MLB Player News

Kikuchi did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over six innings against the Guardians. He struck out eight.

Kikuchi allowed two runs in the fourth and two more in the sixth to earn the no-decision. The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the sixth to give Kikuchi a chance to earn his 10th victory, but they then gave up the lead in the eighth and later lost in extras. Kikuchi has allowed seven runs over his past two outings but has otherwise been outstanding of late, maintaining a 2.36 ERA with 50 strikeouts spanning 45.2 innings over his past eight starts.

Houck (3-8) was the pitcher of record in Sunday's 7-4 loss to the Dodgers, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out four.

Houck scattered seven baserunners on the afternoon, with James Outman's solo home run in the fourth inning representing the only run he allowed. The right-hander kept Boston in the game but threw 80 pitches and was removed after four frames, with Chris Murphy piggybacking him and getting shelled for six runs in his four innings out of the bullpen. Houck will take a 4.93 ERA into his next start, which is currently expected to fall next weekend in Kansas City.

Flaherty did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk over 5.2 innings against the Rockies. He struck out three.

Flaherty was one out from earning a quality start, but a two-out RBI single from Hunter Goodman in the sixth forced him from the game. He rebounded from allowing seven runs in his last start, but Flaherty hasn't lasted six full innings since his initial start with the Orioles on Aug. 3. Flaherty now has a 6.41 ERA over four outings with his new club. He'll look to rebound the next time he toes the rubber, which is currently scheduled to take place over the weekend in Arizona.

Marsh (0-7) yielded three runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings Sunday, striking out nine and taking a loss against the Mariners.

Oddly enough, Marsh turned in his second straight outing in which he allowed three runs and struck out nine over 5.2 frames. He also forced a season-high 16 whiffs. The right-handed rookie has registered a 5.47 ERA with a 59:27 K:BB through 49.1 innings this season, though he produced a solid 4.10 ERA in 26.1 frames in August. Marsh's next outing is lined up to be at home against the Red Sox.

Castillo (11-7) allowed a hit and one walk over seven scoreless frames Sunday, striking out six and earning a win over the Royals.

Castillo ended his dominant outing by retiring the final 13 batters he faced. He tossed 65 of his 95 pitches for strikes, including 16 whiffs. Castillo has given up one run in his last 14 innings, lowering his season ERA from 3.23 to 3.01 in the process. He'll carry a 181:38 K:BB into his next outing, which is currently projected to be on the road against the Mets.

Muller will start Monday's game against the Mariners, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Muller served as a long reliever during his last two appearances, but he'll make his first start since July 1 during Monday's series opener against the red-hot Mariners. Over his two outings since rejoining the big-league club, Muller has allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out six in 7.1 innings.

Medina (finger) came away from Friday's touch-and-feel bullpen session without any setbacks and is therefore set for a full session early in the week, the Athletics' official site reports.

The right-hander was able to throw without a bandage on his blister-affected finger Friday, so he'll take the next step early in the week. If that goes similarly well, Medina may need to throw only another bullpen or a live batting practice before being activated when first eligible next Sunday.

Montgomery allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over 5.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Twins on Sunday.

This was the first time in eight starts since the All-Star break that Montgomery has failed to complete six innings. He left Sunday's contest with one out and the bases loaded in the sixth inning, and Chris Stratton promptly gave up a grand slam to begin his relief appearance. Despite the mediocre outing, Montgomery still has a 2.30 ERA over five starts (31.1 innings) for the Rangers. Overall, he's posted a 3.19 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 138:40 K:BB through 152.1 innings between Texas and St. Louis this year. He's lined up for a rematch at home versus the Twins next weekend.

Ober allowed five runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four over four innings in a no-decision versus the Rangers on Sunday.

Ober's winless streak reached seven outings, and this was the first time in August he failed to complete five innings. He gave up a solo home run to J.P. Martinez and a grand slam to Jonah Heim in the contest, continuing a stretch of eight straight starts in which Ober has allowed a homer. For the season, the right-hander has a 3.67 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 120:26 K:BB through 122.2 innings over 22 starts. He's projected for a road rematch against the Rangers next weekend.

Blackburn (3-4) allowed four runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings to take the loss Sunday versus the White Sox.

Blackburn gave up four or more runs for just the third time in his last eight starts. He didn't have enough run support to come close to a win in this outing. For the season, the right-hander has a 4.15 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 86:29 K:BB through 84.2 innings over 16 appearances (15 starts). He's projected for a home start versus the Angels his next time out.