MLB Player News

Morton (7-7) got the win Sunday over the Angels, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out seven over 5.1 innings.

Morton retired 12 of the first 13 batters he faced but ran into some trouble in the fifth inning. He found himself in a bases loaded jam with nobody out and was able to escape with just one run allowed. Atlanta's pitching combined for 14 strikeouts with Morton responsible for half of those. He now has 15 strikeouts over his last two starts (11.1 innings) after he had just 15 strikeouts over his previous four starts combined (17.1 innings). The 40-year-old now owns a 4.29 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 127:46 K:BB in 126 innings. He lines up to face the Nationals at home in a start over the weekend.

Kelly did not factor into the decision, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings Sunday against the Rays. He struck out four.

Kelly struggled mightily in his second start since returning from a stint on the 60-day IL with a shoulder injury. Despite allowing five runs through five, Kelly was allowed to start the sixth. However, he walked both batters he faced in the inning, and he was pulled with one of those batters later coming around to score, saddling him with six earned runs allowed. On a promising note, Kelly was extended to 96 pitches -- 11 more than he tossed in his previous start -- indicating that he's not being governed by any restrictions. This marked his first outing this season in which he's allowed more than two runs, lifting his ERA from 2.43 to 3.63. His next opportunity to take the hill is scheduled to come next week when the Diamondbacks travel to Boston to take on the Red Sox.

Walker did not factor into the decision in Sunday's loss to the Nationals, allowing three earned runs on four hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. He struck out three.

Walker started strong, throwing three scoreless innings before allowing a two-run blast to Keibert Ruiz in the fourth inning. Walker surrendered another home run in the fifth -- a solo shot to Alex Call. Walker has been mediocre in two starts since returning from a finger injury, pitching to a 6.23 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and an ugly 8:6 K:BB in 8.2 innings. The 32-year-old will look to rebound in his next start, currently scheduled for next weekend in Kansas City.

Irvin came away with a no-decision in Sunday's win against the Phillies, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out five in six innings.

Irvin was not at his best Sunday, allowing eight hits and matching his season-worst with three home runs allowed. However, all three long balls were solo shots, limiting the damage against a potent Phillies lineup. The 27-year-old's performance has slipped since the All-Star break -- Irvin owns a 4.89 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 28:6 K:BB with 10 home runs allowed in 35 innings since the intermission. Irvin will look to right the ship in his next start, currently scheduled for next weekend in Atlanta.

Abbott (10-10) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over five innings against the Royals. He struck out four.

Abbott didn't pitch particularly poorly but was mainly done in by the ninth spot in the order, with Dairon Blanco leading off the third with a bunt single and a stolen base that eventually led to the initial run, then a homer by Blanco in the fifth that pushed the deficit to three. An additional run scored on a sac fly, and Abbott's outing was over after five innings. Sunday marked the eighth consecutive outing for Abbott in which he's alternated allowing two runs or less followed immediately by four runs or more. It was also his fourth loss in five decisions after winning eight of his previous 10. If the trend holds, Abbott would notch a quality start during his next outing, and the matchup seems to fall in line with that possibility as he's next slated for a road matchup against the punchless Pirates.

Kershaw (2-2) allowed four hits and a walk over six shutout innings Sunday, striking out two and earning a win over St. Louis.

Kershaw allowed just one Cardinal to reach scoring position and forced a pair of double plays in his smooth outing. It was his first quality start of the year, and he appears to be settling in after missing the first half due to his offseason shoulder surgery. Over his last three outings, Kershaw has produced a 1.10 ERA with a 13:3 K:BB over 16.1 frames. Through five starts, he owns a 2.63 ERA. Kershaw is currently lined up for a home matchup with the Rays next weekend.

Gray (11-8) allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings Sunday, striking out six and taking a loss against the Dodgers.

Gray danced around a few threats through four shutout frames before allowing a pair of runs in the fifth inning. He's been tagged for eight runs in 10 innings over his last two starts, bumping his season ERA from 3.72 to 3.91. Sunday also marked the first time he lost a second straight start since June 6. Gray produced a 2.81 ERA through 14 starts but has registered an unsightly 5.68 ERA in nine starts since then. His next outing is projected to be in Minnesota.

Rea (11-4) allowed two hits over seven-plus scoreless innings Sunday, striking out five and earning a win over Cleveland.

Rea hit Jhonkensy Noel twice on top of yielding a pair of hits but allowed only one Guardian to reach scoring position. Rea worked through 5.2 innings of no-hit ball before giving up two straight singles in the sixth. He's given up two or fewer runs in six of his eight outings since the start of July but has coughed up a combined 14 runs in the other two. During that span, Rea owns a 3.38 ERA, lowering his season mark to 3.52 through 135.1 frames. His next start is projected to be in Oakland.

Bellozo did not factor into the decision in Sunday's win against the Mets, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four in 5.1 innings.

Coming off consecutive scoreless starts, Bellozo wasn't quite as dominant Sunday, allowing seven hits, including a solo home run by Brandon Nimmo in the sixth inning. Still, Bellozo was effective and now sports a 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB in 33 innings (six starts). The 24-year-old owns a modest 7.4 K/9, but his ability to consistently induce weak contact has allowed him to thrive in his rookie season. He will look to keep rolling in his next start, currently scheduled for next weekend against the Cubs.

Musgrove allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out six over 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Rockies on Sunday.

Musgrove continues to be brought along slowly in his recovery from a bone bruise and bone spur in his throwing elbow. He stretched out to 73 pitches (47 strikes) and limited the damage to an Aaron Schunk RBI double in the third inning. Musgrove has allowed one run on five hits and three walks over 8.2 innings since his return. The veteran right-hander has a 4.97 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 51:18 K:BB through 58 innings over 12 starts this year. Musgrove will likely still have a slight workload restriction for his next start, which is tentatively projected to be at home versus the Mets.