MLB Highlights: 2026-03-26

Yesterday’s Top Major League Performances!

Trevor Rogers, SP, BAL
7.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 K, 4 BB (W, 1-0)
Trevor Rogers delivered a gem on Opening Day, scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings to lead the Orioles to a 1-0 shutout victory over the Blue Jays. His command kept Toronto off-balance, stranding runners repeatedly despite four walks, securing his first win of the season. Baltimore’s bullpen slammed the door, starting their campaign 1-0 with momentum toward another playoff run. Rogers’ poise highlighted the Orioles’ young rotation depth, echoing Garrett Crochet’s dominant Boston debut across the league. As AL East rivals gear up, Rogers’ efficient 88 pitches signal a breakout year for the prospect, boosting fan excitement early. The shutout duel underscored MLB’s pitching renaissance on a day filled with low-scoring thrillers.
MLB Rank: #398
STS Projection: 4.09 ERA, 168 IP, 54 BB, 145 K, 7.8 K/9, 1.33 WHIP

José Soriano, SP, LAA
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 7 K, 4 BB (W, 1-0)
José Soriano dazzled in his Angels debut, firing six shutout innings with seven strikeouts in a tense 1-0 win against the Athletics. Despite four walks and a stolen base allowed, he induced weak contact, limiting damage to two hits. Los Angeles’ offense scratched across the lone run, and the bullpen preserved the shutout, launching the Halos to 1-0 amid their AL West rebuild. Soriano’s strike percentage topped 66%, mirroring Cristopher Sánchez’s Phillies mastery league-wide. As prospects shine on Opening Day, Soriano’s control improvements position the Angels for contention, with scouts praising his fastball velocity spikes. The pitcher’s duel captivated fans, setting a tone for dominant starters dominating early box scores.
MLB Rank: #118
STS Projection: 3.42 ERA, 158 IP, 68 BB, 149 K, 8.5 K/9, 1.34 WHIP

Joe Ryan, SP, MIN
5.1 IP, 0 ER, 7 K, 2 BB
Joe Ryan set the tone for Minnesota’s opener, tossing 5.1 scoreless innings with seven punchouts in a 2-1 victory over the Royals. Allowing just one hit, he fanned key threats, exiting with a lead that the Twins’ relievers protected. Ryan’s 68% strikes earned a no-decision but sparked the team’s 1-0 start, fueling Central Division hopes. His gem joined Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal’s shutout bids league-wide, highlighting MLB’s elite pitching prospects. As Minnesota eyes a wild card push, Ryan’s efficiency—85 pitches for 16 outs—bodes well for his workload. Opening Day’s low totals reflected renewed parity, with Ryan’s slider proving unhittable against Kansas City’s lineup.
MLB Rank: #128
STS Projection: 3.68 ERA, 181 IP, 41 BB, 192 K, 9.6 K/9, 1.15 WHIP

Garrett Crochet, SP, BOS
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 8 K, 2 BB (W, 1-0)
Garrett Crochet dominated for Boston, scattering three hits over six shutout frames with eight strikeouts in a 1-0 blanking of the Yankees. His pinpoint control limited walks, powering the Red Sox to a 1-0 start in the fierce AL East. Crochet’s 80-pitch efficiency earned the win, as the Fenway crowd erupted. Teammates lauded his velocity, syncing with Trevor Rogers’ Baltimore brilliance on Opening Day. Boston’s rotation depth promises contention, with Crochet’s prospect pedigree shining amid league-wide pitching showcases like Joe Ryan’s Twins effort. The duel evoked classic rivalry tension, positioning the Sox strongly early while scouts track his WHIP dominance.
MLB Rank: #9
STS Projection: 2.68 ERA, 185 IP, 47 BB, 229 K, 11.2 K/9, 1.05 WHIP

Tarik Skubal, SP, DET
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 K, 0 BB (W, 1-0)
Tarik Skubal was masterful for Detroit, working six innings of one-run ball—all unearned—with six strikeouts and zero walks in a 2-1 triumph over the White Sox. Perfect command fueled 74 pitches for 18 outs, clinching the win as Tigers relievers closed it out for a 1-0 launch. Skubal’s gem complemented Cristopher Sánchez’s Phillies shutout league-wide, underscoring prospect surges. Detroit’s AL Central aspirations ignite with this efficiency, his projection teasing Cy Young whispers. Opening Day’s pitching clinic, including Yamamoto’s Dodgers win, thrilled fans, positioning the Tigers as dark horses amid rebuild momentum.
MLB Rank: #4
STS Projection: 2.51 ERA, 193 IP, 40 BB, 237 K, 11.1 K/9, 1.00 WHIP

Cristopher Sánchez, SP, PHI
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 10 K, 0 BB (W, 1-0)
Cristopher Sánchez overwhelmed the Mets, fanning 10 over six scoreless innings with no walks in Philadelphia’s 1-0 shutout on Opening Day. Three hits couldn’t dent his line, earning the win as the Phillies’ pen sealed it for a 1-0 start. His 68% strike rate on 87 pitches electrified Citizens Bank Park. Sánchez’s dominance echoed Skubal’s Tigers mastery, spotlighting MLB’s top arms. Philly’s NL East title defense roars alive, with Sánchez’s prospect rise fueling playoff buzz. League-wide duels like Soriano’s Angels win set a gritty tone, validating Philly’s rotation investments early.
MLB Rank: #12
STS Projection: 2.94 ERA, 192 IP, 49 BB, 194 K, 9.1 K/9, 1.14 WHIP

Jacob Misiorowski, SP, MIL
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 11 K, 3 BB (W, 1-0)
Jacob Misiorowski struck out 11 in five innings, allowing one earned run via homer in Milwaukee’s 3-2 win over the Cubs. Despite three walks, his heat secured the victory, starting the Brewers 1-0 in the NL Central scrum. The 94-pitch outing showcased his stuff, joining Yamamoto’s Dodgers flair league-wide. Milwaukee’s contender status strengthens with this prospect’s fire, as early trends favor pitching depth. Opening Day’s strikeout barrage, including Ryan’s Twins gem, signals a low-offense season, boosting Misiorowski’s Cy Young trajectory amid Brew Crew hype.
MLB Rank: #138
STS Projection: 3.52 ERA, 127 IP, 63 BB, 151 K, 10.6 K/9, 1.32 WHIP

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, SP, LAD
6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 K, 0 BB (W, 1-0)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto grinded through six innings, yielding two runs including a homer but fanning six without walks in the Dodgers’ 4-2 Opening Day win versus San Diego. Efficient at 95 pitches, he earned the win, igniting LA’s 1-0 World Series repeat quest. His poise amid traffic mirrored Crochet’s Boston duel. Dodgers’ star power surges early, with Yamamoto’s NPB transition paying dividends league-wide. As pitching prospects like Sánchez dominate, LA’s depth positions them atop NL West standings from wire-to-wire potential.
MLB Rank: #34
STS Projection: 3.10 ERA, 172 IP, 56 BB, 195 K, 10.2 K/9, 1.18 WHIP

Hunter Brown, SP, HOU
4.2 IP, 0 ER, 9 K, 4 BB
Hunter Brown powered through 4.2 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts despite four walks in Houston’s 3-1 victory over Seattle. His 102 pitches reflected intensity, earning a no-decision as Astros relievers triumphed for 1-0. Brown’s stuff overwhelmed Mariners, aligning with Misiorowski’s Brewers fireworks. Houston’s AL West reign continues strong, this prospect’s K-rate teasing ace status. Opening Day’s prospect parade, featuring Skubal and Ryan, forecasts strikeout bonanzas, elevating Brown’s rank amid Astros’ dynasty push.
MLB Rank: #41
STS Projection: 3.26 ERA, 179 IP, 58 BB, 194 K, 9.7 K/9, 1.20 WHIP

Drew Rasmussen, SP, TBR
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 K, 0 BB
Drew Rasmussen induced 13 groundouts over five innings, allowing one earned run from a homer in Tampa Bay’s 2-1 win against Toronto. Walk-free with 73 pitches, he nabbed a no-decision but fueled the Rays’ 1-0 start. His sinker dominated, echoing low-run themes like Rogers’ Orioles shutout. Tampa’s pitching lab innovates again, Rasmussen’s health key to playoff contention. League-wide gems from Yamamoto to Soriano highlight Opening Day parity, positioning Rays as AL wild cards with this efficient rebound.
MLB Rank: #126
STS Projection: 3.49 ERA, 139 IP, 39 BB, 131 K, 8.5 K/9, 1.21 WHIP

Andrew Abbott, SP, CIN
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 1 BB
Andrew Abbott set the tone for the Reds’ 4-1 Opening Day triumph over the rival Cardinals at Great American Ball Park, scattering seven hits over six scoreless frames while fanning four and issuing just one walk. His heavy groundball tendencies—seven groundouts—kept St. Louis off the bases, preserving Cincinnati’s early lead built by timely hitting. The Reds improved to 1-0, signaling a rebound from last year’s late fade under new skipper Terry Francona. Abbott’s poise under pressure highlighted his ace potential, especially as the NL Central braces for a dogfight with the Cubs’ young core surging. League-wide, strong starts from arms like Fried bolster hopes for pitching dominance in 2026 amid juiced ball chatter.
MLB Rank: #687
STS Projection: 4.39 ERA, 178 IP, 54 BB, 162 K, 8.2 K/9, 1.30 WHIP

Brandon Lowe, 2B, PIT
2-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Brandon Lowe unleashed a power display for the Pirates, blasting two homers—including a three-run shot in the fourth—to drive a 7-4 win against the Brewers, igniting Pittsburgh’s home opener at PNC Park. His back-to-back jacks with Reynolds flipped a 2-1 deficit, sparking a rally that buried Milwaukee despite Myers’ solid hold. The Bucs kicked off 2026 at 1-0, extending optimism after a revamped lineup addition via trade. Lowe’s hot bat, absent injuries plaguing prior years, positions PIT for divisional contention amid the Cardinals’ quiet offseason. Across MLB, power surges echo spring training promises as the Astros’ revamped rotation stumbles early.
MLB Rank: #273
STS Projection: 111.3 wRC+, 0.245/0.317/0.445, 27 HR, 6 SB, 73 Runs, 79 RBI

Chase DeLauter, RF, CLE
3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, K
Chase DeLauter lit up Progressive Field with a 3-for-5 night featuring two homers and three runs scored, fueling the Guardians’ thrilling 9-8 marathon win over Seattle in a slugfest opener. His go-ahead blast in the seventh off Gilbert erased a two-run hole, while Bibee’s strikeout-heavy stint held the line early. Cleveland moved to 1-0, riding prospect firepower amid a quiet winter rebuild. DeLauter’s emergence as a corner outfield stud draws comparisons to Naylor’s breakout, boosting AL Central hopes against Twins’ aggression. League notes buzz with Yamamoto’s scoreless debut for the Dodgers, underscoring parity as underdogs like the Guardians shine.
MLB Rank: #450
STS Projection: 113.4 wRC+, 0.260/0.334/0.431, 20 HR, 3 SB, 73 Runs, 74 RBI

Logan Gilbert, SP, SEA
5.1 IP, 3 ER, 7 K, 0 BB
Logan Gilbert battled valiantly for the Mariners, punching out seven over 5.1 innings with zero walks in an 8-9 heartbreaker loss to Cleveland, keeping Seattle competitive in a high-octane opener at T-Mobile Park. Despite three runs allowed—including Canzone’s pair of bombs—his strike zone command limited damage amid 86 pitches. The M’s slipped to 0-1 but flashed offensive pop, signaling contention potential in the loaded AL West with Japan’s influx of talent. Gilbert’s gem nearly stole it, echoing his 2025 ascent while the Yankees’ rotation woes grab headlines. Early trends favor arms thriving in cool weather.
MLB Rank: #67
STS Projection: 3.43 ERA, 180 IP, 42 BB, 191 K, 9.5 K/9, 1.14 WHIP

Tanner Bibee, SP, CLE
5.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 K, 2 BB
Tanner Bibee powered through for the Guardians, striking out seven in five innings while surrendering three runs in a wild 9-8 victory over Seattle, clinching Cleveland’s 1-0 start amid DeLauter’s heroics. His efficient 78 pitches navigated three Mariners homers, setting up the late rally at Progressive Field. Bibee’s growth into a staff ace fortifies the Tribe’s rotation, eyeing another playoff run despite losing Ramirez to free agency. AL Central rivals like the Royals watch closely as pitching depth emerges league-wide, with deGrom’s return sparking NL excitement. Bibee’s poise under duress promises more gems ahead.
MLB Rank: #231
STS Projection: 3.96 ERA, 185 IP, 53 BB, 174 K, 8.5 K/9, 1.25 WHIP

Dominic Canzone, RF, SEA
2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Dominic Canzone slugged two homers for the Mariners, driving in two runs and scoring twice in an 8-9 tough-luck loss to Cleveland during a power-packed 2026 opener at T-Mobile Park. His opposite-field jack off Bibee ignited the comeback, nearly pushing Seattle over the top despite Gilbert’s quality start. The M’s debut at 0-1 but showcased lineup depth, fueling West Division dreams amid Julio Rodriguez’s hot streak. Canzone’s breakout hints at outfield stability, contrasting the Angels’ ongoing rebuild woes. MLB scouts note rising velocity trends across starters as offenses adjust to new strike zone tech.
MLB Rank: #810
STS Projection: 108.0 wRC+, 0.255/0.314/0.438, 24 HR, 7 SB, 70 Runs, 77 RBI

Matthew Liberatore, SP, STL
5.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 K, 2 BB
Matthew Liberatore steadied the Cardinals with five innings of one-run ball, striking out two in a 1-4 Opening Day defeat to Cincinnati at Busch Stadium. His 78-pitch effort limited damage despite Abbott’s shutdown masterpiece, keeping St. Louis in striking distance early. The Cards fell to 0-1, but Liberatore’s command offers hope in a rotation thinned by trades. As the NL wild card chase intensifies with Phillies dominance, his prospect stock rises amid league-wide lefty revival like Friedl’s versatility. Early season tests await with the Brewers looming.
MLB Rank: #660
STS Projection: 4.17 ERA, 138 IP, 43 BB, 121 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.31 WHIP

Tobias Myers, SP, MIL
(H, 1) 3.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 K, 0 BB
Tobias Myers locked down a crucial hold for the Brewers, tossing three innings of one-run relief with pinpoint control in a 4-7 loss to Pittsburgh at American Family Field. Entering with runners aboard, he induced groundouts to escape, preserving a tie before Lowe’s barrage. Milwaukee dropped to 0-1, but Myers’ efficiency bolsters a deep bullpen eyeing Central supremacy amid Cubs’ splurge. His multi-inning prowess fits Pat Murphy’s strategy, drawing parallels to league closers like Helsley thriving in high-leverage spots. Offseason quietude positions MIL for another surprise run.
MLB Rank: #1008
STS Projection: 4.40 ERA, 133 IP, 38 BB, 109 K, 7.4 K/9, 1.32 WHIP

Cade Cavalli, SP, WSN
3.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 K, 3 BB
Cade Cavalli showed flashes for the Nationals, fanning five over 3.2 innings despite two runs in a gritty 3-6 defeat to the Dodgers in D.C.’s home opener. Wild pitches and walks marred his 75-pitch line, but strikeout stuff kept L.A. in check before Smith’s RBI single. Washington started 0-1, leaning on youth amid rebuild, contrasting Dodgers’ powerhouse assembly. Cavalli’s velocity spike excites as NL East heats up with Braves’ continuity. League trends favor aggressive front offices like the Mets reshaping rosters mid-series.
MLB Rank: #323
STS Projection: 3.88 ERA, 149 IP, 53 BB, 132 K, 8.0 K/9, 1.33 WHIP

Will Smith, C, LAD
2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 1 R
Will Smith delivered clutch power for the Dodgers, ripping a two-run homer and adding key hits for three RBI in a convincing 6-3 rout of Washington to open 2026 at Dodger Stadium. His timely swing off Cavalli extended the lead, backing L.A.’s star-laden attack amid Ohtani’s two-hit night. The champs surged to 1-0, reinforcing dynasty talk despite rotation questions. Smith’s leadership behind the plate stabilizes as Yamamoto dazzles league-wide, with Yankees pursuing similar catcher upgrades. Early dominance sets the tone for another title chase.
MLB Rank: #137
STS Projection: 120.6 wRC+, 0.257/0.351/0.434, 21 HR, 3 SB, 77 Runs, 71 RBI