The Texas Rangers aren't wasting any time in seeing what they have in Jacob deGrom.

Justin Verlander wins AL Cy Young Award in unanimous vote

Francisco Lindor wasn’t the franchise-altering shortstop the New York Mets were hoping for last season.

Its official but really the Astros opening day starter role was never in doubt. Manager Dusty Baker announced after Wednesdays practice that 2019 AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander will get the nod when the Astros open the season July 24 at Minute Maid Park against the Seattle Mariners. Baker has been impressed with the way Verlander has put himself in a position to continue to dominate. Baker also addressed the Astros rotation after Verlander indicating that right now Lance McCullers Jr. is ahead of Zack Greinke and perhaps could start game two against the Mariners. McCullers, fresh off five shutout innings on Tuesday in a scrimmage, could get the start July 25th.

ATLANTA Former Cy Young winner Flix Hernndez has opted out of the 2020 season, at least temporarily ending his bid to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that Hernndez, 34, opted out due to the coronavirus pandemic. Snitker said Hernndez may have realized it is way, way different now as players must deal with the concerns of trying to start the season during the pandemic. The right-hander called King Felix posted a 6.40 ERA, was 1-8 in 15 starts and lost his spot in the rotation. Hernndez made a strong early impression in spring training and may have been on track for winning a spot in the rotation before the coronavirus pandemic delayed the season.