MLB Player News

Blackburn appears to be the top option to replace the injured Kodai Senga (hamstring) in New York's rotation, Will Sammon of the Athletic reports.

Blackburn missed the first two-plus months of the season due to knee problems, but the veteran right-hander has been impressive since coming off the injured list, blanking the Dodgers over five innings in a spot start for his 2025 debut June 2 before recording his first career save in a long-relief stint against the Rockies last Sunday. He worked over 70 pitches in both appearances, so length wouldn't be an issue if he shifts back into the rotation. The Mets will wait and see how Frankie Montas (lat) looks in his rehab start Friday before making any decisions on who will take Senga's next turn, however.

Ginn (quadriceps) struck out five batters and allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks across 3.1 innings in a rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Ginn tossed 72 pitches (42 strikes) in his second rehab outing with Las Vegas since landing on the 15-day injured list May 20 due to a strained right quad. The Athletics haven't confirmed Ginn's next steps, but the right-hander could be ready to return from the IL as soon as Monday versus the Astros. Jacob Lopez or Mitch Spence are most at risk of falling out of the rotation when Ginn returns.

Eovaldi (triceps) could be ready to throw a bullpen session this weekend, MLB.com reports.

Eovaldi recently began playing catch after undergoing further testing back in Arlington. Rehab appears to be progressing as expected for the right-hander, but he remains without a clear timeline for his return to the Rangers' rotation.

Valdez (7-4) recorded the win Thursday against the White Sox after giving up two runs on seven hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out 12.

After fanning what was 11 in his last start, Valdez one-upped himself Thursday by setting another season high in strikeouts. The star left-hander produced a whopping 20 whiffs, and he also worked at least five innings while surrendering two runs or fewer for the 10th time in 14 outings during 2025. Valdez sports a reliable 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 96:28 K:BB over 90 innings, and his next start is slated for next week against an Athletics club that's slugging a dismal .291 versus lefties since May 14.

Martin (2-7) took the loss Thursday against the Astros after giving up four runs on six hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.

Martin continues to supply length for the White Sox, tossing at least six frames for his sixth start in a row. However, the long ball remains an issue for the 28-year-old right-hander, who has now served up at least one homer in four straight outings. Martin owns a 3.79 ERA and 1.21 WHIP but has just 53 punchouts through 80.2 innings, so his lack of strikeout potential will likely render him more of a deep-league streaming option versus the Cardinals his next time out.

Taillon (7-3) recorded the win Thursday against the Pirates after giving up two runs on four hits and two walks in 6.1 innings. He struck out seven.

Taillon extended his streak of quality starts to six, and it was also his eighth such effort in his last nine outings. The 33-year-old right-hander has yielded greater than three runs on just two occasions this year, and he also tied his season high in punchouts Thursday. Taillon holds a steady 3.48 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 65:16 K:BB across 82.2 innings ahead of his next appearance, which is set to come versus a Brewers team that's batting a paltry .218 against righties since the start of May.

Heaney (3-5) took the loss Thursday against the Cubs after giving up three runs on four hits and no walks in six innings. He struck out seven.

It was the fifth quality start of the year for Heaney, who registered his most strikeouts since April 23 against the Angels. The veteran left-hander perhaps dangerously poured in 54 of his 76 pitches for strikes against a tough Cubs lineup, as Chicago was able to tag him for two home runs. Heaney owns a strong 3.33 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 59:24 K:BB across 78.1 innings, but he may be a riskier fantasy option than usual his next time out against a Tigers club that's slugging a potent .472 versus southpaws since May 1.

Gray (7-2) took the loss Thursday against the Brewers after giving up six runs on eight hits and one walk in 4.1 innings. He struck out four.

Gray allowed his second-most runs of the season in what was tied for his second-shortest outing of the year. The veteran right-hander did at least exhibit his usual control, walking one or fewer in his seventh straight start, but he fanned fewer than five for the first time in his past five outings. Gray is still in possession of a healthy 3.84 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 85:15 K:BB over 79.2 innings, and he'll have a prime opportunity to right the ship against the lowly White Sox in his next scheduled appearance.

Warren took a no-decision after working 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out four during Thursday's 1-0 win over the Royals.

After allowing 13 runs over his last three starts, Warren worked his second shutout start of the season Thursday. The season has seen mixed results so far, but the next step for the 25-year-old will be finding a way to work deeper into ballgames, as he's only pitched past the sixth inning once this year. The right-hander's next scheduled start is Tuesday against the Angels.

Lugo took a no-decision after 5.2 shutout innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out two during Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Yankees.

Lugo played his part in a pitcher's duel Thursday, working his second scoreless outing of the season despite tying a season high in walks and a season low in strikeouts. The 35-year-old has now walked 10 batters over his last five starts, and his 2.4 K:BB ratio is currently his lowest since his rookie season. The next scheduled start for the right-hander should come next week against the Rangers.