MLB Player News

Perez pitched six innings in a no-decision against the Giants on Saturday, allowing one unearned run on four hits and two walks over six innings while striking out four.

Perez was highly-efficient Saturday, retiring 11 of the first 13 batters he faced before eventually surrendering an RBI double to Wilmer Flores in the bottom of the sixth. It marked the veteran lefty's third start this season in which he lasted six or more innings, and he's now given up two or fewer runs in four of his six outings overall. On the downside, he's also issued multiple walks in all but one start this season.

Hicks did not factor into the decision against the Pirates on Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out nine over six innings.

Hicks was in the zone Saturday, striking out the side in the first inning before going on to retire 10 of the first 12 batters he faced in the contest. He actually allowed the leadoff man to reach in four of the seven innings in which he appeared but wasn't charged with a run until the seventh, after being relieved by Luke Jackson. Hicks has now been hit with a no-decision in each of his last three starts despite holding his opponents to two or fewer runs in those outings. The right-hander also recorded a season-high nine strikeouts Saturday and did not walk a batter after issuing at least two free passes in each of his last three starts.

Cease (3-2) took the loss against Philadelphia on Saturday, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five batters over six innings.

Prior to Saturday, Cease hadn't given up more than two earned runs in any of his five starts and had pitched to a 1.82 ERA. That number ballooned to 2.78 after the outing against Philadelphia, with Alec Bohm accounting for four RBI against the right-hander. Despite the hiccup, Cease has been the Padres' most effective starter this season, and he'll look to bounce back into form in his next appearance, which projects to come on the road in Arizona.

Suarez (5-0) earned the victory over San Diego on Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and no walks while striking out eight batters over eight innings.

Suarez's scoreless inning streak came to an end at 32.2 frames when Eguy Rosario touched him up for a solo homer in the eighth inning, but that did little to take away from another dominant effort. The left-hander posted his fifth straight quality start, and he's struck out exactly eight batters in three of those outings. Suarez has been among the league's best pitchers in the early part of the season -- he's tied for the MLB lead with five wins, leads all qualified pitchers with a minuscule 0.63 WHIP and ranks fourth with a 1.32 ERA.

Morton allowed four hits and one walk while striking out six batters over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against Cleveland on Saturday.

Morton and Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee both hurled seven scoreless frames in the contest, subjecting both pitchers to a no-decision despite their impressive individual efforts. Morton notched his second straight quality start, and he appears to be coming back around after allowing 10 runs over 11.1 frames across a pair of outings April 8 and April 14. The veteran right-hander continues rolling along as an effective rotation piece in his 17th MLB season -- through five starts, he's posting a 3.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 28:11 K:BB over 30 innings.

Cabrera (1-1) took the loss Saturday versus the Nationals, yielding six runs (five earned) on four hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out four.

Cabrera cruised through the first two frames, striking out three while allowing just one runner to reach base. It was a struggle after that, though, with the big blow coming in the fifth inning when Jesse Winker walloped a grand slam. Cabrera twirled a gem in his first start earlier this month, but his second outing wasn't great and this one was worse. Further inconsistency should be expected.

Parker took a no-decision in Saturday's win over the Marlins, permitting one run on six hits and two walks over four innings.

The Marlins made Parker work, particularly in the first inning when he gave up two singles, walked two and allowed a run on a wild pitch. He needed 82 pitches to cover his four frames, ultimately costing him what would have been an easy win. It was easily the least impressive of Parker's three starts so far in the majors, but he still managed to give up just the one run. The lefty's next start is tentatively slated to come on the road versus the Rangers.

Wicks won't make Sunday's scheduled start in Boston due to left forearm tightness, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wicks is coming off his best start of the season, but he seemed to pick up an arm injury either during that outing or in a between-starts throwing session. A stint on the injured list seems likely, but the Cubs could offer more information regarding a potential timetable Sunday. Hayden Wesneski will start Sunday in Wicks' place.

Houser (0-3) took the loss Saturday versus the Cardinals, permitting six runs on nine hits and two walks over 4.1 frames.

Houser notched just two strikeouts and needed 89 pitches to cover his 4.1 unimpressive innings. In five starts and 23.2 innings this season, Houser holds an 8.37 ERA and 14:16 K:BB. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said after Saturday's game that Houser's spot in the rotation is not currently in jeopardy, per Laura Albanese of Newsday. However, with Tylor Megill (shoulder) starting a rehab assignment and youngster Christian Scott dominating at Triple-A Syracuse, Houser had better right the ship in a hurry.

Greene (1-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 8-4 victory over the Rangers, allowing only one hit and one walk over seven scoreless innings while striking out six.

The Reds' bullpen made things a little more interesting, but Greene was in total control while he was on the mound, firing 63 of 98 pitches for strikes and letting only one runner even get to third base. The right-hander has two quality starts through his first six outings this season, and he'll take a 3.63 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 42:12 K:BB through 34.2 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Orioles.