MLB Player News

Contreras didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 7-5 win over the Cardinals, coughing up five runs on seven hits over four innings. He struck out six without walking a batter.

All the damage off Contreras came in the third inning, as he served up homers to Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado, but he was sharp in the other three frames and exited having generated 28 called or swinging strikes among his 83 pitches. The 23-year-old right-hander has been having trouble keeping the ball in the park since the beginning of May, getting tagged for seven homers in 28.1 innings over his last six starts to fuel a 6.04 ERA during that stretch. Despite the upside he'll tease on occasion, Contreras remains a risky fantasy option heading into his next outing, likely to come at home next week against the A's.

Burnes did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three runs on two hits and four walks across six innings in a 5-4 victory over Cincinnati. He struck out seven.

Burnes' night was likely done anyways, but he was tossed after the final out of the sixth for arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire. The right-hander needed 100 pitches (59 strikes) to get through six frames and recorded a season-high four walks, which likely played into his frustration with the strike zone. After allowing 10 runs over his first two starts, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner has posted a 2.83 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 60:23 K:BB over his past 10 appearances (60.1 innings). Burnes will look to make it three straight quality starts next time out, which is tentatively scheduled during a three-game set versus Baltimore.

Flaherty didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Pirates, allowing one run on six hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

The right-hander continues to turn his season around. Flaherty gave up one run or less for the third time in his last four starts, exiting the game in line for his fourth win after 101 pitches (61 strikes), but the Cardinals' bullpen fell apart. Over his last five outings, Flaherty has a 2.48 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 28:13 K:BB through 29 innings, He'll look to keep rolling in his next start, likely to come on the road next week against the Rangers.

Wacha (5-2) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and five walks over 4.2 innings against the Cubs. He struck out eight.

For the first time since April 20, Wacha didn't complete five innings, as he struggled with command, walking a season-high five batters. The eight strikeouts provided some relief, but he ended up taking his second loss of the season. Wacha has been all over the place this season, posting a 0.84 ERA in May following his 6.75 ERA in April.

Kershaw (7-4) earned the win Friday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over seven innings against the Yankees. He struck out nine.

Kershaw bounced back in his first start in June after a rough May. The lefty allowed eight earned runs over 8.2 innings in his previous two starts combined, as he had a 5.55 ERA in May. He cruised through the Yankees' order, tying a season-high nine strikeouts. Kershaw's K/9 sits at 10.90, the second-highest mark of his career. He has been dominant at home, with a 1.45 ERA, but Kershaw has struggled away from Los Angeles, posting a 4.70 ERA in road games. He is projected to make his next start on the road against the Reds.

Webb (4-6) took the loss Friday, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk over seven innings against Baltimore. He struck out six.

Webb allowed eight home runs in his first 45 innings in 2023. Heading into Friday, he had eliminated the long ball in his previous four starts. Gunnar Henderson's seventh-inning blast snapped Webb's 33-inning stretch without allowing a homer. After winning 15 games and posting a 2.90 ERA in 2022, Webb has actually been better this season. His ERA, WHIP, K/9 and BB/9 are all better in 2023, as the 26-year-old remains a stud at the top of the Giants' rotation.

Morton (5-6) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out nine over seven innings to take the loss Friday versus Arizona.

Morton pitched fairly well, but three of the six hits he allowed were doubles, and two of them accounted for all of Arizona's run production. This was Morton's third straight loss, though he's limited opponents to three runs or less in nine of his 11 starts. The 39-year-old is at a 3.62 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 72:26 K:BB through 64.2 innings on the season. Morton will look to break his skid in a home start versus the Mets next week.

Kelly (7-3) allowed two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight over seven innings to earn the win Friday over Atlanta.

A pair of Eddie Rosario solo home runs accounted for all the damage on Kelly's line. This was the 34-year-old's fourth straight win and his sixth victory in his last seven outings. He's posted five quality starts over that longer span. For the season, Kelly has a strong 2.80 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP and 77:28 K:BB through 70.2 innings (12 starts.) Containing Atlanta's offense is an impressive feat on its own, and Kelly will look to keep rolling next week in a favorable road start against the Nationals.

Anderson yielded two runs on four hits and a walk over six innings during Friday's win over the Royals. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision.

Anderson was in line for the loss after coughing up a pair of solo home runs, but a late Rockies comeback got him off the hook. In four starts with Colorado, Anderson has compiled a 10:6 K:BB and a 2.08 ERA. He's currently lined up to face the Giants at home next week.

Stripling (back) will throw a 25-pitch bullpen before Friday's game against Baltimore, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Stripling was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained lower back May 19, and while he was eligible to return Friday, that clearly isn't going to happen. The right-hander will likely throw a few bullpens and possibly make a rehab start before returning to San Francisco's staff later in June.