MLB news: Hiroki Kuroda strong in Yankees home opener; injuries bite Dodgers, Rays

Heading into the season, the Yankees had their fair share of uncertainties, and those doubts only intensified in the Bronx after the Bombers dropped their first two contests to the Astros to begin the year.

But since then, the Yankees have won four of five, and more importantly, they've received strong performances from their starting rotation. During Monday's home opener at Yankee Stadium, Hiroki Kuroda gave the Yankees another quality start, allowing just two earned runs over 6⅓ innings against the Orioles.

Over their last five games, the Yankees have allowed just 15 runs, as Ivan Nova, Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and even CC Sabathia have all turned in solid outings. Kuroda's start on Monday gives the Yankees another reason to like what they are seeing from their starting rotation in the early going.

Building off strong performances in their first starts out, John Lackey and Jason Vargas both impressed on Monday night.

Losers of three in a row, Lackey gave the Red Sox a big boost with his outing in Boston's 5-1 win, holding the Rangers to just one unearned run and giving up five hits over seven innings. The right-hander has begun the 2014 season in fine fashion after a terrific bounceback campaign in 2013. Through 13 innings, Lackey has surrendered two earned runs, while striking out 11 and walking just three batters.

In his first two starts, Jason Vargas has made the Royals look smart for signing him to a four-year, $32 million contract this offseason. The left-hander was terrific against the Rays on Monday, allowing just four hits and an earned run in eight innings of work, as the Royals beat the Rays 4-2. Signed as a replacement for Ervin Santana, the Royals will need Vargas to have a strong season if they are going to compete for an AL playoff spot.

Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis will undergo knee surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. Ellis had the same surgery on his left knee following the 2012 season as well. Backup Tim Federowicz will fill in for Ellis for the time being, while Drew Butera will also receive playing time in Ellis' absence.

Rays left-hander Matt Moore left his start early on Monday with elbow soreness. The injury leaves Tampa Bay thin on starting pitching depth with Jeremy Hellickson also currently on the DL. Moore missed just over a month with elbow soreness last season. Either Nate Karns, Enny Romero, or Erik Bedard will fill in for Moore if he misses any time.

Royals second baseman Omar Infante was struck in the jaw by a pitch from Heath Bell and left his team's game as a result. Infante signed a four-year, $30.25 million deal with the Royals this offseason. Danny Valencia replaced Infante for the Royals, who also have Chris Getz on their 40-man roster.