MLB Player News

The Nationals optioned Ogasawara to Triple-A Rochester following Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Brewers.

Making his second start for the Nationals on Saturday, Ogasawara took a no-decision after allowing three earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out two over four innings. While he performed better Saturday than he had in his MLB debut, the southpaw won't retain his rotation spot after giving up seven runs over 6.2 frames across his first two MLB starts. It's not yet clear who Washington will turn to as its new fifth starter moving forward, but the team has some time to decide with the All-Star break just around the corner.

Ogasawara allowed three runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two over four innings in a no-decision versus the Brewers on Saturday.

Ogasawara threw 56 pitches (34 strikes) in his second major-league start. It was a better performance than his debut against Boston last week -- he kept the ball in the yard and wasn't responsible for the loss, as the Nationals covered his poor fourth inning with three runs over the final two frames. The southpaw has now allowed seven runs across 6.2 innings in the majors, adding a 4:1 K:BB. It remains to be seen if Ogasawara will stick in the rotation after the All-Star break, but the Nationals have a spot to let him work if he can prove himself up to the challenge.

Woodruff allowed two runs on five hits and struck out 10 without walking a batter over 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Nationals on Saturday.

Woodruff gave up the first two runs of the game on solo home runs by Daylen Lile and Brady House. The Brewers got him off the hook with a three-run tally in the fourth inning, but Woodruff is still building up after a lengthy recovery from shoulder surgery and elbow and ankle injuries. He was pulled at 81 pitches (57 strikes) in an altogether strong performance, though he's now given up three homers over 10.1 innings across two starts this season. Woodruff has also racked up 18 strikeouts without issuing a walk, so there are positive signs that the 32-year-old right-hander can fully get back to pre-surgery form during the second half.

Montas (2-1) allowed a run on four hits and struck out five without walking a batter over five-plus innings to earn the win Saturday over the Royals.

After allowing a total of 10 runs over his previous two starts, Montas was much better in this contest. He allowed just two hits over five innings but gave up back-to-back doubles before he was pulled in the top of the sixth. Reed Garrett preserved the Mets' lead, and Montas ended up with his second win in a row. Montas has pitched to a 5.03 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB over 19.2 innings across four starts since he returned from a right lat strain. Montas is expected to remain in the rotation after the All-Star break as the Mets await the returns of Paul Blackburn (shoulder) and Tylor Megill (elbow).

Musgrove (elbow) has extended his throwing distance while playing catch to 120 feet, per MLB.com.

Musgrove began playing catch in early April and has gradually extended his throwing distance since then. The veteran hurler also played catch off the mound Wednesday, though it wasn't a standard throwing session. Musgrove continues to progress from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last October, but he's not expected to be ready to pitch in games again until 2026.

Boyd (10-3) picked up the win after throwing eight scoreless innings Saturday, allowing four hits and no walks while striking out six, during a 5-2 win over the Yankees.

Boyd has now posted a shutout start in three of his last four appearances, including back-to-back outings, entering the All-Star break. Saturday was his longest start of the season, and he also didn't walk a batter for the sixth time. Since the beginning of June, the left-hander has been one of the best pitchers in the game, posting a 5-1 record with a 1.43 ERA and 38 strikeouts, allowing just 30 hits in 50.1 innings.

The Padres optioned Bergert to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

Bergert gave up two runs in 4.2 innings during his return from the injured list Friday. Now that the Padres have no need for a fifth starter with the All-Star break approaching, they'll send the 25-year-old down to Triple-A in favor of Alek Jacob, who will provide extra bullpen depth. Bergert owns a 2.84 ERA and 1.14 WHIP through 31.2 innings in the majors this season, so there's a good chance he'll be back in a Padres uniform before long.

Blalock is slated to start Saturday's game against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.

The Rockies called Blalock up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, but after going unused out of the bullpen in the team's ensuing four games, he'll now slot into the rotation spot vacated by Chase Dollander, who was optioned to the minors earlier this week. Over five appearances (three starts) with Colorado on the season, Blalock owns a 12.94 ERA and 2.06 WHIP in 16 innings. He won't make for a reliable streaming option Saturday against a Reds squad that tagged him for six runs over four innings back on April 27 at Coors Field.

Blackburn (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Sunday before beginning a rehab assignment at Single-A Port St. Lucie after the All-Star break, MLB.com reports.

With Kodai Senga rejoining the rotation Friday and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) expected back Sunday, the Mets don't need to rush Blackburn back to patch over holes in the rotation. The 31-year-old right-hander should still be ready to come off the IL in late July, but it will likely be in a long-relief role.

Liberatore (6-7) took the loss Friday against Atlanta, giving up six runs on nine hits and one walk in three innings. He didn't record a strikeout.

Liberatore matched his shortest outing of the year, and the six runs he surrendered were his most since his June 5 start. Friday's outing was his first this season without a strikeout, and the nine hits allowed tied his season high. Liberatore has still settled in as a consistent member of St. Louis' rotation during the first half of the campaign, logging a 4.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 80:22 K:BB over a career-high 100.1 frames.