MLB Player News

Matz (7-3) earned the win Saturday against the Red Sox after tossing 5.2 innings of one-run ball, giving up four hits and two walks while fanning eight.

Matz bounced back from an ugly outing his last time out, and while he couldn't clinch what would've been his fifth quality start of the season, he still looked solid on the mound. The left-hander has given up two or fewer runs in four of his last six contests and is projected to make his next start next week at home against the Yankees.

Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision Saturday against Cleveland despite tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing three hits and three walks while fanning six.

Kikuchi was in line to get the win Saturday until Rafael Montero blew the save in the bottom of the ninth, but that shouldn't hide the fact that the left-hander delivered one of his best performances of the season despite the fact he dealt with a knee problem throughout the week. Kikuchi has given up two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts, and he's scheduled to take the mound next week at home against the Rays.

McKenzie didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Mariners and tossed just two-thirds of an inning, allowing one run and walking four. He didn't record a strikeout.

McKenzie was promoted to the big club following a strong start with Triple-A Columbus on June 6, but he entered this game with a 7.56 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 36:21 K:BB in 25 innings over six previous starts with Cleveland last month. His struggles at the highest level continued and his command was all over the place. It remains to be seen whether he'll have another shot in the rotation any time soon.

Kaprielian (3-1) earned the win Saturday against the Royals after tossing six scoreless innings, allowing two hits and four walks while fanning seven.

Kaprielian was excellent Saturday and while he allowed six baserunners, only one of those reached third base. The right-hander has given up two or fewer runs in all but one of his outings this season and has looked outstanding thus far. His next start is scheduled for next week on the road against the Yankees.

Severino (elbow) suffered a right groin injury during his rehab outing with High-A Hudson Valley on Saturday and will undergo an MRI on Sunday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

The right-hander had to be helped off the field, which suggests that there's at least a chance the injury could be serious. The Yankees will surely have a better grasp on the severity of the groin issue following Sunday's MRI.

Severino (elbow) was helped off the field during his rehab start for High-A Hudson Valley on Saturday due to an apparent right leg injury, Conor Foley of The Scranton Times-Tribune reports.

Severino had been working his way back from Tommy John surgery and was making his second rehab start, tracking toward a return to the active roster sometime around the All-Star break. The exact nature and severity of his leg injury are unclear, and while it's a good thing that he's not dealing with an arm-related setback, anything more than a very minor issue is likely to delay his timeline.

Severino (elbow) was transferred to High-A Hudson Valley on Saturday to continue his rehab assignment.

He struck out three while giving up one run in 2.2 innings June 6 at Low-A and will move up one level for his next rehab outing. Severino has a chance to return just before the All-Star break if he can avoid setbacks.

McKenzie was called up from Triple-A Columbus ahead of his start Saturday against the Mariners, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

He tossed 5.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts and two walks in a June 6 start for Triple-A Columbus. However, McKenzie had a 7.56 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 36:21 K:BB in 25 innings over six May starts with the big club. Cleveland has struggled to get production from the fourth and fifth starter spots this season, so McKenzie would probably have to really struggle in this favorable matchup to get sent back down.

Skubal didn't factor into the decision Friday against the White Sox after giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks while fanning six across six innings.

Skubal posted his second quality start of the season, and both have come over his last three outings. The left-hander has been pitching well of late and has allowed three or fewer runs in each of his last five outings, posting a 2.67 ERA and an excellent 14.3 K/9 in that span (27 innings).

Civale (9-2) earned the win Friday against the Mariners after tossing eight scoreless innings, giving up one hit and one run while striking out 11.

The 11 strikeouts mark a new season high for Civale, who has pitched at least six innings in all but two of his outings this season and is also leading the American League in wins. He bounced back admirably from two straight outings in which he gave up four runs, and he will try to carry this form into this next start, scheduled for next week at home against the Orioles.