MLB Player News

King allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision Friday against the Royals.

King pitched five efficient innings, allowing just one mistake which resulted in a solo home run off the bat of Lane Thomas in the bottom of the second. The 31-year-old King exited the game with his team leading 2-1 before Xander Bogaerts committed a throwing error to allow the game-tying run to cross the plate in the bottom of the sixth, giving King a no-decision. On the season, King now has a 3.34 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 96:45 K:BB in 113.1 innings.

Sale (10-6) earned the win against the Rangers on Friday, allowing two hits while striking out six across seven scoreless innings. He did not issue a walk.

The veteran southpaw was sharp in Atlanta's first game since the All-Star break. He limited the Rangers to just two hits and retired 13 straight batters from the third to seventh frames, ending his night with 16 whiffs on just 89 total pitches. It was the 11th quality start of the season for Sale, whose 2.06 ERA (across 105 innings) is third best among qualified starters in the majors behind Jacob Misiorowski (1.62) and Cam Schlittler (2.05). Sale is lined up to face the Padres at home next week.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that the Cubs expect Cabrera (hamstring) to return from the injured list in the second week of August, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

A left hamstring strain sent Cabrera to the IL on June 24, and he was cleared to start up a throwing program about a week before the All-Star break. He still has several hurdles to clear, but barring any setbacks, he should return to Chicago's rotation in time to contribute toward the team's postseason push.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Taillon (hamstring) will return from the injured list during the Cubs' upcoming series against the Tigers, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

It's still unknown exactly which game of the series Taillon will start, but the Cubs should announce their pitching plans later this weekend. The 34-year-old righty has been on the shelf since June 9 due to a strained left hamstring but was cleared to begin pitching in minor-league games July 5. He gave up just one walk and one hit while striking out three batters in 4.2 shutout innings during his most recent outing at Triple-A Iowa but threw just 53 pitches, so he could have a workload restriction in place while he makes his second-half debut.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Soroka (glute) is in line to return from the injured list sometime around early August, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The plan is for Soroka to throw a couple more bullpen sessions Saturday and Tuesday before pitching in a simulated game the following Saturday (July 25). The D-backs have already confirmed the right-hander will make at least one rehab start before returning to the big-league rotation, which will push his next start with Arizona into next month. An exact date for his second-half debut will likely emerge as he continues to check off boxes in his throwing program.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Friday that the outlook for Woodruff's right shoulder injury "isn't good," Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Woodruff was diagnosed earlier this month with an injury to his right anterior shoulder capsule. He is expected to address the media Sunday regarding next steps, but another shoulder surgery is possible. Woodruff is already on the 60-day injured list and ineligible for activation until early September.

Jones will no longer make a start for the Pirates on Friday after their game versus the Guardians was postponed due to air quality conditions.

The contest will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Saturday. Jones will presumably take the ball in one of those games, though it's unclear at this point which one.

Harrison (elbow) underwent an MRI over the All-Star break and is aiming to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Harrison landed on the 15-day injured list last weekend with tightness on the outside of his left elbow. The MRI results haven't yet been reviewed, but Harrison is scheduled to meet with his doctor Friday and is expected to get the green light to resume mound work this weekend. Harrison could have a chance at returning from the IL before the end of July.

The Brewers activated McCullers (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

McCullers -- who has been out since mid-May with a shoulder impingement -- was acquired via trade from the Astros earlier this week and is now on the active roster after completing a rehab assignment. Manager Pat Murphy said Friday that McCullers will pitch out of the Milwaukee bullpen for the time being, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. McCullers holds a 6.86 ERA and 43:22 K:BB over 39.1 frames covering eight starts in the majors in 2026.

The Nationals transferred Irvin (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list July 10.

Coming back from a right shoulder strain, Irvin began a rehab assignment Monday with three scoreless innings in the rookie-level Florida Complex League. Irvin will need additional rehab appearances, likely at a higher affiliate, before the Nationals consider re-inserting him into their rotation. Having been sidelined since May 23, the shift to the 60-day IL doesn't impact the right-hander's return timeline.