MLB Player News

Pfaadt allowed a hit and a walk over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on Sunday. He struck out seven in the extra-innings loss.

Pfaadt was dominant, as the only hit the Cubs could muster against him was an infield single. However, Shota Imanaga dealt seven innings of one-run ball with 10 punchouts, which prevented Pfaadt from stringing together consecutive wins. Pfaadt forced 13 swinging strikes and allowed only one runner to reach scoring position. Over his last four outings, he's given up just two runs over 23.1 innings, lowering his season ERA to 3.74 over 20 starts. Pfaadt's next outing is lined up to be at home against the Pirates.

Atlanta optioned Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Elder served as the 27th man for Atlanta in Saturday's doubleheader with the Cardinals and started the second game of the twin bill, taking a loss while serving up six earned runs on eight hits and one walk over five innings. Though he'll head back to the minors, Elder could garner consideration for a return to the Atlanta rotation as a replacement for Max Fried (forearm), who was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday. However, since Elder would be on only three days' rest when Fried's next turn in the rotation is scheduled to come up Wednesday, expect Atlanta to have another pitcher start that game.

Triple-A Gwinnett reinstated Anderson (elbow) from its 60-day injured list Thursday.

Anderson made his 2024 debut for Gwinnett on Saturday, when he struck out four over 3.2 innings while giving up four earned runs on six hits and one walk in a no-decision against Charlotte. Before being activated from the IL, Anderson made four rehab starts across three levels, producing a 2.19 ERA and 10:1 K:BB in 12.1 innings over those outings. Anderson owns a 3.99 ERA over 266.1 career innings in the majors and still retains a spot on Atlanta's 40-man roster, but the 26-year-old hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2022 after opening the 2023 season at Gwinnett and making one start before requiring Tommy John surgery last April. He'll likely need to string together several quality performances at Gwinnett before making a legitimate case for a return to the big leagues.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that an MRI cleared Fried of any soft-tissue damage before he was placed on the 15-day injured list with left forearm neuritis, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Though anything forearm- or elbow-related for a pitcher always brings some level of concern, the fact that Fried avoided a ligament, tendon or muscular injury following his MRI offers hope that he'll steer clear of extended absence. At the same time, Snitker said that Fried is without an official timeline for a return from the IL and won't resume throwing until his symptoms have dissipated. Fried's injury first cropped up when he felt something in his forearm while warming up for the All-Star Game on Tuesday, but the southpaw was still able to make a one-inning appearance in relief for the National League.

Ryan did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings against the Brewers. He struck out six.

Ryan started strong, managing to avoid pitching from the stretch through four innings, with a third-inning two-out solo homer from Eric Haase representing the only batter to reach base against him. Ryan then ran into trouble in the fifth, allowing hits to four of the first five batters he faced with three runs crossing the plate. He managed to complete the sixth in line for the win, but a leaky bullpen prevented him from grabbing his seventh victory of the season. Ryan has now allowed nine runs through 11.1 innings over his last two starts, though his season stats remain impressive. Through 20 starts, Ryan has completed 120.2 innings with a 3.65 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 130 strikeouts. He's currently projected to next take the hill when the Twins travel to Detroit to take on the Tigers next weekend.

Montero (1-3) allowed five runs on eight hits across 5.1 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Blue Jays. He didn't walk anyone and struck out three.

Montero was hounded by Toronto leadoff hitter George Springer, who took him deep twice, once with a runner on. The righty has had some ups and downs so far in his rookie campaign. He allowed nine runs over 8.2 innings in his first two MLB starts, then followed that by allowing only two runs over 12.2 innings in his next two appearances. Montero has now allowed 10 runs across 10.1 innings in his last two starts. Based on prior results, the 24-year-old may be ready for another upswing, but fantasy managers would be wise to tread carefully due to his 5.97 ERA overall. Montero is penciled in to start again Friday against the Twins.

Civale did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing five runs on four hits and four walks over 4.1 innings against the Twins. He struck out four.

Civale allowed homers to Byron Buxton and Trevor Larnach, with Larnach's two-run blast in the fifth representing the biggest blow. The five runs allowed represented the most Civale has given up since the beginning of May. It was also the second time he's allowed multiple homers over his first three starts in Milwaukee, matching his previous total through the first 17 outings when he was still a member of the Rays. Civale has compiled 15.2 innings since joining the Brewers, carrying a 5.74 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. He is slated for a much softer matchup in his next start, tentatively slated to take place at home against the Marlins.

Imanaga allowed one run on two hits across seven innings but did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 2-1, 10-inning win over the Diamondbacks. He walked one and struck out 10.

Imanaga was virtually flawless outside of a Eugenio Suarez solo home run in the seventh inning, but the Cubs didn't score any runs until the ninth, which denied the lefty a chance at his ninth win of the season. Imanaga has had a great debut campaign overall with a 2.86 ERA through 18 starts, and he's been particularly sharp lately, allowing just one run over 13 total innings with 16 strikeouts in his last two outings. He's making a push for NL Rookie of the Year, though Paul Skenes has been outstanding as well and likely has the inside track. Either way, Imanaga has been a solid fantasy asset, and he'll look to keep rolling in his next scheduled start, which is penciled in for Saturday against the Royals.

Lugo (12-4) picked up the win Sunday against the White Sox, pitching a complete game and allowing one run on three hits while striking out six.

Lugo set another career mark in his breakout season of 2024. In his 85th career start, Lugo registered his first career complete game in Sunday's win over the White Sox. The 2024 All-Star lowered his ERA to 2.38 in the win, which ties him with Corbin Burnes for the lowest in the MLB. Lugo's 12 wins are also one behind Chris Sale for the most in MLB this season.

Thorpe didn't factor into the decision in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Royals. He pitched six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out five.

Thorpe was impressive yet again Sunday, registering a start of six scoreless innings for the second time in his first seven career outings. He was pulled in the seventh after reaching 97 pitches, and his bullpen couldn't hold on to the 1-0 lead he left them. Thorpe has been one of the better rookie hurlers in the American League, as he now has a streak of five straight quality starts. Outside of his June 16 appearance, when he gave up seven earned runs, the 23-year-old has given up only six earned runs over his other six starts.