MLB Highlights: 2026-03-22

Yesterday’s Top Major League Performances!

Bryan Woo, SP, SEA
6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 K, 0 BB (W, 1-0)
Bryan Woo dominated in the Mariners’ season-opening 1-0 shutout victory over the Athletics at T-Mobile Park, scattering just three hits while walking none to earn his first win of 2026. His pinpoint control and groundball-inducing style silenced Oakland’s lineup, stranding runners and preserving the gem for Seattle’s bullpen to close. Woo’s efficient 73-pitch outing set the tone for a pitching duel that highlighted the AL West’s early intensity, as the Mariners kicked off the year with a statement win amid high expectations for their revamped rotation. Around the league, the low-scoring affair echoed a trend of stellar starting pitching on Opening Day, with Seattle’s staff trending toward early dominance while Woo’s prospect pedigree shines brighter.
MLB Rank: #77
STS Projection: 3.52 ERA, 180 IP, 40 BB, 180 K, 9.0 K/9, 1.15 WHIP

Will Warren, SP, NYY
5.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 K, 0 BB (W, 2-1)
Will Warren dazzled in the Yankees’ thrilling 2-1 win against the Orioles, firing five scoreless innings with six strikeouts and no walks to notch the victory in his 2026 debut. The young righty’s nasty slider baffled Baltimore hitters, limiting them to a single hit and fueling New York’s comeback from an early deficit. Warren’s command anchored a resilient performance, extending the Yankees’ strong Opening Day trends as they eye another AL East crown. League-wide, his gem joined a wave of prospect breakouts, with scouts praising his fastball velocity gains amid reports of Gerrit Cole’s minor setback elsewhere in the rotation. New York’s early momentum builds excitement for their star-studded lineup to provide more run support.
MLB Rank: #306
STS Projection: 3.83 ERA, 162 IP, 55 BB, 156 K, 8.7 K/9, 1.28 WHIP

Cade Horton, SP, CHC
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB (W, 2-1)
Cade Horton delivered a masterful six shutout innings in the Cubs’ 2-1 nailbiter over the Brewers, earning the win with four hits allowed and impeccable control to kick off Chicago’s season on a high note. His groundball-heavy approach neutralized Milwaukee’s power threats, stranding two steals while the Cubs’ offense scratched across just enough runs late. Horton’s poise in a pitchers’ duel underscored the North Siders’ rotation depth, trending toward contention in the NL Central after offseason additions. As the league buzzes with young arms shining on Opening Day, including debuts across divisions, Horton’s efficiency signals a breakout year, bolstering Chicago’s playoff aspirations amid early divisional grinds.
MLB Rank: #308
STS Projection: 3.97 ERA, 147 IP, 49 BB, 138 K, 8.4 K/9, 1.30 WHIP

Sonny Gray, SP, STL
6.0 IP, 2 ER, 9 K, 0 BB
Sonny Gray struck out nine over six frames in the Cardinals’ 6-3 triumph versus the Marlins, fanning Miami’s bats with his signature changeup to anchor St. Louis’ potent offense in the opener. Despite yielding two earned runs including a homer, Gray’s 78-pitch efficiency and hit-by-pitch resilience kept the game in hand, paving the way for a comfortable win. The Cards’ early firepower signals a resurgent NL Central push, blending veteran savvy with youth like teammate McGreevy’s later gem. League news highlights Gray’s velocity uptick, contrasting injury concerns in the division, as St. Louis trends hot out the gate with designs on October.
MLB Rank: #52
STS Projection: 3.40 ERA, 187 IP, 49 BB, 198 K, 9.5 K/9, 1.17 WHIP

Dylan Cease, SP, SDP
5.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 K, 2 BB (W, 1-0)
Dylan Cease blanked the Giants for five innings with six strikeouts in the Padres’ 1-0 squeaker at Petco Park, grabbing the win despite two walks in a tense low-scoring battle. His electric fastball-slider combo overwhelmed San Francisco, allowing three hits while the San Diego offense delivered a lone run for support. Cease’s gritty outing launches the Padres toward NL West dominance, extending their reputation for shutdown starters amid Fernando Tatis Jr.’s hot spring carryover. As Opening Day showcases pitching supremacy league-wide, San Diego’s early shutout win trends perfectly against divisional foes buzzing with Giants’ roster tweaks.
MLB Rank: #88
STS Projection: 3.47 ERA, 179 IP, 67 BB, 209 K, 10.5 K/9, 1.23 WHIP

Kyle Bradish, SP, BAL
5.1 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 3 BB (W, 2-0)
Kyle Bradish tossed 5.1 scoreless innings in the Orioles’ 2-0 shutout of the Red Sox, securing the win with sharp command despite three walks to fuel Baltimore’s early AL East statement. Inducing grounders galore, he navigated traffic flawlessly, handing off a gem to the bullpen amid Fenway’s raucous crowd. The O’s young core trends unstoppable post-2025 surge, with Bradish’s durability key to rotation health news overshadowing Boston’s sluggish start. League-wide, his performance joins elite shutouts, heightening hype for Baltimore’s title defense aspirations.
MLB Rank: #102
STS Projection: 3.34 ERA, 159 IP, 50 BB, 170 K, 9.6 K/9, 1.20 WHIP

Tyler Glasnow, SP, LAD
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 11 K, 1 BB (W, 2-0)
Tyler Glasnow racked up 11 strikeouts in five innings of one-run ball during the Dodgers’ 2-0 victory over the Padres, earning the win with overwhelming stuff that fanned Dodgers rivals relentlessly. Allowing a solo homer but no walks beyond one, his 88 pitches maximized swing-and-miss, preserving LA’s lead in a classic duel. The Dodgers’ star-laden squad trends toward dynasty extension, Glasnow’s health a bright spot amid rotation injury whispers league-wide. Opening Day brilliance underscores their NL West supremacy, with Glasnow’s K-rate spiking expectations sky-high.
MLB Rank: #64
STS Projection: 3.30 ERA, 166 IP, 61 BB, 193 K, 10.5 K/9, 1.22 WHIP

Tyler Mahle, SP, TEX
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 K, 1 BB
Tyler Mahle crafted five innings of one-run baseball with four strikeouts in the Rangers’ 4-2 win against the Angels, stabilizing the Texas rotation early despite a solo homer allowed. Efficient at 67 pitches, he mixed pitches masterfully to limit damage, supporting Arlington’s offensive breakout. The defending champs trend rebounding from sluggish springs, Mahle’s bounce-back form key amid AL West parity news. His gem complements league-wide pitching feats, positioning Texas for another playoff run.
MLB Rank: #871
STS Projection: 4.36 ERA, 144 IP, 47 BB, 120 K, 7.5 K/9, 1.36 WHIP

Michael McGreevy, SP, STL
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, 0 BB (W, 4-0)
Michael McGreevy shut down the Reds over five innings with five punchouts in the Cardinals’ 4-0 blanking, claiming the win on zero walks and crisp 62-pitch control despite a homer. His groundball clinic fueled St. Louis’ sweep hopes in a doubleheader split, showcasing depth behind Gray’s earlier start. The Birds on the Bat trend scorching early, McGreevy’s poise amid NL Central dogfights amplifying prospect buzz. League reports laud his fastball command, contrasting divisional arms races.
MLB Rank: #381
STS Projection: 4.10 ERA, 176 IP, 37 BB, 129 K, 6.6 K/9, 1.28 WHIP

Gabriel Moreno, C, ARI
3-for-4, 2 HR, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI
Gabriel Moreno erupted for three hits including two homers and a double in the Diamondbacks’ 9-5 rout of the Dodgers, driving in two runs and scoring twice to power Arizona’s offensive onslaught in the opener. His three extra-base blasts ignited a rally that buried LA’s staff, highlighting his breakout potential behind the plate. The D-backs trend explosive early, Moreno’s power surge complementing Corbin Carroll’s speed amid NL West chaos. League scouts rave over his plate coverage gains, fueling Arizona’s wildcard contention buzz post-2025 surge.
MLB Rank: #71
STS Projection: 115.0 wRC+, 0.272/0.348/0.418, 16 HR, 6 SB, 72 Runs, 67 RBI

Gavin Williams, SP, CLE
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K, 0 BB (W, 2-1)
Gavin Williams delivered a gem in the Cleveland Guardians’ 2-1 thriller over the New York Mets, earning his second win of the young season. The right-hander scattered five hits over five frames, striking out three while walking none, and picked off a runner to strand trouble. His efficient 64-pitch outing set the tone for a pitcher’s duel with David Peterson, as Cleveland’s bullpen slammed the door. Williams’ control helped the Guardians improve to 3-0, extending their hot start atop the AL Central amid a flurry of early prospect showcases league-wide. With Tanner Bibee sidelined by injury news, Williams steps up as Cleveland’s rotation anchor, fueling optimism for a playoff return after last year’s wild card heartbreak.
MLB Rank: #278
STS Projection: 3.88 ERA, 163 IP, 69 BB, 169 K, 9.3 K/9, 1.34 WHIP

David Peterson, SP, NYM
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 K, BB
David Peterson kept the New York Mets in a taut 1-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, matching Gavin Williams in a marquee early-season duel. The lefty fanned four over five innings, allowing five hits and one walk on 76 pitches, though a wild pitch and solo homer dented his line. Peterson’s resilience stranded runners and highlighted his growth, but Mets’ bats went quiet in the 2-1 defeat. New York drops to 1-2, searching for offensive spark amid NL East expectations, while league scouts note Peterson’s command surge post-minors tweaks. As the Mets chase a division crown, his bounce-back potential looms large in a rotation bolstered by Kodai Senga’s healthy return.
MLB Rank: #267
STS Projection: 3.91 ERA, 171 IP, 62 BB, 150 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.35 WHIP

Jorge Soler, RF, LAA
2-for-3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, K
Jorge Soler unleashed a power display, smashing two homers and driving in four runs to propel the Los Angeles Angels to a 7-2 rout of the Chicago White Sox. His first blast in the third erased an early deficit, and a three-run shot in the fifth buried Sean Burke, igniting Angel Stadium. Soler’s clutch swings paced a lineup erupting for 14 hits, boosting LAA to 2-1 early amid AL West rebuild buzz. Mike Trout’s ongoing absence puts pressure on Soler, whose hot start signals resurgence after a quiet spring, as Angels eye contention with Arte Moreno’s new commitments. League-wide, power surges like Soler’s fuel prospect hype in Opening Month frenzy.
MLB Rank: #2013
STS Projection: 104.5 wRC+, 0.229/0.314/0.419, 25 HR, 1 SB, 69 Runs, 76 RBI

Sean Burke, SP, CHW
5.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 K, BB (L, 0-3)
Sean Burke battled valiantly but took the hard-luck loss in the Chicago White Sox’s 2-7 defeat to the Los Angeles Angels, fanning six over five innings with one walk and three hits allowed. A triple and homer to Jorge Soler proved costly, as his 74-pitch effort kept Chicago close until the fifth. Dropping to 0-3, the White Sox limp to 0-3, underscoring rotation woes amid rebuild pains and Luis Robert trade rumors swirling league-wide. Burke’s strikeout stuff shines, picking up a steal prevention, but run support evaporates. As Chicago chases lottery odds, his prospect pedigree offers faint hope in a dismal South Side spring.
MLB Rank: #916
STS Projection: 4.48 ERA, 150 IP, 64 BB, 143 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.40 WHIP

Jesús Sánchez, RF, HOU
2-for-4, HR, 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI, K
Jesús Sánchez starred in the Houston Astros’ 8-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, ripping a homer, double, and four RBI to fuel a comeback. His two-run double in the fourth tied it, and a solo homer sealed the deal, scoring twice in a 15-hit assault. Teammate Cristian Javier’s solid start set the stage, lifting Houston to 2-1 amid AL West dogfight with Seattle’s hot streak. Sánchez’s emergence fills Yordan Alvarez injury void news, boosting Astros’ lineup depth as playoff regulars age. League observers praise his athleticism, positioning HOU for another deep run in Justin Verlander’s shadow retirement talks.
MLB Rank: #275
STS Projection: 111.2 wRC+, 0.253/0.322/0.440, 23 HR, 14 SB, 76 Runs, 75 RBI

John Michael Bertrand, SP, SFG
5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
John Michael Bertrand dazzled in the San Francisco Giants’ 3-1 triumph over the Oakland Athletics, firing five scoreless innings on two hits with three strikeouts and no walks. His 67-pitch mastery induced 15 outs, mostly grounders, stifling Oakland’s lineup in a Bay Bridge battle. No-decision belies his dominance, as Giants’ offense provided just enough, improving to 2-1 in NL West contention mode. With Logan Webb leading aces, Bertrand’s control emerges amid Giants’ youth movement and Oracle Park upgrades buzz. League-wide prospect arms like his signal pitching renaissance as velocity era evolves.
MLB Rank: #3702
STS Projection: 5.38 ERA, 154 IP, 60 BB, 75 K, 4.4 K/9, 1.57 WHIP

Alejandro Kirk, C, TOR
3-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB
Alejandro Kirk tormented the Houston Astros with a 3-for-3 night including a homer, double, three RBI, and two runs in a gritty 5-8 loss. His second-inning two-bagger and fifth-frame blast rallied Toronto, but Houston’s firepower prevailed. Kirk’s perfect plate discipline paced the Jays’ 10 hits, dropping them to 1-2 in AL East scrum. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s slump news amplifies Kirk’s backstop value, as Bo Bichette extension talks heat up. Kirk’s offensive surge from behind plate draws catcher scarcity comps league-wide, fueling Toronto’s wildcard hunt amid rotation health scares.
MLB Rank: #25
STS Projection: 120.6 wRC+, 0.276/0.354/0.432, 18 HR, 2 SB, 72 Runs, 70 RBI

Cristian Javier, SP, HOU
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 K, 2 BB
Cristian Javier anchored the Houston Astros’ 8-5 slugfest win over the Toronto Blue Jays, surrendering one run over five innings on four hits despite two walks. Catching a runner stealing and navigating 11 air outs, his 69-pitch stint bridged to a potent offense led by Jesús Sánchez. Houston climbs to 2-1, solidifying AL West favorites status amid Framber Valdez Cy Young whispers. Javier’s post-Tommy John resilience shines, countering velocity dip concerns in Astros’ stacked staff. League rotation battles intensify as Astros chase repeat glory in shortened spring era.
MLB Rank: #1948
STS Projection: 4.98 ERA, 148 IP, 63 BB, 130 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.45 WHIP

Jeffrey Springs, SP, ATH
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Jeffrey Springs flashed ace potential in the Oakland Athletics’ 4-2 setback to the San Francisco Giants, striking out four in three perfect innings on 31 pitches. No hits or walks fueled early momentum, but bullpen faltered in the Bay Area rivalry. Oakland slips to 1-2, clinging to AL West underdog hopes amid Las Vegas relocation updates. Springs’ efficiency, with 77% strikes, spotlights his comeback from injuries, drawing trade speculation. As A’s rebuild with young core, his strikeout artistry injects optimism in a league trending toward small-ball amid homer barrage.
MLB Rank: #1364
STS Projection: 4.68 ERA, 159 IP, 49 BB, 131 K, 7.4 K/9, 1.36 WHIP

Mitch Keller, SP, PIT
3.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, BB
Mitch Keller powered through in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 6-3 win versus a divisional foe, punching out five over 3.2 innings with one run on three hits. A double cost him, but groundouts galore and 72-pitch control kept rallies in check. No-decision, yet pivotal in Pirates surging to 2-1 NL Central lead. Paul Skenes hype dominates headlines, but Keller’s command cements rotation depth amid Oneil Cruz extension buzz. Pittsburgh’s youth explosion mirrors league prospect wave, positioning Bucco brass for contention breakout after lean years.
MLB Rank: #335
STS Projection: 4.10 ERA, 188 IP, 53 BB, 167 K, 8.0 K/9, 1.28 WHIP