MLB Player News

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.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told reporters Wednesday that Eflin (lat) has been cleared to return from the 15-day injured list and will start this weekend against the Twins, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Eflin cleared his final test by throwing a clean bullpen session Wednesday, and the 31-year-old ace will return to the Orioles' rotation this weekend, though which day he'll pitch is to be determined. He went 2-1 over his first three starts prior to landing on the 15-day IL on April 9 due to a right lat strain, registering a 3.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 8:1 K:BB across 18 innings.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Fitts (pectoral) will throw another bullpen session Thursday, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Fitts will throw off a mound for a second time since he landed on the 15-day injured list in mid-April with a right pectoral strain. He will eventually need to make a rehab start or two before being activated, at which point he will likely be optioned to Triple-A Worcester, as the Red Sox aren't expected to have a rotation spot available for him.

Valdez (2-4) picked up the win in Wednesday's 9-1 victory over the Brewers, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out seven.

The southpaw delivered his fifth quality start of the season on 101 pitches (59 strikes), with only a solo shot by Eric Haase in the fifth inning marring his line. Valdez generated 33 called or swinging strikes as he snapped a four-decision losing streak, and he'll take a 3.94 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 44:17 K:BB through 48 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Royals.

Allen came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 8-6 win over the Nationals, giving up three runs on seven hits and four walks over four innings. He struck out three.

The southpaw threw only 48 of 91 pitches for strikes before getting the early hook with Cleveland down 3-0, but an eight-run eruption by the Guardians in the sixth erased the loss on his ledger. Allen has yet to last six innings in an outing this season, limiting his fantasy utility in formats that value quality starts even in favorable matchups. He'll take a 4.33 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 25:19 K:BB through 35.1 innings into his next trip to the mound, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Brewers.