch relief gem. The Brewers grab a 1-0 start, leaning on staff depth in NL Central fray. League scouts nod to Vasil’s win elsewhere. Sproat’s pickoff skills shine, boosting his call-up narrative as Milwaukee eyes contention.
MLB Rank: #430
STS Projection: 4.05 ERA, 148 IP, 57 BB, 127 K, 7.7 K/9, 1.37 WHIP

Mike Vasil, SP, CHW
(W, 2-0) 3.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 2 BB
Mike Vasil snagged his second win, hurling 3.2 shutout innings with three strikeouts and two walks in the White Sox’s 4-0 blanking of the Twins. Efficient at 46 pitches, he mixed outs to silence Minnesota early, sparking Chicago’s surprising 2-0 hot start amid rebuild skepticism. Offense pounced behind him in AL Central chaos. MLB notes praise Freeland’s scoreless stint out west. Vasil’s debut poise elevates Sox spirits.
MLB Rank: #1384
STS Projection: 4.37 ERA, 115 IP, 44 BB, 92 K, 7.2 K/9, 1.41 WHIP

Josh Smith, SS, TEX
1-1 | HR, 3 BB, 5 RBI
Josh Smith erupted for a homer, three walks, and five RBI in Texas’s 9-4 thrashing of the Mariners, going 1-for-1 with two runs. His grand slam-ish blast cleared bases in the sixth, flipping a close game and vaulting the Rangers to 1-0 in AL West defense of their crown. Plate discipline dazzled, drawing free passes galore. League power show includes Devers’ dinger. Smith’s versatility keys Texas resurgence.
MLB Rank: #431
STS Projection: 98.9 wRC+, 0.245/0.333/0.369, 12 HR, 12 SB, 70 Runs, 58 RBI

Kyle Freeland, SP, COL
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Kyle Freeland sparkled with three scoreless innings, four strikeouts, and no walks on 34 pitches, fueling Colorado’s 3-1 upset over the Giants. One hit and pure dominance silenced San Francisco early at Coors, defying altitude woes for a 1-0 start. Bats scratched enough runs. MLB contrasts Devers’ homer in loss. Freeland’s efficiency revives Rockie optimism.
MLB Rank: #1151
STS Projection: 4.63 ERA, 174 IP, 45 BB, 130 K, 6.7 K/9, 1.34 WHIP

Rafael Devers, DH, SFG
2-3 | HR, K, 3 RBI
Rafael Devers slugged a two-run homer and drove in three, going 2-for-3 with two runs in San Francisco’s 5-3 loss to Colorado. His fifth-inning blast narrowed the gap, but pitching faltered late, dropping the Giants to 0-1 in NL West shuffle. Power flashed post-trade buzz. League RBI fireworks from Smith. Devers’ bat anchors SFG lineup rebuild.
MLB Rank: #72
STS Projection: 129.6 wRC+, 0.254/0.350/0.473, 28 HR, 3 SB, 78 Runs, 83 RBI