MLB Player News

Blanco allowed three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out one over 4.2 innings Friday against the Padres. He did not factor into the decision.

Blanco was handed a 3-0 lead by the third inning but couldn't make it through five frames. The right-hander allowed two runs, including an RBI triple to Jackson Merrill in the fourth, before Fernando Tatis took him deep in the fifth. Blanco was pulled after issuing a two-out walk later in the frame, leaving him one out shy of qualifying for the win. He's now failed to complete five innings in three of his four starts this season, and his ERA sits at an ugly 6.98 with a 17:11 K:BB in 19.1 total innings. Blanco is scheduled to make his next start on the road against the Giants.

Eovaldi didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Orioles after allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out two over 5.1 innings.

Eovaldi kept Baltimore off the board outside of Coby Mayo's RBI single in the second inning, though he wasn't especially dominant with just two strikeouts. The right-hander departed the contest with one out in the sixth and Texas still trailing 1-0, leaving him in line for the loss before Pederson's two-run homer later in the frame took Eovaldi off the hook. Eovaldi lowered his ERA to 4.21, though his lack of strikeouts limited his fantasy impact Friday. His next start is scheduled on the road against the Angels.

Soriano didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 5-4 win over the Phillies, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out three.

The start of the game was delayed by two hours due to bad weather, and that combined with any nerves from debuting for a new team may have impacted Soriano's focus and efficiency. The right-hander tossed 62 of 94 pitches for strikes, and after a 1-2-3 first inning he dealt with traffic on the basepaths in every frame, including runners on second and third with nobody out in the fifth. Soriano rallied to fan Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner before being lifted, however. It wasn't the most impressive performance for Toronto's newest member of the rotation, but Soriano hasn't allowed more than three runs in six straight outings dating back to June 30, posting a 3.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 28:12 K:BB through 32.2 innings over that stretch. He'll look to provide more length in his next start, which lines up to come at home next week against the Red Sox.

Baz (4-11) took the loss Friday against the Rangers, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out nine over eight innings.

Baz was excellent for most of the night, but one mistake was enough to saddle him with another loss. The right-hander held Texas scoreless through five innings before Joc Pederson took him deep for a two-run homer in the sixth, accounting for all of the Rangers' scoring. Baz then retired the final eight batters he faced, but the offense couldn't support him with a turnaround. Despite his ugly 4-11 record, Baz owns a respectable 3.76 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. He's winless in his last nine starts, going 0-5 with a 3.31 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over that stretch. He's scheduled to make his next start on the road against the Twins.

Gray (elbow) completed a bullpen session at the Nationals' spring training facility in Florida on Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure in July 2024, Gray didn't pitch for the Nationals in 2025 but was able to make three rehab starts in September. He was expected to compete for a rotation spot this spring, but he was diagnosed with a right flexor strain late in camp and opened the season on the 60-day injured list. Updates on Gray's status have been few and far between in the ensuing months while he's conducted his rehab in Florida, but the 28-year-old has finally made enough progress in his throwing program to get back on the mound. He'll still need to eventually face hitters and head out on a rehab assignment before the Nationals activate him in 2026, and if he does end up making it back to the big leagues in September, he may have to settle for a bullpen role.

Soroka (glute) is expected to return from the 15-day injured list to start Monday's game against the Rockies at Chase Field, MLB.com reports.

The Diamondbacks felt comfortable bringing the right-hander back from the IL following a lone rehab start Tuesday, when he allowed one run over four innings and 57 pitches for Triple-A Reno. Arizona cleared a spot for Soroka in the rotation by optioning starter Kohl Drake to Reno on Friday.

Montero (8-7) allowed five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five over six innings to take the loss versus the Giants on Friday.

Montero wasn't able to take advantage of a favorable matchup, getting tagged for four runs over the first two innings. A Willy Adames homer in the fifth made it a five-run outing. Montero hadn't given up more than four runs in any game prior to July 27, but he's now been tagged for five or more runs in two of his last three starts. He's at a 3.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 86:28 K:BB across 122.1 innings through 25 games (19 starts) this season. Montero will look to get back on track at home versus the Guardians next week.

Houser (3-7) allowed one run on six hits and a walk while striking out four over five innings to earn the win over the Tigers on Friday.

Houser continues to pitch out of the bullpen, but he has covered five or more innings in three of nine appearances since he was bumped from the rotation. The right-hander put in a strong showing Friday, throwing 57 of 86 pitches for strikes to pick up his first win since May 17 versus the Athletics. Houser has allowed just seven runs over 31 innings across nine innings since his move to the bullpen. Overall, he has a 4.55 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 65:31 K:BB through 97 innings over 23 games (14 starts) this year. The Giants' rotation is depleted after Robbie Ray was dealt to the Padres and Trevor McDonald (elbow) was shut down ahead of UCL reconstruction surgery, so Houser could continue to see regular usage moving forward. He's tentatively projected to make his next appearance at home versus the Astros.

Sasaki allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out five over six innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Sasaki earned his third quality start over his last five appearances, though he wasn't able to pick up a third straight win. During this strong stretch, he's allowed nine runs (eight earned) over 30 innings with a 31:8 K:BB. Sasaki is now at a 4.54 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 106:40 K:BB through 105 innings over 20 starts this year. There's some real strikeout upside here despite the pedestrian ratios. His next start is expected to be at home versus the Brewers, which will provide a measuring stick for his recent success.

Mahle did not factor into Friday's decision against the Yankees, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out nine across six scoreless innings.

Mahle was acquired by Atlanta from San Francisco on Sunday, and the 31-year-old right-hander was given the nod to start in Friday's series opener. He looked good with his new team, matching a season high in strikeouts while recording his fourth quality start in 19 games this season. Mahle has a 4.83 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 100.2 innings this year, and his next start is lined up for next week at home against the Mets.