MLB Player News

Fried didn't factor into the decision in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader split with the Pirates, allowing one hit and one walk over five scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

While the southpaw got lifted after just 57 pitches (37 strikes) in his first start since May 13, Fried looked to be fully recovered from a bone bruise in his pitching elbow. Over 66.2 innings this season, Fried sports a 2.97 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 57:20 K:BB, and his return might give the Yankees the luxury of not having to add a starting pitcher at the trade deadline. Fried should get stretched out a little more in his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road early next week against the White Sox.

Cole didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader split with the Pirates, giving up three runs on four hits over seven innings. He struck out 11 without walking a batter.

The 35-year-old right-hander was back in Cy Young form, setting new season highs in innings and strikeouts, but Cole did serve up homers to Jacob Gonzalez in the fifth inning and Nick Gonzales in the seventh to account for all the damage off him. Cole has been taken deep 11 times in 62 innings since making his 2026 debut in late May, marring what's otherwise been an impressive return from elbow surgery last March. He'll take a 3.92 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 66:12 K:BB into his next start, which is set to come on the road early next week against the White Sox.

Lugo (4-6) picked up the win Wednesday, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks over seven innings in a 5-4 victory over the Giants. He struck out five.

The veteran right-hander delivered his second straight quality start and 12th of the season on 94 pitches (63 strikes), and Lugo got rewarded for his efforts when Kansas City erupted for five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. The win was Lugo's first since June 19, and over five starts and 27.1 innings in July he's managed a 4.94 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 25:8 K:BB. He'll look to build on his recent success in his next outing, which is set to come on the road early next week in Minnesota.

Bello allowed four hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.1 scoreless relief innings in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Bello shined in bulk relief for the second time since being recalled from Triple-A Worcester earlier this month. He resurfaced with the team prior to the All-Star break and allowed one run over 4.1 innings in a win over the Yankees on July 12. Given Bello's success while following an opener this season (0.77 ERA in six outings), Boston interim manager Chad Tracy may want to keep him in that role for the stretch run rather then sending him back to the minors.

Jax (6-7) got the win Wednesday against the Blue Jays, allowing one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five across six innings.

Jax needed only 83 pitches (57 strikes) to make it through six frames for his second quality start of the campaign. The right-hander appeared headed for a no-decision, but the Rays took the lead with a three-run sixth inning to secure Jax's fifth win in his last seven starts. During that stretch, the 31-year-old has given up 17 runs and struck out 39 over 37 innings, bringing his ERA to 3.89 and WHIP to 1.22 through 27 outings (16 starts) this season. A matchup with the Rangers is tentatively on deck for next week.

Kay (7-4) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings to earn the win over the Rangers on Wednesday.

Kay gave up a home run for the third straight outing, but he was otherwise good enough to get the win as the White Sox did enough damage against the Rangers' bullpen game. In July, Kay has allowed seven runs over 18.1 innings across four outings, but he's fallen short of the five-inning mark twice -- though one start was shortened by rain. He's at a 4.21 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 80:40 K:BB through 98.1 innings over 21 games (19 starts) on the season. Kay is also far and away the major-league leader in hit batsmen with 19, six more than the Mets' Nolan McLean in second place. Kay is projected to make his next start at home versus the Yankees.

Montero (7-5) allowed one run on three hits and struck out eight without walking a batter over 5.1 innings to earn the win over the Cubs on Wednesday.

Montero was back in the rotation for the first time since he threw seven shutout innings June 26 versus the Astros. The right-hander had moved to the bullpen for much of July, but he could take claim of a starting role once again since Jack Flaherty (forearm) went on the injured list Tuesday and Casey Mize is dealing with groin tightness and a wrist issue. For the season, Montero has been a fine option in any role, pitching to a 3.14 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 78:22 K:BB through 106 innings over 22 appearances (16 starts). Assuming Montero remains the top option to cover a starting role in Flaherty's absence, the former is lined up for a home start versus the Orioles early next week.

Ober took a no-decision Wednesday against the Guardians, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out two across four innings.

Ober dealt with a lot of traffic on the basepaths, which led to Cleveland manufacturing four runs without any extra-base hits against him. The 31-year-old threw 89 pitches, which marks his highest total since coming back from the elbow injury in early July. The righty has a 4.40 ERA,1.40 WHIP and 14:4 K:BB over 14.1 frames since coming off the IL. He lines up for a matchup against Kansas City next week.

Cecconi (4-7) took the loss Wednesday against the Twins after giving up three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings.

Cecconi continues to struggle in July after an efficient June, during which he yielded two runs or fewer in all five of his starts. The right-hander has now allowed at least three runs in each of his three July outings, leaving him with a 7.43 ERA across 13.1 innings this month. The three walks issued Wednesday are also his most since May 7. The 27-year-old is expected to start next week against the Reds.

Lambert allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three over six innings in a no-decision versus the Marlins on Wednesday.

Lambert has posted three straight quality starts, allowing four runs over 18 innings with a 20:6 K:BB in that span. He's been a little unlucky to take a no-decision in his last two outings, but he's still pitching well and has emerged as a reliable part of the Astros' rotation. The right-hander is now at a 3.03 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 94:38 K:BB through 98 innings over 17 starts this season. Lambert's next start is projected to be a favorable road matchup versus the Angels.