MLB Player News

Woods Richardson allowed four runs on four hits and four walks over four innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out four during the win over Oakland.

Woods Richardson was the victim of a Shea Langeliers grand slam in the first inning but otherwise kept the Athletics off the board. Woods Richardson threw just 45 of 80 pitches for strikes as he struggled with his command and control. It was the first time this season he walked more than two batters and it was his second-shortest outing. Woods Richardson's ERA is up to 3.29 with a 46:15 K:BB through 54.2 frames. His next start is lined up to be at home against the Rays.

Anderson (6-6) allowed one run on five hits and five walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings to earn the win over the Giants on Friday.

Anderson once again put on a master class in run prevention -- he's allowed multiple walks in five of his last six starts, but he hasn't given up more than one run in any of those outings. He's now at a 3.9 BB/9 this season, which means he's flirting with danger more often than not despite his excellent 2.58 ERA and passable 1.19 WHIP. He's also managed a 6.0 K/9 across 87.1 innings, which is the lowest strikeout rate of his career. Anderson is lined up to make his next start at home versus the Brewers, a tough test despite his recent success.

Heaney (2-8) allowed three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings to take the loss versus the Mariners on Friday.

Heaney gave up a two-run home run to Mitch Garver in the first inning, his fifth homer allowed over his last seven appearances. This was the shortest of Heaney's three starts in June so far. The veteran southpaw is at a 4.19 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 62:18 K:BB through 66.2 innings across 14 appearances (13 starts) this season. It's unclear how he'll be utilized going forward -- he may lose his place in the rotation soon since Jon Gray returned from a groin injury last weekend and Max Scherzer (back/arm) could be back by the end of the month. Jose Urena, who pitched 3.1 scoreless innings of relief Friday, could also be a short-term option in the rotation if the Rangers grow tired of Heaney's inconsistency.

Castillo (6-7) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win over the Rangers on Friday.

Castillo received an extra day of rest after Emerson Hancock got a spot start Thursday. It looks like that was a good move, as Castillo was able to bounce back from his worst start of the year to earn his third quality start in his last four outings. He is now at a 3.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 92:24 K:BB over 89.1 innings through 15 starts. He's projected for a challenging road matchup versus the Guardians next week.

Ragans allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four over seven innings in a no-decision versus the Dodgers on Friday.

Ragans had just one bad inning -- he gave up a two-run home run to Miguel Rojas and a solo shot to Chris Taylor in the fifth. Aside from that, it was smooth sailing for the southpaw, who earned his fifth quality start in his last six outings, though he has just two wins in that span. The Royals' ace is now at a 3.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 102:26 K:BB over 86 innings across 15 starts this season. He's given up more than three runs just twice, with both of those games being seven-run mishaps, so he's often been even more dominant than his surface stats would suggest. Ragans is projected to make his next start on the road versus the Athletics.

Flexen (2-6) took the loss Friday against Arizona, allowing four runs on nine hits and two walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out two.

Flexen couldn't avoid Arizona's bats in this outing, yielding a season-high nine hits and generating only six whiffs out of his 75 pitches. The Chicago right-hander now owns a 5.35 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 51:26 K:BB in 67.1 innings this season. Flexen returns home -- where he has been especially poor with a 5.70 ERA over 36.1 innings -- for his next scheduled start against the Astros.

Bello (6-4) took the loss Friday against the Yankees, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits and three walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out five.

Bello surrendered a two-run homer to Alex Verdugo in the first inning before the Yankees tacked on two more runs in the fifth. It's been a tough stretch for the 25-year-old, who's struggled to a 7.04 ERA over his last six starts. Bello's ERA sits at 5.00 on the season with a 1.40 WHIP and 56:24 K:BB across 63 innings. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in Toronto.

Bradish reported having issues with his right elbow after the fifth inning of Friday's game against the Phillies, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Manager Brandon Hyde said after the game that Bradish will undergo tests on his elbow to determine the cause of the issue. The 27-year-old missed the first month of the season after suffering a UCL sprain during spring training, so it makes sense that the Orioles would be cautious with him. He's lined up to pitch again next Friday against the Astros, but his chances of making his next start will likely depend on the results of the testing.

Littell (2-5) yielded seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and a walk over two innings Friday, striking out two and taking a loss against Atlanta.

Atlanta jumped all over Littell right out of the gate, tallying five runs in the first inning and two more in the second. It was Littell's shortest outing of the year and he saw his ERA jump from 3.63 to 4.24 in the process. Over his last six starts, he's posted a 5.79 ERA in 31.2 frames. Still looking for his first win since May 11, Littell's next start is projected to come in Minnesota.

Gil (9-1) picked up the win Friday over the Red Sox, allowing one run on four hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out four.

Gil struggled with his command, but he managed to limit Boston to a lone fourth-inning run. The 26-year-old right-hander allowed three runs in his last outing against the Dodgers, but he's held opponents to one run or fewer in eight of his last nine starts. Gil's ERA is down to 2.03 with a 0.98 WHIP and 96:39 K:BB across 80 innings this year. He's currently slated for a road matchup with the Orioles in his next outing.