MLB Player News

Fried allowed one run on five hits while striking out eight batters over seven innings but did not factor into the decision against the Padres on Wednesday. He did not issue a walk.

Fried's lone blemish came in the fourth inning, when he yielded a solo homer to Jackson Merrill, but it was overall another outstanding performance by the 31-year-old southpaw, generating 11 whiffs while tossing 100 pitches (67 strikes). Fried has recorded six straight quality starts and hasn't given up more than two earned runs in any of his eight starts this season. He leads the American League with a 1.05 ERA, while his 0.91 WHIP ranks fourth among qualified starters in the AL. Fried is slated to make his next start on the road against the Mariners next week.

The Mariners traded Castillo to the Orioles on Wednesday in exchange for cash.

Castillo was designated for assignment Tuesday to make room on the Mariners' roster for Leody Taveras. Now in the Orioles organization, Castillo will reclaim a spot on the 40-man and presumably report to Triple-A, where he owns a 5.02 ERA and 1.13 WHIP through 14.1 innings on the year.

Mahle allowed two runs on four hits and one walk over five innings in a no-decision against the Red Sox on Wednesday. He did not record a strikeout.

Mahle allowed just one hit over the first three innings, but he was tagged for two runs in the fourth frame after yielding solo homers to Alex Bregman and Wilyer Abreu. Mahle generated only four whiffs on 88 pitches (57 strikes) and failed to log a punchout for the first time this season. Still, the 30-year-old right-hander hasn't given up more than two earned runs in any of his eight starts this season, and his 1.48 ERA and 0.98 WHIP rank fourth and 14th, respectively, among qualified starters in the American League. Mahle is lined up to face the Rockies at home next week.

Wacha (2-4) grabbed the win Wednesday against the White Sox after allowing three hits and one walk in seven scoreless innings. He struck out five.

It was one of the finest efforts of the season for Wacha, who tossed a season-high seven innings. While the right-hander has fanned more than five just once among his eight starts, Wednesday marked his third straight quality start and second scoreless outing during this stretch. Despite his lack of overpowering stuff, Wacha has surrendered just two home runs this season. He boasts a 2.98 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 34:14 K:BB over 45.1 innings ahead of his next scheduled appearance, which tentatively lines up against the Astros next week.

Houck did not factor into the decision against the Rangers on Thursday, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two over 4.2 innings.

Houck got through the first two innings with relative ease, but he proceeded to give up one run in each of the next three innings, highlighted by a solo home run from Adolis Garcia in the fourth frame. Houck generated eight whiffs on 89 pitches (55 strikes), but he wasn't able to make it out of the fifth inning for the third time this season. He has a 3.57 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB in 22.2 innings across four starts since giving up 11 earned runs against the Rays on April 14. Houck is slated to start against the Tigers on the road next week, when he'll look to register his first win of the season.

Cannon (2-4) took the loss Wednesday against the Royals after allowing two runs on nine hits and no walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out one.

Cannon certainly didn't overwhelm the opposition, as he tied season worsts with nine hits allowed and one punchout, but he still managed to deliver his second consecutive quality start. While the right-hander has yielded a staggering 18 hits over his past two outings, that hasn't stopped him from throwing six innings of two-run ball in both appearances. Cannon hasn't lent a free pass in either of these starts. He'll still be tough to trust for fantasy purposes in his next scheduled start against the Reds at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, where he'll enter with a 4.09 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 33:17 K:BB across 44 innings.

Baz (3-2) took the loss Wednesday against the Phillies after allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks in 3.1 innings. He struck out three.

After giving up a season-high seven runs on nine hits in his last start, Baz struggled mightily once again. Wednesday matched his shortest outing of the season, and the right-hander has now yielded five runs or greater in three of his last four appearances. During this stretch, Baz has a 8.38 ERA and 13:10 K:BB over 19.1 innings. He'll look to get back on track in his next scheduled start against the Blue Jays, who have a weak .643 OPS against right-handed pitching through 35 games.

Hoglund did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Mariners, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out three.

Hoglund was sharp early Wednesday, as he held Seattle scoreless through his first four innings. However, he'd allow a run in the fifth before walking two batters in the sixth, both of whom would come around to score against the A's bullpen. Despite the shaky finish, Hoglund's gotten off to a strong start in his big-league career, posting a 2.38 ERA with 10 strikeouts and just one walk through his first two starts (11.1 innings). The 25-year-old Hoglund certainly appears to have done enough to remain in the A's rotation -- he'd line up for a tough road matchup with the Dodgers in his next start.

Woo did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the A's. He allowed five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings.

The A's got to Woo early Wednesday, scoring three runs on four hits in the first inning. However, the right-hander would settle in and allow just two runs over his final five frames. While the eight hits and five runs allowed are both season worsts, Woo has managed to deliver six or more innings in each of his first seven starts this year. His ERA now sits at 3.25 with a 0.92 WHIP and 44:8 K:BB across 44.1 innings. Woo is currently slated to face the Yankees at home in his next outing.

Gipson-Long (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A Lakeland on Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Gipson-Long has been facing live hitters since late April, and he's now been cleared to test his surgically repaired elbow and hip in a competitive setting. The 27-year-old will certainly require an extensive rehab assignment after being sidelined for more than a year, though he could be in a position to contribute for the Tigers closer to the All-Star break.