MLB Player News

McClanahan (10-1) earned the win Sunday over the Rangers, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five over seven innings.

McClanahan had some trouble in the third inning, when he allowed all three runs and four of his five baserunners. This was his fourth quality start in his last five outings, and it's just the second time he's given up three or more runs all season. The ace southpaw is now at a 2.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 92:30 K:BB through 82.2 innings over 14 starts. McClanahan's 10 wins lead all of baseball, and he'll look to add to the total in his next start, which is projected to be in San Diego.

Varland did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out six.

Varland surrendered another home run Sunday and has now given up 12 over his first nine starts. This is certainly a concerning trend for the 25-year-old, but he figures to remain in the rotation with Kenta Maeda (triceps), Tyler Mahle (elbow) and Chris Paddack (elbow) on the injured list. Varland boasts a less-than-ideal 4.70 ERA, but he has been able to chew up innings, completing at least 4.2 in each of his nine starts and six or more six times.

Gausman did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing six runs on seven hits and four walks over 4.2 innings against the Twins. He struck out four.

Gausman failed to get through the fifth inning for the first time since May 4 and third time this season. Coming into Sunday, the right-hander had given up just six earned runs over his past six starts (40 innings) and tallied 55 strikeouts during that stretch. It's safe to chalk Gausman's poor performance up as an outlier, but it's worth noting that this is the third time he's allowed at least six runs this year. Despite the blowup outings, the 32-year-old still boasts a strong 3.12 ERA across 14 starts (86.2 innings) and has 117 strikeouts, which is the second-most in MLB behind Spencer Strider (121).

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Rodon (back/forearm) will throw another live batting practice session Thursday before potentially beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

On Sunday, Rodon was able to face hitters for the second time since opening the season on the injured list with a left forearm strain before then experiencing chronic back issues. He seems to be moving past both injuries, as he hasn't experienced any setbacks since restarting his throwing program around mid-May. Assuming Rodon gets through the upcoming live session no worse for the wear, he could start pitching in minor-league games by the early part of next week. He'll likely require at least three rehab starts or simulated games to get stretched out enough to join the Yankees rotation.

Blackburn did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing four hits and one walk over six scoreless innings in a 2-1 win over Milwaukee. He struck out five.

Blackburn completed a season-high six innings and notched his first scoreless appearance of the year. The 29-year-old's 2023 debut was delayed due to a finger injury, so he's made only three starts thus far with mixed results. He held Atlanta's offense to just one run on four hits over four innings and struck out a season-high six, but he fell flat versus Miami, giving up five runs with a 3:2 K:BB across five innings, before his dominating outing versus Milwaukee on Saturday. Blackburn will look to make it back-to-back quality starts next time out, which is tentatively scheduled for the finale of a four-game set versus Tampa Bay.

Irvin (1-2) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on six hits across 5.1 innings in a 6-1 victory over the Royals. He struck out five and didn't issue a walk.

Irvin posted an ugly 10.66 ERA across three starts (12.2 innings) before being optioned to Triple-A in mid-April. He was recalled briefly in mid-May but made just one bullpen appearance before being sent down again. The left-hander was performing well in the minors, so he got another chance at the big-league level Saturday and looked sharp, albeit versus the Royals' lackluster offense. Given the strong outing, Irvin figures to get another turn in the Orioles' rotation and is slated to pitch again during a three-game weekend set at Wrigley Field.

Wentz will serve as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Will Vest in Sunday's game versus the Diamondbacks, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

After making each of his previous 12 appearances as a starter, Wentz will be deployed out of the bullpen for the first time this season. Wentz hasn't completed more than five innings in an outing since May 8 and holds a 7.49 ERA on the season. While coming on in relief should improve his chances of factoring into a decision, Wentz's poor ratios this season make him an unreliable streaming option.

Singer (4-5) took the loss Saturday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against the Orioles. He struck out four.

Singer was coming off the best outing of his season (5.2 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts versus Colorado), but he struggled to maintain that success Saturday. It was the seventh time this year that the 26-year-old has allowed at least four runs, and he boasts an ugly 6.58 ERA overall. It's been a disappointing start to 2023 for Singer, who finished last year with a 3.23 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 150:35 K:BB across 153.1 innings (all career-best marks). He has shown signs of finding his 2022 form, finishing at least five innings while giving up two or fewer runs six times, but there hasn't been any consistency from the right-hander yet.

Kopech did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing five hits and one walk over five scoreless innings against the Marlins. He struck out six.

It wasn't an ideal start to the contest for Kopech, as the right-hander beaned the first two hitters he faced to open the game. However, he quickly shook it off and proceeded to strike out the side to get himself out of trouble. Despite shutting out the Marlins over five innings, Kopech was still hit with a no-decision for the second straight start while lowering his ERA to 4.03 on the season. He's now allowed two or fewer runs in five of his last six starts, averaging 8.1 strikeouts per game over that stretch.

McKenzie (0-1) took the loss against Houston on Saturday, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five batters over five innings.

McKenzie dazzled in his season debut against Minnesota last Sunday, allowing just one hit while striking out 10 batters over five scoreless innings. He looked far more mortal Saturday, surrendering three runs in the first frame and two more in the fourth en route to the loss. On the plus side, McKenzie missed plenty of bats in inducing 15 swinging strikes, so there's evidence to suggest that his previous start wasn't a mirage. The right-hander is tentatively lined up for a road start in Arizona his next time out.