MLB Player News

Gilbert did not factor in the decision against Houston on Thursday, pitching six innings and allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six batters.

Gilbert served up a two-run homer to Alex Bregman in the first inning, but he didn't allow the Astros to score again during his subsequent five frames. The right-hander has faced Houston in each of his past two starts and has ended up with almost identical stat lines, allowing two runs on five hits across six innings in each game. He didn't pick up a win in either outing though, and remains without a victory since he beat San Diego on July 5.

Urquidy completed 6.2 innings against Seattle on Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters. He did not factor in the decision.

Urquidy struck out only three batters for the second straight start, but he held the Mariners to two runs, both of which came in the third inning. The right-hander extended his streak of quality starts to eight dating back to June 14. Over that stretch, he's posted a 2.60 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 37:12 K:BB over 52 innings.

McKenzie (7-7) took the loss against Boston on Thursday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six batters over seven innings.

McKenzie held the Red Sox scoreless through five frames, but he fell behind when Xander Bogaerts tagged him for a three-run home run in the sixth inning. Cleveland's offense couldn't muster an adequate response, and McKenzie ended up with his seventh loss of the season. Despite the disappointing outcome, the right-hander pitched well overall, racking up 14 swinging strikes and completing seven innings for the third time in his past five starts. McKenzie was hit hard during his final two starts in June, but he's bounced back by allowing just five earned runs while posting a 33:9 K:BB over 33.2 innings in July.

Whitlock earned the save over the Guardians on Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one batter over two innings.

Kutter Crawford and Jake Diekman combined to limit Cleveland to one run over seven innings, and Whitlock took over in the eighth with Boston holding a 4-1 lead. The right-hander allowed a run in that frame but pitched a scoreless ninth to finish off the save. Whitlock has picked up a two-inning save in each of his past two appearances, and given the ineffectiveness at the back end of Boston's bullpen this season, he could be emerging as the team's primary closer.

Crawford pitched 5.2 innings against Cleveland on Thursday, allowing one run on three hits and no walks while striking out two batters. He did not factor in the decision.

The rookie gave up a solo homer to Jose Ramirez in the fourth inning, but that was the only run the Guardians could muster against him. Crawford wasn't overpowering -- he picked up only two punchouts and induced only eight swings-and-misses -- but he was efficient in throwing 49 of 69 pitches for strikes. The right-hander fell one out shy of his third straight quality start, but it was nonetheless another effective outing that should strengthen his case to remain in the rotation even when Boston's staff returns to full health. Over his past five starts, Crawford has posted a 2.57 ERA and 26:4 K:BB across 28 innings.

Kikuchi (4-5) earned the win over Detroit on Thursday, pitching five innings and allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out five batters.

Kikuchi was activated earlier in the day after spending three weeks on the injured list due to a neck strain, and he was able to give Toronto 67 pitches and five innings en route to the victory. The only run against him came on a second-inning home run off the bat of Willi Castro. Kikuchi has completed five innings in only seven of 17 starts this season, so it was particularly notable that he was able to reach that mark in his first contest coming off an injury.

Taillon allowed four hits and two walks while striking out eight across six scoreless innings Thursday against the Royals. He did not factor into the decision.

Taillon entered the game having allowed 23 earned runs across his last 29.2 frames -- spanning six starts. However, he got back on track with a strong effort against the Royals, highlighted by seven groundball outs. Taillon now owns a 3.72 ERA and 92:17 K:BB across 109 innings for the season.

Singer allowed one hit and one walk while striking out 10 across seven scoreless innings Thursday against the Yankees. He did not factor into the decision.

Singer dominated the Yankees and allowed only two runners to reach scoring position throughout his start. He also continued to show impressive swing-and-miss stuff, tallying 14 swinging strikes on 99 total pitches. In five July starts, Singer now has a 2.05 ERA with a 42:11 K:BB across 30.2 frames.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Manning (shoulder) will meet the Tigers in Minnesota for the upcoming series against the Twins, which begins Monday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Manning threw 85 pitches over 5.2 scoreless innings during his rehab outing with Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, which will apparently be his final rehab start before returning from the injured list. The 24-year-old has been sidelined by the shoulder injury since mid-April, but he lines up to re-enter Detroit's starting rotation early next week.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Wacha (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a three-inning simulated game this weekend, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Rather than sending Wacha out on a minor-league rehab assignment, the Red Sox will have him throw a simulated game for the second time this week. Before activating Wacha from the injured list, Boston will likely want him to build up to around four or five innings through simulated games or rehab starts, so he may not be a candidate to rejoin the rotation until at least the second week of August.