MLB Player News

Civale came away with a no-decision Wednesday in the Rays' 6-5 extra-inning win over the Rockies, giving up three runs on four hits over five-plus innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter.

It was Civale's most dominant performance since joining Tampa Bay at the trade deadline, as he generated an eye-popping 35 called or swinging strikes on only 80 pitches. Despite that effort, he was in line for his fourth loss of the year after putting the first two batters aboard in the top of the sixth inning and watching both come around to score after he'd left the mound, but a late rally by the Rays got the right-hander off the hook. Civale has a 3.54 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 20:2 K:BB through 20.1 innings in August, and he'll look to keep rolling in his next start, which is likely to come early next week in Miami.

Whitlock allowed two hits and a walk while striking out one over two scoreless innings in Wednesday's 7-5 extra-inning win over Houston.

Whitlock had traffic on the bases in each of his two innings but was able to work around it. That included a nifty sliding catch of Alex Bregman's popup in foul territory. The play was officially ruled batter interference, because Bregman impeded catcher Connor Wong's ability to make the play. The game also featured Boston closer Kenley Jansen leaving due to a hamstring issue. Pending the severity of injury, Whitlock, a trusted setup arm, could be used for save opportunities.

Maeda did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over five innings against the Brewers while striking out six.

Maeda struggled out of the gate, allowing two runs on two hits in the first inning while also hitting Mark Canha with a pitch. The right-hander was much more effective over the next four innings, however, allowing only a solo homer to William Contreras in the third before hurling 1-2-3 innings in both the fourth and fifth frames. Maeda has pitched well in August to the tune of a 3.43 ERA and 23:4 K:BB, and he's now recorded at least six strikeouts in eight of his last nine outings. He has, however, failed to make it through six innings in each of his last two starts after opening the month with back-to-back quality starts.

Severino (3-8) earned the win over Washington on Wednesday, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two batters over 6.2 scoreless innings.

Severino came into the contest struggling so mightily that his role in the rotation was in some question -- he had posted a 14.17 ERA and 2.48 WHIP over 13.1 innings while losing each of his previous four starts. For one game at least, the right-hander turned things around, tying his longest outing of the campaign with 6.2 frames and posting his second scoreless outing. Severino struck out just two batters, but the Yankees (and his fantasy managers) probably won't dwell over that given the positive start overall. It's going to take more than just this outing to declare Severino back to form, but it was certainly a step in the right direction and leaves little doubt that he'll remain in the rotation for now. His next start is tentatively scheduled to come in Detroit early next week.

Gausman (9-8) took the loss against Baltimore on Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over six innings.

Gausman matched Orioles starter Dean Kremer by yielding just five hits over six frames, but three of the knocks against Gausman went for extra bases while those against Kremer were all singles. Consequently, the Toronto ace allowed a pair of runs, which was enough to tag him with the loss in a contest during which the Blue Jays were unable to score. This was nonetheless a solid bounce-back for Gausman after he gave up seven runs (five earned) over 5.1 frames against Philadelphia in his previous outing, and he moved back into sole possession of the AL strikeout lead with his eight punchouts. The veteran right-hander has posted a 3.23 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 195:38 K:BB over 150.1 innings on the campaign.

Detmers (3-10) allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings, taking the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Reds.

Detmers couldn't carry over any momentum from his dominant outing versus the Rangers last week. He instead gave up four runs -- he's allowed at least that many in five of his last eight starts. The southpaw now has a 5.03 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 139:50 K:BB through 120 innings across 23 starts this season. Detmers is projected for a road start in Philadelphia next week.

Kremer (12-5) earned the victory over Toronto on Wednesday, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out five batters over six scoreless innings.

Kremer had originally been scheduled to start Thursday, but he was moved up a day as a result of Jack Flaherty (general soreness) being scratched. The adjustment didn't faze Kremer, who picked up his third straight quality start and his first scoreless outing since May 10. The right-hander has been pitching well since ending June with a three-inning, seven-run blow-up, posting a 3.06 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 47:19 K:BB over his subsequent nine starts covering 63 frames.

Urquidy allowed four runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out one over 4.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Urquidy needed 100 pitches (61 strikes) in this appearance, which came after his last outing was a two-inning relief stint against the Mariners on Friday. The right-hander has struggled to get in form this season -- this was the fourth time in 10 appearances he's allowed at least four runs. He's at a 5.48 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 35:16 K:BB through 42.2 innings. Urquidy is tentatively lined up for a road rematch in Boston next week if the Astros continue to roll out a six-man rotation.

Sale allowed four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out nine over five innings in a no-decision versus the Astros on Wednesday.

Sale built up to 80 pitches (53 strikes) in his third start back from a shoulder injury. While the surface numbers were unimpressive -- though also against the toughest opponent he's faced since his return -- his velocity rebounded to an average of 93.9 mph on his fastball after it sat at 91.8 mph last Thursday. The southpaw is at a 4.68 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 90:19 K:BB through 73 innings across 14 starts this season, and his pitch count Wednesday suggests he's close to shedding any workload restrictions. His next projected start is expected to be a rematch with the Astros at home early next week.

Skubal allowed four runs on six hits across six innings and did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Cubs. He walked one and struck out seven.

Skubal pitched decently against a hot Chicago lineup, but it wasn't enough for his fourth win of the season. The lefty did manage to complete six innings for the second straight start after not going six frames in any of his previous seven appearances. Skubal will look for win No. 4 the next time he takes the hill, which is currently scheduled for Tuesday against the struggling Yankees.