MLB Player News

Dunning allowed one hit and struck out one over a scoreless relief inning in Friday's 10-5 loss to Oakland.

Dunning was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Friday and, as manager Chris Woodward told Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the plan was to have him throw an inning of relief Friday. Dunning, who should get another three or four starts before the end of the season, will gradually build up to throw 80 or 90 pitches. That aligns with the organization's season-long plan for Dunning, who has been kept on a pitch limit. The right-hander entered 2021 having thrown just 34 innings since 2018.

Greinke (COVID-19 protocols) completed a bullpen session Friday without incident and could return during next week's series against the Rangers, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. He did not speak with reporters following the session but will do so Saturday.

The series against the Rangers is a four-game set that begins Monday. Houston manager Dusty Baker said Greinke is "not too far off" following a 10-day absence, adding that the right-hander "knows how to stay ready."

Blackburn pitched 2.2 innings against Texas on Friday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three. He did not factor in the decision.

Oakland handed the right-hander a 6-1 lead after two innings, but Blackburn was unable to convert the offensive outburst into his first win since 2018. He was pulled after allowing the Rangers to get right back into the game with three runs in the third, giving up four hits in the frame. Blackburn enjoyed a strong three-start run in August during which he posted a 2.81 ERA, but he has since faltered, giving up eight runs over his past 6.1 innings. If he remains in the rotation, he'll likely face Kansas City on the road next week.

Rodon (12-5) allowed one run on three hits over five innings Friday, striking out seven and earning a win over Boston.

Rodon made his first appearance since Sept. 1 after nursing a slight shoulder injury. He threw 62 of 86 pitches for strikes and the only blemish on his outing was a solo homer by Bobby Dalbec in the fifth inning. Over his last four starts, the 28-year-old southpaw has given up just four runs over 20 innings (1.80 ERA) with a 26:4 K:BB. Rodon will carry a 2.38 ERA into his projected start against the Angels at home next week.

Houck (0-4) allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks over 3.2 innings Friday, striking out one batter and taking a loss against the White Sox.

Most of the damage against Houck came in the third inning when he served up a three-run blast to Jose Abreu. He then allowed an RBI single to Luis Robert in the fourth before exiting the contest. The right-handed rookie had allowed three or fewer runs in each of his previous four outings and watched his season ERA climb to 3.54 after Friday's start. Houck is lined up to start in Seattle next week.

Valdez (10-5) allowed four earned runs on six hits and five walks while striking out six across five innings, getting the win over the Angels on Friday.

Although Valdez received the win, he allowed 11 total baserunners for just the third time this season. In addition, he surrendered home runs to Shohei Ohtani and Jared Walsh. He broke his streak of six straight outings of six-plus innings pitched. The 27-year-old has a 3.26 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 109 strikeouts in 116 innings this season.

Wacha allowed a run on three hits and struck out six over five innings in a no-decision versus Detroit on Friday.

He only allowed a solo home run to Eric Haase in the fifth inning before Tampa Bay's bullpen made a mess of things. Wacha was initially expected to be piggybacked Friday, but changes to Tampa Bay's pitching plans allowed the right-hander to serve as a traditional starter. He threw 47 of 68 pitches for strikes in the contest. Wacha has a 5.37 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 104:26 K:BB across 105.2 innings this year. He'll likely see another traditional start next week in Toronto.

Montgomery (5-6) allowed seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks over 3.1 innings Friday, striking out six and taking a loss against the Mets.

The Mets entered the third inning down 2-1 and hung five runs on Montgomery in the frame with three runs, three walks and a throwing error. He was bounced in the fourth inning after coughing up a solo shot to Francisco Lindor. In his previous three outings, Montgomery had allowed just two earned runs through 15.2 innings and now owns a 3.71 ERA on the year. Even with the rough appearance Friday, the 28-year-old is sporting a 2.52 ERA over his last eight starts.

Ryu (forearm) will start the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Ryu was removed from Monday's start against the Yankees due to left forearm soreness, but he won't be forced to miss his next turn through the rotation. The southpaw threw 80 pitches prior to Monday's early departure and is unlikely to be on a pitch count in Saturday's matinee.

Dunn (shoulder) threw a simulated game Friday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Dunn is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon, and Friday's throwing session marked the first time he faced live hitters since he was placed on the injured list in mid-June. The right-hander shouldn't need much time to build up his pitch count since the Mariners plan to use him as a reliever once he's cleared to return.