MLB Player News

Gray fell to 4-3 on the season Friday against the Astros, allowing six runs on six hits across six innings while striking out five batters and walking two.

Almost all the damage the Astros did came in the first inning, a frame in which they homered twice and crossed the plate five times. Gray was allowed to remain in the game and threw five good innings after that, allowing just one more run on a Yordan Alvarez homer. It's not an outing that will have helped out any fantasy teams, but the ability to rebound at least represents an encouraging sign for the 24-year-old righty. He'll look to pitch well from the start his next time out, which lines up to come Wednesday against the Marlins.

Lopez did not factor into the decision Friday against the Brewers despite striking out 11 batters while allowing one run on three hits and no walks across seven innings.

Lopez gave up a leadoff homer to Kolten Wong to start the game before settling in for seven dominant frames. Unfortunately for him and the Marlins, Corbin Burnes was just as good for the visitors, allowing just one run in seven innings as well. While it wasn't good enough for a win, it was still another dominant showing from Lopez, who now owns a 1.05 ERA through seven starts. He'll look to keep the remarkable start going Wednesday against Washington.

Webb (5-1) allowed one run on three hits and three walks over six innings Friday, striking out one batter and picking up a win over the Cardinals.

Webb gave up an RBI groundout to Paul Goldschmidt in the first innings before shutting the Cardinals down for five straight frames. It was the second time this season that he struck out only one batter, with the last one happening on April 19 when he threw just 3.2 innings. Webb is now sporting a 3.48 ERA with a 28:11 K:BB through 41.1 frames. He's expected to face the Rockies on the road next week.

Burnes threw seven innings Friday against the Marlins, striking out seven and walking none while allowing on run on five hits. He did not factor into the decision.

Burnes did his part, but so did his counterpart Pablo Lopez, who also allowed just one run in seven frames. Both pitchers' only blemishes came on solo homers, with Jesus Aguilar besting Burnes in the bottom of the third inning to level the score. The Brewers would eventually score a run in the top of the ninth to emerge 2-1 victors. Burnes, who now owns a 1.77 ERA through seven starts, lines up to face Atlanta next Wednesday.

Kershaw (pelvis) underwent an MRI on Friday which revealed no structural damage, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw landed on the injured list with right SI joint inflammation Friday, but initial reports indicate that the team believes he'll need a minimum-length absence. Tests back that up as well, so it looks as though he'll have a good chance to return before the end of the month.

Steele (thumb) felt good after throwing a bullpen session Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Steele exited his start last Sunday against the Dodgers with a sore left thumb. He felt the discomfort specifically while throwing his slider, but he was able to throw that pitch without issues Friday. The Cubs have yet to announce their starter for Sunday's series finale in Arizona, a job which could go to Steele if he's cleared to pitch.

Overton will remain in Cincinnati's starting rotation, with his next start coming Tuesday at Cleveland, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Overton was called up in late April and has made three starts for the Reds, tallying a 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 8:6 K:BB over 17 innings. The 28-year-old will receive a longer look in the starting rotation, while Vladimir Gutierrez will shift to the bullpen.

Gutierrez will shift to a bullpen role, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gutierrez's first six appearances of the season came as a starter, but he posted an 8.65 ERA and 1.96 WHIP in 26 innings while posting an 0-5 record. The right-hander will presumably serve as a middle reliever out of the bullpen, while Connor Overton will remain in the rotation. Gutierrez will be an option to serve as a spot starter at some point if needed.

The Dodgers hope Kershaw (pelvis) will be able to return following a minimal stay on the 15-day IL, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw landed on the injured list with right SI joint inflammation Friday, but initial reports indicate the team doesn't seem overly concerned about his injury. However, the Dodgers will likely exercise caution with his recovery process since they've been insistent early in the year that their goal is to have the southpaw healthy enough to pitch in October. While Kershaw's IL stint adds to a growing list of absences over the last few years, it doesn't appear as though he's dealing with a long-term concern. Walker Buehler will take his place as Friday's starter against the Phillies, but the Dodgers haven't indicated who will take Kershaw's rotation spot.

Urena signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Urena was designated for assignment by Milwaukee in early May, and he elected free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Nashville. However, he'll settle for a minor-league deal with Colorado. The right-hander will work out at the Rockies' extended spring training facility in Arizona before presumably reporting to Triple-A Albuquerque.