MLB Player News

McCullers (forearm) could begin throwing curveballs from flat ground within the next week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers has thrown exclusively fastballs in his recent bullpen sessions, topping out at 89 mph. After he tosses his curveball from flat ground, McCullers will incorporate the pitch into his bullpen sessions. From there, McCullers will work to build up his slider in the same fashion. Given that progression, he remains a significant amount of time away from a potential return.

McKenzie did not factor into the decision against Oakland on Friday after going six innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six and walking two.

Although McKenzie did not factor into the decision, he still picked up a quality start, his sixth of the year. He may not be striking out batters at the same rate as last season (7.7 K/9 this year, 10.2 K/9 in 2021), but the righty has made other adjustments as his ERA this season sits at 3.09 through 64 innings compared to a 4.95 mark in 120 innings last year.

Blackburn did not factor into the decision after pitching eight innings against the Guardians on Friday, allowing zero runs on four hits while striking out three and walking one.

Blackburn was dominant for eight innings, throwing 65 of 101 pitches for strikes and picking up a quality start. He was pulled after leaving the eighth inning with a two-run lead, but reliever Dany Jimenez cost the team and Blackburn a win. The righty will take a 2.31 ERA into his next appearance, which is projected for next week in Boston.

Garcia (3-5) took the loss Friday as the Astros were downed 7-4 by the Marlins, coughing up five runs on five hits -- including three home runs -- and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out seven.

The whiffs helped salvage some fantasy value, but this was still Garcia's worst start of the year and his fourth loss in his last five outings. The 25-year-old has a 4.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB through 26.1 innings over that stretch, but his biggest issue has been keeping the ball in the yard -- he's served up six homers in those five starts for a 2.1 HR/9.

Rasmussen (5-3) took the loss Friday, coughing up seven runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks over 4.1 innings as the Rays fell 9-4 to the Twins. He struck out three.

Byron Buxton was his biggest nemesis on the night, launching homers off Rasmussen in the first and fifth innings, but the right-hander didn't have much success against the rest of the Minnesota lineup either. Rasmussen has had his two worst performances of the season in his last three trips to the mound, but he'll still carry a 3.41 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 49:16 K:BB through 58 innings into his next start, which is projected to be a road start versus the Yankees next week.

Sale (ribs) will throw to live batters for the first time Monday in Fort Myers (Fla.), Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Sale completed a bullpen session Friday and is ready for the next challenge in his return to the major-league roster. It is presumed Sale will need a few live-batter sessions before heading out on a rehab assignment.

Eovaldi returned to Boston to have his hip checked out, though manager Alex Cora insists the right-hander will make his next start Tuesday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Eovaldi is dealing with right hip tightness that likely caused a drop in velocity during his most recent start against the Angels on Wednesday. "We flew him there just to see our doctors," Cora said. "He's still expected to make his next start on Tuesday." Cora has acted like the hip is not a big deal, but it apparently remains a concern heading into Evoladi's projected start Tuesday against the Athletics at Fenway Park.

Seabold (pectoral) was activated off the injured list and started Thursday for Triple-A Worcester. He allowed two hits and three walks while striking out two over three scoreless innings.

With Garrett Whitlock (hip) added to the injured list, there could be an opening for Seabold, who started one game for Boston in 2021. Whitlock was scheduled to start Sunday, which would be too soon for Seabold after he threw Thursday, but he's one option should Whitlock miss multiple turns.

Gonzales allowed two runs on two hits and six walks while striking out four in 4.1 innings versus the Red Sox on Friday. He did not factor in the decision.

Gonzales' lack of command led to him leaving with the Mariners down 2-0, though Jesse Winker's two-run blast in the fifth inning got the starter off the hook. This was the first time in four starts Gonzales has issued multiple walks, which makes this seem like more of an anomaly than the start of a troubling trend. The southpaw has a 3.63 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 38:24 K:BB through 62 innings across 12 starts this season. He'll look to improve on a 3-6 record next week in a projected start versus the Twins.

Houck allowed a hit and hit a batter while striking out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Mariners.

Houck needed 22 pitches (13 strikes) to get through the frame, but he was able to escape with his first save of the campaign. The right-hander has seen a versatile role throughout the year, but manager Alex Cora is committed to giving him a look in high-leverage relief situations going forward. Through 41.2 innings in 15 appearances (four starts), Houck has a 3.46 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 40:16 K:BB. With Hansel Robles back from the injured list Thursday, the back end of the Red Sox's bullpen is likely to grow increasingly crowded until a favorite for saves emerges.