MLB Highlights: 2026-03-28
Yesterday’s Top Major League Performances!
### MLB Recap: Opening Day Highlights – March 28, 2026
Michael McGreevy, SP, STL
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 K, 2 BB
Michael McGreevy delivered a masterful MLB debut for the Cardinals on opening day, firing six shutout innings in a tight 2-0 blanking of the Brewers at Busch Stadium. The young right-hander faced 21 batters, allowing no hits while mixing sliders and fastballs to rack up five strikeouts and limit Milwaukee to weak contact. St. Louis scratched across single runs in the third and fifth on RBI singles from Nolan Arenado and Lars Nootbaar, holding firm behind McGreevy’s gem as the bullpen closed it out. This dominant outing launches the Cardinals’ season on a high note, signaling their rotation’s potential after a winter of smart prospect promotions. Across the league, pitching ruled opening day with several scoreless gems, but McGreevy’s poise stood out amid St. Louis’ push for NL Central relevance. Fans buzz about his command, setting a tone for a breakout campaign.
MLB Rank: #433
STS Projection: 4.29 ERA, 176 IP, 37 BB, 129 K, 6.6 K/9, 1.28 WHIP
Mitch Keller, SP, PIT
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Mitch Keller set the tone for Pittsburgh’s home opener, scattering three hits over six scoreless frames in the Pirates’ 3-1 victory against the Reds. Commanding his arsenal with zero walks and a 64% strike rate on 77 pitches, Keller induced 10 airouts and nabbed a stolen base attempt, keeping Cincinnati off-balance. Pittsburgh erupted for three runs in the fourth on Bryan Reynolds’ two-run homer, providing ample support as the Pirates’ revamped bullpen preserved the win. This quality start propels Pittsburgh to 1-0, building on their late-2025 surge toward wildcard contention. League observers praised Keller’s efficiency amid a day of pitchers’ duels, with the NL East seeing high-scoring affairs by contrast. As a key rotation anchor, Keller’s pinpoint control hints at a career year, exciting a fanbase hungry for playoff baseball after years of rebuilding.
MLB Rank: #288
STS Projection: 4.21 ERA, 188 IP, 53 BB, 167 K, 8.0 K/9, 1.28 WHIP
Michael Wacha, SP, KCR
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 7 K, BB
Michael Wacha was lights-out for Kansas City, punching out seven over six shutout innings in the Royals’ 4-0 opening-day rout of the Guardians. The veteran righty walked just one, hit no batters, and generated five airouts with a dominant 71% strike rate on 80 pitches, baffling Cleveland’s lineup. KC’s offense backed him with solo shots from Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez, turning Wacha’s masterpiece into an easy win. The Royals kick off 2026 at 1-0, extending their momentum from a surprising 2025 playoff run. Opening day buzz highlighted AL Central arms like Wacha stealing the show, while East Coast games featured slugfests. His prospect polish and veteran savvy position Kansas City as contenders, with scouts noting improved velocity fueling this gem.
MLB Rank: #545
STS Projection: 4.41 ERA, 177 IP, 52 BB, 145 K, 7.4 K/9, 1.32 WHIP
Reynaldo López, SP, ATL
6.0 IP, ER, 3 K, 2 BB
Reynaldo López grinded through six innings, allowing one earned run on three hits in Atlanta’s narrow 5-3 triumph over the Phillies in a heated NL East opener. Despite a solo homer, López struck out three, caught a runner stealing, and leaned on groundouts to escape jams, throwing 77 pitches efficiently. The Braves’ bats exploded for five runs, including Marcell Ozuna’s three-run blast, securing López’s quality start. Atlanta starts 1-0, aiming to defend their division crown amid roster tweaks. League-wide, López’s resilience echoed other prospect arms shining on opening day, contrasting with bullpen meltdowns elsewhere. His performance underscores Atlanta’s depth, fueling optimism for another deep postseason push as young talent integrates seamlessly.
MLB Rank: #434
STS Projection: 3.98 ERA, 132 IP, 48 BB, 131 K, 9.0 K/9, 1.31 WHIP
Joe Boyle, SP, TBR
6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Joe Boyle powered Tampa Bay to a 6-2 win over the Orioles, surrendering two runs over six frames with four strikeouts and zero walks on 75 pitches. The hard-throwing righty induced seven groundouts and limited damage despite two steals against him, setting up the Rays’ offense led by Junior Caminero’s homer. Boyle’s gem helps Tampa launch 1-0, reinforcing their reputation for pitching innovation after acquiring talent in the offseason. Opening day saw AL East fireworks, but Boyle’s groundball mastery stood tall amid league-wide home run barrages. As a prospect on the rise, his efficiency signals rotation stability for a team eyeing another wildcard berth.
MLB Rank: #242
STS Projection: 3.80 ERA, 135 IP, 74 BB, 156 K, 10.3 K/9, 1.40 WHIP
Dylan Cease, SP, SDP
5.1 IP, ER, 12 K, 2 BB
Dylan Cease unleashed a strikeout barrage, fanning 12 over 5.1 innings with one earned run in San Diego’s 4-3 thriller against the Dodgers. Despite a double and steal, Cease’s 90 pitches yielded a 68% strike rate, dominating with heat and sliders. The Padres rallied late with Manny Machado’s go-ahead homer for the win. Starting 1-0, San Diego builds on 2025’s momentum toward NL West contention. His 12 whiffs topped opening day, outshining even Glasnow’s line nearby, amid a pitching renaissance league-wide. Cease’s prospect pedigree promises ace potential, thrilling Friars fans.
MLB Rank: #54
STS Projection: 3.48 ERA, 179 IP, 67 BB, 209 K, 10.5 K/9, 1.23 WHIP
Tyler Glasnow, SP, LAD
6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 K, BB
Tyler Glasnow struck out six in six innings, allowing two runs in the Dodgers’ 5-2 comeback victory over the Giants. A double and steal tested him, but Glasnow’s 63% strike rate on 90 pitches kept San Francisco in check. LA’s stars like Shohei Ohtani delivered RBI hits for the win. Dodgers open 1-0, fortifying their superteam status. Glasnow’s stuff rivaled Cease’s 12-K night elsewhere, highlighting NL West arms race. His health and command boost LA’s title defense.
MLB Rank: #48
STS Projection: 3.35 ERA, 166 IP, 61 BB, 193 K, 10.5 K/9, 1.22 WHIP
Bryan Woo, SP, SEA
6.0 IP, 2 ER, 9 K, BB
Bryan Woo overwhelmed with nine strikeouts in six innings, yielding two runs on four hits in Seattle’s 3-2 squeaker against the Angels. Two doubles hurt, but Woo’s 71% strikes on 83 pitches silenced rallies. Mariners’ timely hitting clinched it. Starting 1-0, Seattle eyes AL West dominance. Woo’s gem matched opening day’s elite K artists, amid league scoring dips. Prospect rise fuels optimism.
MLB Rank: #59
STS Projection: 3.52 ERA, 180 IP, 40 BB, 180 K, 9.0 K/9, 1.15 WHIP
Cade Horton, SP, CHC
(W, 1-0) 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, BB
Cade Horton earned the win in Chicago’s 4-2 defeat of the White Sox, going 6.1 innings with two runs on four hits. A homer and groundball clinic (10) anchored his outing on 75 pitches. Cubs’ offense backed the prospect rookie. Cubs debut 1-0, igniting NL Central hopes. His poise echoed league prospect debuts, boosting crosstown rivalry talk.
MLB Rank: #349
STS Projection: 3.99 ERA, 147 IP, 49 BB, 138 K, 8.4 K/9, 1.30 WHIP
Randy Vásquez, SP, SDP
(W, 1-0) 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 8 K, 3 BB
Randy Vásquez blanked the Diamondbacks for six innings with eight Ks, securing the win in San Diego’s 2-0 shutout. Efficient on 91 pitches, he overcame walks. Padres’ pitching depth shone again. Nightcap 1-0 start amplifies NL West buzz. Vásquez’s debut rivals Cease’s earlier fireworks, heralding staff dominance.
MLB Rank: #1775
STS Projection: 4.83 ERA, 151 IP, 53 BB, 110 K, 6.5 K/9, 1.42 WHIP
Kyle Bradish, SP, BAL
4.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, 3 BB (L, 0-1)
The Orioles stumbled in their 2026 Opening Day matchup, falling 5-2 to the Blue Jays as Bradish absorbed the loss after scattering two hits and a solo homer over 4.2 innings. His four strikeouts highlighted efficiency, but three walks and an unearned run proved costly in a tight affair. Baltimore’s offense managed just five hits, stranding key runners late. Despite the setback, the young Birds rotation flashed potential early in the season, aiming to defend their AL East title amid league-wide pitching dominance. Across MLB, gems like Peterson’s shutout bid for the Mets set a strong tone for starters. Bradish’s resilience positions him well for a bounce-back as Baltimore chases another playoff berth.
MLB Rank: #67
STS Projection: 3.44 ERA, 159 IP, 50 BB, 170 K, 9.6 K/9, 1.20 WHIP
David Peterson, SP, NYM
5.1 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 2 BB
Peterson dazzled on Opening Day, firing 5.1 scoreless innings in the Mets’ 3-1 victory over the Phillies, allowing six hits but inducing nine groundouts to escape jams. His 67% strike rate and command silenced a potent lineup, paving the way for a bullpen hold. New York’s early-season momentum builds on last fall’s playoff heroics, with Peterson anchoring a revamped rotation amid AL East rivals’ sluggish starts. League buzz swirls around prospect surges, including Bradish’s grit despite Baltimore’s loss. As the Mets eye a deep October run, Peterson’s gem underscores their pitching depth, setting a franchise tone while scouts praise his growth into a reliable ace.
MLB Rank: #286
STS Projection: 4.12 ERA, 171 IP, 62 BB, 150 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.35 WHIP
Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, ARI
5.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 K, 2 BB
Rodriguez delivered a masterful Opening Day performance, tossing five innings of one-run ball (all unearned) with five strikeouts in Arizona’s 4-1 triumph over the Dodgers. Four hits and groundball tendencies kept rallies in check, boosting the Diamondbacks’ early optimism after a rebuilding offseason. His efficient 79 pitches highlighted veteran savvy, complementing Arizona’s aggressive lineup. League-wide, low-scoring affairs dominated, echoing Peterson’s Mets shutout bid. As the D-backs chase NL West contention amid divisional parity, Rodriguez’s quality start signals rotation stability, thrilling fans and positioning him as a trade chip magnet if playoffs fade.
MLB Rank: #828
STS Projection: 4.62 ERA, 178 IP, 63 BB, 156 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.37 WHIP
Eury Pérez, SP, MIA
7.0 IP, 3 ER, 8 K, BB
Pérez powered through seven strong innings, fanning eight in the Marlins’ thrilling 6-3 comeback win versus the Nationals, though tagged for three runs including two homers. His 93 pitches and 63% strikes showcased ace potential, stranding runners masterfully amid Miami’s offensive fireworks. The Fish, bolstered by young arms, notched an opening victory eyeing wildcard contention after last year’s fire sale. MLB’s early trend favors strikeout artists, mirroring Nola’s Phillies battle. Pérez’s deep outing preserved the bullpen, fueling optimism in a Marlins resurgence as prospects like Bradley shine league-wide.
MLB Rank: #8000
STS Projection:
Jacob Latz, RP, TEX
4.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, BB
Latz shone unexpectedly in a spot start, hurling four perfect innings with three strikeouts on 68 pitches, anchoring Texas’ 2-0 blanking of the Angels on Opening Day. Zero hits faced minimal traffic, his groundball profile neutralizing threats. The Rangers, World Series hangover aside, launched their title defense with pitching mastery amid AL West parity. League headlines hailed shutout bids like Rodriguez’s for Arizona. Latz’s gem boosts Texas’ depth, positioning them for another run as Adolis García’s bat awakens early, thrilling Globe Life fans.
MLB Rank: #1765
STS Projection: 4.13 ERA, 61 IP, 28 BB, 61 K, 9.0 K/9, 1.38 WHIP
Taj Bradley, SP, MIN
4.1 IP, 1 ER, 9 K, 3 BB
Bradley electrified Target Field, racking up nine strikeouts over 4.1 innings of one-run ball in Minnesota’s 5-2 Opening Day rout of the Royals. Despite three walks, his 92-pitch slider fest overwhelmed hitters, allowing just three hits. The Twins’ revamped staff ignited playoff hopes after a quiet winter, riding Royce Lewis’ power. MLB’s prospect parade continued with Flaherty’s Tigers tussle. Bradley’s dominance, fanning half his batters faced, cements his rotation spot as Minnesota eyes Central supremacy.
MLB Rank: #270
STS Projection: 4.06 ERA, 168 IP, 57 BB, 161 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.30 WHIP
Jack Flaherty, SP, DET
4.1 IP, 2 ER, 2 K, 4 BB (L, 0-1)
Flaherty endured a shaky Opening Day, yielding three runs over 4.1 innings with four walks in Detroit’s narrow 4-3 loss to the White Sox. Four hits and control issues led to the defeat, though he battled valiantly. The Tigers’ offense rallied late but fell short, testing new skipper AJ Hinch early. League aces like Peterson thrived elsewhere, heightening pressure. Detroit aims to build on prospect hype, with Flaherty’s veteran presence key to a wildcard push amid AL Central chaos.
MLB Rank: #130
STS Projection: 3.78 ERA, 174 IP, 57 BB, 186 K, 9.6 K/9, 1.24 WHIP
Jeffrey Springs, SP, ATH
5.1 IP, 2 ER, 2 K, 3 BB
Springs grinded through 5.1 innings, allowing two runs in Oakland’s 7-4 slugfest win over the Mariners, where Langeliers’ homer proved pivotal. Five hits tested him, but timely outs preserved a lead. The Athletics, in rebuild mode post-Vegas whispers, started hot with balanced attack. MLB’s opening lowlights included Bradish’s Orioles defeat. Springs’ effort stabilized the rotation, fueling early momentum as Oakland eyes surprise contention.
MLB Rank: #1385
STS Projection: 4.73 ERA, 159 IP, 49 BB, 131 K, 7.4 K/9, 1.36 WHIP
Shea Langeliers, C, ATH
2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, R, BB, K
Langeliers erupted with a fourth-inning grand slam—his first homer of 2026—propelling Oakland to a 7-4 Opening Day triumph over Seattle, complementing Springs’ start. The backstop’s clutch blast erased a deficit, igniting Coliseum cheers amid A’s resurgence talk. His plate discipline shone with a walk, boosting a lineup craving power post-offseason tweaks. League-wide, hitting lagged behind pitching duels like Latz’s Texas shutout. Langeliers’ breakout signals Oakland’s contention potential in AL West scrum.
MLB Rank: #233
STS Projection: 113.0 wRC+, 0.251/0.312/0.463, 28 HR, 6 SB, 75 Runs, 83 RBI
Aaron Nola, SP, PHI
5.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 K, 2 BB
Nola struck out seven over five innings but surrendered three runs, including two homers, in Philadelphia’s 6-3 loss to the Mets on Opening Day. Efficient at 91 pitches, he kept the Phillies competitive until the bullpen faltered. Philly’s star-studded offense sputtered early, heightening NL East pressure. Contrasting Peterson’s Mets mastery, Nola’s line reflects league parity. As Philadelphia chases another pennant, his veteran poise remains vital amid rotation tweaks.
MLB Rank: #188
STS Projection: 3.99 ERA, 187 IP, 51 BB, 179 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.24 WHIP