MLB Player News

Turnbull will be available out of the Phillies bullpen Sunday versus the Giants, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Turnbull could end up piggybacking starter Taijuan Walker, though manager Rob Thomson didn't explicitly say that would be the case. From a performance standpoint, Turnbull has earned a spot in Philadelphia's rotation with a 1.67 ERA and 36:10 K:BB in 32.1 innings this season, but the team also wants to keep an eye on his workload since he hasn't thrown more than 56.2 innings in a season since 2019. Turnbull seems likely to make another start at some point in the not-too-distant future, but it may take an injury to another starter before that happens.

Sanchez will start Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Sanchez was available in relief for Saturday's game, but because he wasn't needed, he's now set up to start Tuesday. Meanwhile, Spencer Turnbull will be available in relief Sunday in what could wind up being a piggyback situation with Taijuan Walker. The roles of all three pitchers seem somewhat in flux.

Abbott (1-4) took the loss to the Orioles on Saturday, allowing two runs on seven hits over five innings. He struck out eight without issuing a walk.

He retired eight straight batters at one point while showing great depth with his breaking pitches, but Jorge Mateo and Adley Rutschman touched him up for solo shots in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively, and that was enough to send Abbott to his fourth loss in five decisions. The lefty has now allowed multiple homers in three of his last four outings, but he still has a highly respectable 3.32 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 38 innings this season. If Abbott can get the homer issue under control, he could take off, though that will be easier said than done as the weather heats up.

Rogers (0-5) took the loss Saturday in Oakland, allowing eight runs on eight hits and three walks over just 2.1 innings.

Rogers gave up a couple runs in the second inning and then the wheels really came off in the third, as he was tagged for six runs during what turned out to be a 10-run inning for the Athletics. It was a disastrous performance in what should have been a favorable matchup for the left-hander. Rogers will carry a 6.15 ERA into his next start, which is expected to be against the Phillies at home.

Irvin (2-3) was saddled with the loss Saturday versus the Blue Jays, permitting four runs (zero earned) on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out four.

Irvin needed 32 pitches to get through the first inning, thanks in large part due to a pair of errors committed behind him. The silver lining is all four of the runs the Jays scored in the opening frame were unearned, so he watched his ERA on the season drop from 4.28 to 3.72. Irvin mostly settled in after that but still required a season-high 107 pitches to cover his five innings. The righty has walked just eight batters in seven starts this season, showing immensely improved control after he issued free passes at a 10.2 percent clip in 2023. His next start is lined up to come in Boston.

Nationals manager Davey Martinez said Gray (elbow) threw about 35 pitches in Saturday's bullpen session, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Gray's session marked the first time the right-hander has thrown off the mound since landing on the 15-day injured list with a right flexor strain, and Martinez noted that the right-hander didn't suffer any setbacks. Gray is set for another bullpen appearance next Tuesday and Wednesday, per Andrew Golden of The Washington Post. Gray will need a few more bullpen sessions before beginning his rehab assignment.

Stone did not factor into the decision Friday against Atlanta, allowing one run on five hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out five.

Stone held up well against a tough Atlanta lineup, generating 14 whiffs and five punchouts. His only blemish on the evening was a 449-foot solo shot by Austin Riley in the first inning. Stone has made four straight starts in which he's allowed two or fewer runs, tossing a 2.35 ERA in 23 innings over that span. The Dodgers right-hander is slated to make his next start against the Marlins at home.

Morton did not factor into the decision Friday against the Dodgers, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out five.

Morton held the vaunted Dodgers lineup in check, delivering his third straight quality start. Over those three starts, the 40-year-old has thrown 19 innings with a 1.89 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 15:5 K:BB. Morton is slated to face the Mets on the road in his next start.

Cease (4-2) earned the win Friday against the Diamondbacks, allowing one run on three hits and no walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out eight.

Cease continued his brilliant start to the season, generating 18 whiffs on 102 pitches. The former White Sox pitcher appears to have re-discovered his 2022 form, posting a 2.55 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 48:14 K:BB over 42.1 innings. Cease will look to keep rolling in his next start, scheduled to come against the Cubs in Chicago.

Cecconi (1-2) took the loss Friday against the Padres, yielding six runs on five hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out four.

Cecconi cruised through the San Diego lineup once, retiring the first nine batters in order. However, he floundered in the fourth inning, allowing four runs, two walks and three extra-base hits, including back-to-back homers to Fernando Tatis and Jake Cronenworth. Cecconi will look to bounce back in his next start, scheduled to come against Cincinnati on the road.