MLB Player News

Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Rangers, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out five.

It's been a struggle for Kikuchi of late -- the left-hander has now gone eight starts without a win, posting a 7.79 ERA in that span while failing to make it through six innings in seven of those outings. Overall, Kikuchi is 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 130:30 K:BB across 115.2 innings. Despite his recent troubles, Kikuchi could very well be on the move prior to next week's trade deadline, with multiple contenders looking to reinforce their rotations.

Rodriguez didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Padres, allowing two runs on seven hits over five-plus innings. He struck out two.

Rodriguez blanked San Diego through his first five innings, but Luis Arraez would lead off the sixth with a single before Jurickson Profar launched a game-tying, two-run homer, forcing Baltimore to turn to the bullpen. It's just the second time in Rodriguez's last six starts that he failed to make it through six innings. Overall, the 24-year-old right-hander is 12-4 with a 3.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 122:33 K:BB across 19 starts this year. Rodriguez is currently slated to face the Blue Jays at home next week in his next outing.

Lively (9-6) picked up the win Friday against the Phillies, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out six.

Lively was fantastic, only giving up a solo home run to Bryson Stott en route to the win after back-to-back losses. Lively continues his remarkably consistent season, as he's gone at least five innings and allowed three runs or fewer in 16 of his 18 starts thus far in a breakout campaign. The 32-year-old will carry a 3.44 ERA into his next start, currently scheduled to come against the Orioles.

Montero (1-4) took the loss Friday against the Twins, giving up six runs (five earned) on eight hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out five.

Montero gave up home runs to three of the first seven batters he faced. He still managed to get through five innings, but Montero has now given up multiple home runs in three of his six career starts. The rookie right-hander has struggled as of late, allowing five runs in three consecutive starts and seeing his ERA rise from 4.64 to 6.38.

Lopez (9-7) earned the win over the Tigers on Friday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over seven innings while striking out seven.

Lopez gave up a two-run homer to Javier Baez, but outside of that, he mowed through the Tigers lineup and tossed at least seven innings while allowing two runs or fewer for the second straight outing. The veteran righty is heating up with four quality starts in his last six trips to the mound, and he's seen his ERA drop from 5.63 to 4.73 over that stretch.

The Athletics reinstated Blackburn (foot) from the 60-day injured list ahead of his start Friday against the Angels.

Blackburn has been out since May 10 after suffering a stress reaction in his right foot. He has since made three rehab appearances in the minor leagues, giving up eight earned runs in just four total innings of work. He managed to reach only 49 pitches in 2.2 frames during his latest outing Saturday, and manager Mark Kotsay said the right-hander will be limited to roughly 65-to-70 pitches during his first MLB start in over two months. Hogan Harris was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move.

The Athletics optioned Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

Harris will cede his spot in the rotation to Paul Blackburn (foot) on Friday with Blackburn coming off the 60-day IL. Harris' option comes as a bit of a surprise considering how effective he's been for Oakland. The 27-year-old has a 2.98 ERA in 54.1 innings spanning 11 appearances (nine starts).

The Angels recalled Daniel from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday.

Daniel will join the 26-man active roster as a replacement for Kenny Rosenberg, who surrendered six runs in a start Thursday against the Athletics. Daniel has made three starts with the Angels this season, producing a 5.82 ERA with a 14:1 K:BB across 17 innings. Assuming he isn't need in relief over the weekend, Daniel would be in line to fill Rosenberg's spot in the rotation next Wednesday versus the Rockies.

Verlander (neck) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It will be Verlander's third time on a mound as he recovers from a neck issue, with his first coming just before the All-Star break. The 41-year-old was stretched out to 40 pitches in his last bullpen and could be one or two more sessions away from the next stage in his recovery, whether that's a rehab assignment or an immediate return to the Houston rotation.

Garcia (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Garcia completed a 15-pitch bullpen Saturday and was able to jump up to 35 pitches in Friday's session. The right-hander could progress to facing live hitters soon before beginning what's expected to be a lengthy rehab assignment.