Minnesota arrived in Pittsburgh fresh off of torching maligned fantasy option, Kevin Gausman, launching four home runs and a Jose Berrios complete game shutout gem ceding only three hits. Byron Buxton still hit in the bottom third of the order but stole his second base placating his fantasy owners.

However, Jameson Taillon proved to be a wet blanket on a cold day in the Pirates home opener. Taillon effectively mixed his pitches generating 13 swinging strikes on 91 pitches for a 14.3 swinging strike percentage. He won his first game of 2018 doing his best to replace Gerrit Cole in the rotation. Taillon lasted 5.2 innings giving up four hits, two earned runs and striking out nine, including Miguel Sano three times.

Owners who speculated on Taillon at his depressed average draft position this year must be encouraged by this start. As for his opponent, Lance Lynn struggled mightily showing the rust he accrued awaiting a contract offer. He matched a career worst distributing six walks during his four innings of work after yielding a grand slam in the first inning. This marks the first time since 2015 Lynn’s allowed six walks and places his owners on yellow alert until he rounds into game readiness.

That just happened

Another rebound candidate in Pittsburgh’s off to a hot start in their outfield. Gregory Polanco’s slashing a robust .385/.579/.846 through his first four games with four runs, a home run, six RBI and a stolen base. He’s also walked six times, including four on Monday, against four strikeouts averaging 4.6 pitches seen per plate appearance. Polanco’s yet to record 20 home runs and stolen bases in the same season. Barring injury, this year may snap the streak.

Teammate Colin Moran made a favorable impression in his new home hitting a first inning grand slam. Moran’s a disciple of the launch angle generation making a concerted effort to elevate contact resulting in more fly balls. Be patient with him.

Remember all the disappointment when Jorge Polanco received his 80-game suspension? Eduardo Escobar’s making the most of his opportunity to build on his below the radar breakout last year during which he hit 21 home runs with 73 RBI. He strikes out too often to hit for a high average, but Escobar’s going to play in a productive lineup with a chance to build on his totals from last year.

Do not overreact to seeing George Kontos notch the second save of his career, and first this year, Monday afternoon. Felipe Rivero saved both ends of a double header on Sunday and received a much needed day off. Kontos filled in with a clean inning but the Pirates need Rivero to stay fresh all season. His second half decline last year can be attributed to early season overuse.

Francisco Liriano won his first start for the Tigers lasting 6.2 innings allowing four hits, one earned run and two walks with three strikeouts. Tread lightly here. Name who led the American League in triples last year? He hit his second this year on Monday in Detroit. Nick Castellanos finished with two more hits raising his average to .412 to start the year, scored two runs, drove in one and, you guessed it, tripled.

Under the one learns something new every day, Miles Mikolas, also known as the “Lizard King”, not only won his debut with the Cardinals, but set Twitter afire becoming the first Japanese League import to homer this year. Mikolas worked 5.2 innings inducing eight swinging strikes of his 91 pitches (8.8 swinging strike percentage). He also allowed four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts in Milwaukee. Not bad.

Rookie Tyler Mahle pitched well above his scouting reports at home against the Cubs. Mahle recorded seven strikeouts over six innings with an impressive 10.5 swinging strike percentage on his 86 pitches en route to the win. He only yielded one hit and two walks. Keep in mind, Mahle completed the first perfect game in the Southern League last year since 1970 last season. Keep him on your radar.

Bounce back appearance by Raisel Iglesias closing out his first save, a four out one, giving up a walk and striking out two.

Dexter Fowler tweeted about his zero-for-13 start to the season and broke the snide with an RBI single in Milwaukee on Monday. For those scoring at home, Jose Ramirez and Josh Reddick followed suit. Superstition runs deep in this sport.

Brian Dozier’s homered three times over the last two days and in two games straight. Same goes for Paul DeJong.

Cubs lead-off hitter Ian Happ’s made four starts, he’s struck out at least two times in each game and presently leads the majors with 10 this season. There’s a price at times for power.

Lorenzo Cain stole a base in each of Milwaukee’s first three games. In their home opener, he homered for the first time as a Brewer since September of 2010, prior to his trade to the Royals.

Injury updates

Matt Wieters landed on the 10-day disabled list and will be replaced on the roster by Pedro Severino who will start in Atlanta on Monday night. Keeper league players should be intrigued by Wieters replacement.

Troy Tulowitzki underwent surgery on his heels and teammate Josh Donaldson could return to third base on Tuesday. Stay tuned.

Cardinals utility infielder Jedd Gyorko left Monday’s game with hamstring tightness. Nothing official, but his owners should monitor.

Owners of Joe Musgrove may need to find a replacement. He’s been shut down for 5-to-7 days after being placed on the disabled list with a shoulder strain. Musgrove will be out for more than the 10 days and could be the first victim from spring soreness.

Braves rookie Luiz Gohara completed a two-inning simulated game in Florida and will continue to ramp up his throwing before nearing a rehab assignment.

Delino DeShields underwent surgery to remove his Hamate bone on Monday, he will be out 4-to-6 weeks as a result.

As for Michael Conforto:

 


 

Be sure to stop back in the morning for Justin Mason’s Round Up recounting the events from the evening slate. Things to track; who will get the next save chance for the Angels? Will Ryan McMahon ever start for the Rockies? Will Taijuan Walker do well with the humidor?

 

Statistical Credits:

BaseballSavant.com

Fangraphs.com