MLB Player News

Barlow allowed a run on two hits and struck out two in one inning in Thursday's 15-1 loss to Boston.

Barlow remains an effective reliever for Kansas City. Since the start of June, he's posted a 2.31 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB in 11.2 innings. The right-hander has pitched well throughout the year with a 2.09 ERA, and his 2.01 FIP indicates that he's earned his solid stat line so far. The reliever has added 11 holds, two saves and a 2-2 record.

Crowe (1-5) was tagged with the loss Thursday against the Brewers after allowing two runs on four hits and three walks while fanning six across 4.2 innings.

Crowe ended just two strikeouts away from matching his season-high mark, and he gave up just two runs for the third time over his last four outings. However, he hasn't pitched more than five innings in any of those contests. While his 6.26 ERA remains poor, he seems to be moving in the right direction as he owns a 4.66 ERA with a 8.4 K/9 over that aforementioned four-game span. He's slated to pitch again next week against Atlanta at home.

Mejia (1-3) was tagged with the loss Thursday against the Astros after allowing six runs on five hits -- including two home runs -- and two walks while fanning three across four innings.

Mejia was taken deep by Yordan Alvarez in the fourth inning and also gave up a grand slam to Jose Altuve in the fifth before being lifted. He was coming off a strong start last week against the Twins, allowing just one run through six innings, but the wheels came off here, and he's now given up at least four runs in three of his last five appearances. The right-hander, who owns a 6.18 ERA across nine outings (six starts) thus far, is expected to pitch again next week on the road against Tampa Bay.

Gonzalez didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Nationals after allowing one run on two hits across two-thirds of an inning.

Gonzalez served as the opener Thursday and only recorded two outs before being lifted, as he was far from effective and allowed two of the four batters he faced to reach base. His seven-pitch outing ended a streak of four straight scoreless appearances, but he still owns a solid 2.39 ERA across 26.1 innings and 34 games.

King (6-5) allowed three runs (two earned) on zero hits and one walk while striking out three over three-plus relief innings to pick up the win over Oakland on Thursday.

King relieved starter Dane Dunning after four innings -- exiting after four or five innings has been the norm for Dunning in 2021 -- and provided bulk relief. For the second consecutive outing, King set down the first nine batters he faced before tiring during a fourth inning of work. A hit batter, a walk and his own throwing error ended the left-hander's night, and all three runners came around to score. King is being stretched out for a possible starting role, but his highest pitch count thus far is 55. The Rangers may instead keep him in a tandem role with Dunning, whose innings are being managed this season.

Weathers allowed two earned runs on five hits and four walks while striking out five across four innings in the loss to the Reds on Thursday. He did not factor in the decision.

Weathers surrendered a pair of runs in the second inning. It took him 83 pitches to get through four innings. The 21-year-old has struggled with issuing walks this season, posting a season-high four walks Thursday. On the season, has a 2.63 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP with 39 strikeouts in 51.1 innings. He has a 5.29 ERA over his last four starts.

Smith (2-5) allowed one earned run on two hits while striking out two across one inning Thursday, blowing a save but coming away with a win over the Mets.

Smith surrendered a solo home run to Dominic Smith in the ninth inning, the first run he'd allowed in nine appearances. He is 16-for-18 in save opportunities this season. The 31-year-old has a 3.74 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP with a 12.3 K/9 in 33.2 innings.

Strahm has thrown three light bullpens since mid-June and has felt some soreness in his surgically repaired right knee after each session, MLB.com reports.

The lingering soreness hasn't prevented Strahm from throwing, but it represents the considerable buildup that he'll need to undertake before being able to rejoin the big-league club. The left-hander isn't expected back until sometime after the All-Star break.

Lamet (forearm) played catch with a plyo ball Wednesday and with a baseball Thursday, and he is reportedly feeling better, MLB.com reports.

The report also states that the forearm inflammation that landed Lamet on the injured list Sunday is going down, which is the most promising sign that he is not dealing with a major injury. Should the right-hander continue to improve, he could potentially return to the rotation prior to the All-Star break.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently stated that Peralta (back) is "close to getting over the hump," MLB.com reports.

Peralta has been on the 10-day IL due to a low-back strain since June 26, though the move was deemed retroactive to June 23. Despite Boone's comments, it's not yet known if Peralta will be ready to return to the active roster when first eligible in the next few days.