MLB Player News

Cease (5-4) allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings in a loss to the Cubs on Friday.

Cease had walked 12 batters in his last two starts (7.2 innings) entering Friday's game. He was able to cut down on the free passes in his regular-season finale, but Cease probably got too much of the strike zone as the Cubs teed off for homers in the second, third and fourth innings. The 24-year-old is in a bad way right now, though he could still be a weapon for the team during the postseason working in shorter spurts out of the bullpen.

Bassit did not factor into the decision during Friday's win despite holding the Mariners scoreless across five innings. He allowed five hits and no walks while striking out six.

The 31-year-old was brilliant in what turned into a pitcher's duel. Luckily, the A's came through with the win in the 10th inning. It was just the fourth time this year that Bassit did not allow any runs or free passes. The right-hander finishes the 2020 regular season campaign with a 2.29 ERA, good for fourth lowest among American League starters.

Kikuchi took a no-decision during Friday's loss despite blanking the A's across six innings. He allowed four hits and three walks while striking out five.

For the second time this season, Kikuchi shut down the A's, not allowing a run over six innings of work. The southpaw has proven to be an inconsistent starter for the Mariners, though he has certainly displayed flashes of potential. Kikuchi wraps up regular season play with a 2-4 record, 5.17 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 10 appearances (nine starts).

Berrios (5-4) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings in a loss to the Reds on Friday.

Mike Moustakas and Freddy Galvis both pulled fastballs to right field for homers against Berrios, accounting for most of the damage against the right-hander. Berrios did not have a bad 2020 regular season, but it was just OK, and he disappointed slightly based on expectations. The 26-year-old turned in a 4.00 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 68:26 K:BB in 63 innings. He figures to slot in behind Kenta Maeda in the postseason rotation.

Urquidy allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out five over seven innings in a no-decision versus the Rangers on Friday.

Urquidy was in line for the win when he exited the contest, but Ryan Pressly couldn't protect a one-run lead in the ninth. Instead, Urquidy settled for a quality start and his third no-decision in five outings. The right-hander amassed a 2.73 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB in 29.2 innings.

Turnbull (4-4) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five in five innings in Friday's loss to the Royals.

Turnbull couldn't stop Adalberto Mondesi in particular, as the Royals shortstop was in the middle of all three runs against the righty. It's a tough end to a solid season for Turnbull, who finishes with a 3.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 51 strikeouts across 56.2 innings in 11 starts.

Keller (5-3) threw six shutout innings, allowing just four hits while striking out five in a win over the Tigers on Friday.

Keller was lights out Friday -- only one of the four batters to reach against him got past first base. It was a big bounce-back effort for the righty, who gave up five runs in five innings in his last outing. Keller ends the season with a 2.47 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 35:17 K:BB across 54.2 innings in nine starts.

Springs (0-2) allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk with one strikeout in one inning to take the loss in extra innings versus the Braves on Friday.

Springs gave up a pair of runs to blow a save opportunity in the 10th inning. The Red Sox regained the lead in the 11th, but Springs was sent back to the mound for a second inning and allowed a walkoff homer to Freddie Freeman to take the loss. The 28-year-old Springs has been unimpressive with a 7.08 ERA, 1.82 WHIP and 28:7 K:BB in 20.1 innings this season.

Walker didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 10-5 win over the Orioles, retiring all nine batters he faced before giving way to the bullpen. He struck out four.

With an eye on setting up his postseason rotation, Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo pulled Walker after only 42 pitches (28 strikes), denying the right-hander a chance at his fifth win of the year, or perhaps something more historic. Since joining the Jays, Walker has posted a stellar 1.37 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB over 26.1 innings.

Blackburn will start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mariners, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Blackburn will return to the active roster Saturday after spending nearly a month at the Athletics' alternate training site. The right-hander failed to make an appearance during his first stint in the majors this year, but he'll make his season debut during Saturday's twin bill as Oakland prepares for the postseason.