MLB Player News

Adon (1-4) took the loss Saturday, giving up four runs on four hits and three walks over four-plus innings in a 9-3 loss to the Giants. He struck out five.

The rookie right-hander continues to struggle. Adon has been tagged for at least four runs in four of his five starts this season, leading to a 7.33 ERA and 1.67 WHIP that seems entirely deserved given his 18.9 percent strikeout rate and 11.7 percent walk rate. The only thing keeping Adon in the rotation right now might be the Nationals' lack of viable alternatives.

Atlanta optioned Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

He'll return to the minors one day after he took his third loss in as many starts, this time falling to the Rangers. After limiting the Nationals to three earned runs over 5.2 innings en route to capturing the win in his MLB debut April 12, Elder has failed to get out of the fifth inning in each of his subsequent three turns. Over those outings, he's submitted a 4.73 ERA, 1.95 WHIP and most troublingly, an 8:14 K:BB in 13.1 innings. Atlanta will replace him in the rotation with Kyle Muller, who was called up from Triple-A to start Sunday's series finale in Texas.

Atlanta recalled Muller from Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. He's scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Rangers.

Max Fried initially lined up to start the series finale in Texas, but he'll instead be saved for Monday's series opener against the division-leading Mets. Meanwhile, Muller will immediately jump into the rotation as a replacement for Bryce Elder, who was optioned to Gwinnett after being handed his third straight loss in Saturday's start against the Rangers. Muller, who submitted a 4.17 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 37:20 K:BB across 36.2 innings in nine appearances (eight starts) for Atlanta in 2021, was off to a hot start at Gwinnett prior to his call-up. In four starts for the affiliate, he amassed 28 strikeouts over 19.2 innings.

Brubaker tossed five innings against San Diego on Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four. He did not factor in the decision.

Brubaker kept San Diego off the scoreboard for three innings, but an Eric Hosmer long ball in the fourth netted three runs for the Padres and gave them a brief lead. Pittsburgh was able to get the right-hander off the hook with a pair of runs in the fifth, however, and ultimately pulled the game out in 10 innings. This was just the second time Brubaker has completed five innings in a contest this season, and he has largely been a pitcher to avoid in fantasy with a 6.20 ERA and 1.52 WHIP over five starts. His next turn in the rotation is likely to come in Cincinnati next weekend.

Steele (1-3) took the loss at the hands of the Brewers on Saturday, allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits and one walk with four strikeouts in three innings.

Milwaukee jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, as Steele surrender four singles and Chicago committed two errors, and he never settled in. Steele was pulled before he could face the order a third time while throwing 48 of 74 pitches for strikes, and he has now made it to five innings just once in five starts. The 26-year-old lefty is tentatively projected to start next weekend against the Dodgers.

Lauer (2-0) got the win during Saturday's 9-1 victory over the Cubs, allowing one run on five hits and a walk with 11 strikeouts in seven innings.

Coming off a 13-strikeout performance on Sunday Night Baseball, Lauer put up nearly as many whiffs Saturday and got the win this time. Milwaukee jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and the 26-year-old faltered just once when he served up a Yan Gomes solo shot in the second inning. Lauer is among the leaders in both ERA and strikeouts, and it would appear Milwaukee has uncovered another gem.

Walker registered a no-decision during Saturday's 4-1 loss to Philadelphia, allowing two hits and two walks with one strikeout in five scoreless innings.

Making his first start since April 11, Walker again held Philadelphia scoreless and stayed away from trouble aside from two baserunners in the third inning. He shouldered a near-regular workload as manager Buck Showalter let the 29-year-old go a solid 73 pitches before he turned it over to the bullpen. Through seven innings this season, Walker is yet to allow a run with an 0.57 WHIP and five strikeouts, with both starts coming against Philadelphia.

Kershaw did not factor into the decision in Saturday's loss to the Tigers. He allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings.

By fanning Dustin Garneau in the third inning, Kershaw tied Hall of Famer Don Sutton for the most strikeouts in Dodgers history. An inning later, Kershaw struck out Spencer Torkelson for No. 2,697, passing Sutton on the all-time list. Kershaw has been tremendous through four starts this season, posting a 2.35 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 30:2 K:BB over 23 innings. He projects to take the ball next weekend at Wrigley Field.

Gibson didn't factor into the decision during Saturday's 4-1 win against the Mets, permitting an unearned run on two hits and five walks with three strikeouts in 4.1 innings.

Gibson dealt with some traffic on the bases thanks to a season-high five walks but prevented New York from crossing the plate until his own fifth-inning error brought home a run and prompted his removal. The 34-year-old has been adequate in four starts since firing seven scoreless frames with 10 strikeouts in his first start, now possessing a 2.93 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 27.2 innings. He's currently slated to face New York again sometime next weekend.

Overton did not factor into the decision Saturday against the Rockies. He allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out three over 5.1 innings.

Overton drew a tough assignment at Coors Field in his Reds debut. He more than held his own, inducing nine swinging strikes on 75 pitches and leaving in line for the win. The right-hander is a journeyman at 28 years old, having bounced around between several clubs in the minors before making nine appearances between Pittsburgh and Toronto last season. He may get another opportunity to start for Cincinnati next week with a doubleheader on the schedule.