MLB Player News

Estes (5-5) allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out three without walking a batter over 5.1 innings, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Mets.

Estes mostly kept the Mets in check, though he yielded solo home runs to Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. This was the first time since June 16 that Estes yielded multiple homers in an outing. The right-hander is now at a 4.72 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 66:21 K:BB through 87.2 innings over 17 appearances (16 starts). He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Rays.

Littell allowed one run on one hit and two walks while striking out three over five innings in a no-decision versus the Astros on Wednesday.

Aside from a Jeremy Pena solo home run in the fifth inning, Littell was in control, though he threw just 68 pitches (44 strikes) in this start. That matches his lowest pitch count since the start of July -- he'd thrown no fewer than 79 pitches in any of his last six starts. He's now at a 4.03 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 116:26 K:BB through 129.2 innings over 24 starts this year. Littell is tentatively projected for a favorable road start against the Athletics in his next outing.

Blanco was removed from his start Wednesday against the Rays after getting hit in the left index finger by a comebacker, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Blanco reported soreness in his finger after getting hit in his left (non-throwing) hand by a 106-mph line drive off the bat of Brandon Lowe, prompting his removal after six shutout innings. Initial X-rays came back negative after the game, so it appears the 30-year-old righty managed to escape without a significant injury. He's lined up to start against Boston next week, though the Astros will likely keep an eye on his finger up until then.

Gray (groin) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gray has been out of action since late July due to a right groin strain, and Wednesday appears to be the first time he's thrown off a mound since suffering the injury. The 32-year-old will require time to build back up to a starter's workload through either simulated games or a rehab assignment, so he'll likely a few weeks away from coming off the 15-day injured list.

Manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday that Eovaldi (oblique) will make his next start Saturday against the Twins, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Eovaldi suffered a low-grade right oblique strain during his most recent start this past Saturday versus the Yankees, but he was able to throw a bullpen session Wednesday without any problems. Now seemingly past the oblique injury, he'll receive a few extra days of rest before returning to the Texas rotation. Eovaldi will match up against a Twins offense that ranks fourth in the American League with a .755 OPS for the season.

Varland (0-5) took the loss Wednesday against the Royals, allowing three earned runs on eight hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out three.

Optioned to Triple-A following Friday's start, Varland was recalled Wednesday to make his second start since June 16. The 26-year-old managed to notch his first quality start of the season, but he was fortunate to surrender just the three runs. The right-hander allowed baserunners in all six innings he pitched while yielding solo home runs to Bobby Witt and Paul DeJong. Varland will continue to vie for the Twins' fifth rotation spot with Joe Ryan (shoulder) and Chris Paddack (forearm) sidelined, but his 6.14 ERA and 1.64 WHIP across 36.2 innings this season do not inspire confidence.

Pepiot (knee) is scheduled to be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Friday versus the Diamondbacks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander has been sidelined for the past month due to an infection in his right knee from a bug bite, but he's ready to rejoin the Rays after one rehab appearance with Double-A Montgomery. Pepiot threw 69 pitches across 3.1 innings during the outing, so he could still have minor workload limitations in his first start back with Tampa Bay. The 26-year-old has a 3.92 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 94:31 K:BB across 87.1 innings this season.

Ragans (10-7) picked up the win Wednesday against the Twins, allowing one earned run on five hits over seven innings. He struck out eight without issuing a walk.

The only run surrendered by Ragans came on a solo shot by Carlos Santana in the fourth inning. Other than that blemish, Ragans cruised through seven innings, striking out eight or more batters for the first time since July 5. The southpaw has now collected wins in five of his past six starts, pitching to a 2.87 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 40:10 K:BB in 37.2 innings during that stretch. He'll look to stay in the win column in his next start, currently scheduled for early next week against the Angels.

The Yankees recalled Warren from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday.

Warren will make a spot start Wednesday in Chicago against the White Sox. He has coughed up 12 runs over 9.2 innings in his previous two starts with the Yankees this season, though he notched 12 strikeouts. Warren is expected to be sent back down to Triple-A after the game.

Dunning will start Wednesday's game in Boston.

Dunning's last eight appearances have all come in relief, although he has been stretched out to more than 60 pitches a couple times over that span. His last appearance came Sunday when he threw two innings against the Yankees, so he likely won't be asked to work deep into Wednesday's outing.