MLB Player News

Keller did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out six over seven innings.

Keller was dominant once again and faced his only trouble in the fourth after Jake McCarthy ripped an RBI triple and then later scored on a sacrifice fly. It was the third quality start in the last four outings for Keller, though he only has one win to show for it, as the Pirates' offense only mustered up one run until they scored in the ninth to send the game into extras. Keller also managed to keep the ball inside the park, something he's struggled with a bit lately after allowing five home runs over his last four starts. The 28-year-old now owns a 3.30 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 114:34 K:BB in 128.1 innings and lines up for a rematch with the Diamondbacks at home over the weekend.

Lorenzen allowed one run on three hits and struck out one over four relief innings in Sunday's 7-3 loss to Toronto.

After getting chased by the Blue Jays on Saturday, when he lasted two-thirds of an inning (40 pitches), Lorenzen volunteered to pitch Sunday following starter Jon Gray's (groin) removal without throwing a pitch. He gave the Rangers 55 pitches and saved the bullpen. With the team having a day off Thursday, Lorenzen is expected to remain Friday's scheduled starter against Boston.

Spiers (shoulder) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Monday's game against the Cubs in Cincinnati, MLB.com reports.

Spiers landed on the injured list July 13 with a right shoulder impingement but made a quick recovery from the injury. He didn't go out on a minor-league rehab assignment prior to being activated, as the Reds feel comfortable enough with him taking the hill Monday after he checked out fine following a bullpen session Friday. Spiers owns a 3.86 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 41:9 K:BB over 47 innings with the Reds this season.

Howard elected free agency Monday after he was outrighted off the Guardians' 40-man roster.

After being acquired from the Giants on July 5, Howard made two appearances (one start) for Cleveland before he was pushed off the 40-man roster July 21. Between his stops with San Francisco and Cleveland, Howard turned in a 6.21 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over 29 innings, and his numbers with the Giants' Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento (5.90 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 57:17 K:BB in 39.2 innings) weren't especially inspiring, either. As such, Howard will most likely have to settle for a minor-league deal in free agency.

Rodriguez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez followed up a two-inning simulated game Friday with Sunday's bullpen. The Diamondbacks will evaluate the left-hander Monday to determine what the next step is for him. Rodriguez landed on the injured list during spring training and had a setback in April, when he experienced discomfort in his left lat.

Kelly (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Kelly, who threw a simulated game Thursday, followed up with a bullpen Sunday. The Diamondbacks plan to assess the right-hander after recovering from the session to determine next steps. Kelly landed on the injured list in April after feeling something grab in the shoulder while playing catch in the outfield.

Miller (8-7) allowed three runs on seven hits over 6.1 innings Sunday, striking out six and earning a win over the White Sox.

Miller held the White Sox to one run through six frames before coughing up a two-run shot to Paul DeJong in the seventh inning. Miller has shown great command over the last several weeks, posting a 37:7 K:BB across his last 46.2 innings. He's issued just three free passes over his last six starts. Miller owns a 3.46 ERA with a 109:29 K:BB through 122.1 innings this season. He's currently lined up for a tough home matchup with the Phillies next weekend.

Crochet (6-8) yielded five runs (three earned) on six hits and a walk over three innings Sunday, striking out three and taking a loss against Seattle.

Crochet served up a two-run homer to Cal Raleigh in the first inning and never found his groove. Crochet was handed his second straight loss and has not earned a win since June 7. While he's reportedly still expected to receive a "normal workload," he's totaled just 13 innings through four starts this month. During that stretch, he's produced a 4.85 ERA while averaging just under 65 pitches per start. Crochet owns a 3.23 ERA with a terrific 160:26 K:BB through 114.1 innings this season. He's tentatively lined up to start in Minnesota next weekend, though the upcoming trade deadline could change those plans.

Ragans (7-7) allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk over 5.2 innings Sunday, striking out seven and taking a loss against the Cubs.

Ragans gave up a pair of runs in the third inning followed by two more in the sixth. He took his first loss since June 29 and broke a three-game streak of quality starts. However, he forced 17 whiffs Sunday, including 11 with his changeup. Ragans is sporting a 3.37 ERA with a 153:41 K:BB through 22 starts this season. His next outing is expected to be in Detroit.

Assad (5-3) yielded three runs on five hits and a walk over six innings Sunday, striking out five and earning a win over the Royals.

Assad was tagged with two runs in the first inning but was able to shake it off and deliver a quality start. The only damage against him after that was a solo shot by Freddy Fermin. Assad completed six innings for the first time since May 15, which was also his last win. During that nine-start span between wins, he posted a 5.13 ERA and a 5.8 BB/9 over 40.1 frames. Assad now owns a 3.23 ERA with an 86:42 K:BB through 19 outings. His next start is projected to be at home against the Cardinals.