MLB Player News

Liberatore (2-1) allowed one run on three hits and three walks while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Padres on Thursday.

Liberatore was a little less commanding than Michael King, but the former came away with the win when the Cardinals got a go-ahead RBI triple from Masyn Winn in the top of the seventh inning. This was Liberatore's third quality start of the season, and he's won both of his outings in May while allowing just three runs over 11.2 innings. The southpaw has trimmed his ERA to 4.07 with a 1.43 WHIP and 29:16 K:BB through 42 innings over eight appearances this season. Liberatore's next start is projected to be on the road versus the Athletics.

King allowed one run on one hit and two walks while striking out six over six innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Thursday.

King's lone mistake ended up over the fence when Alec Burleson took him deep in the fourth inning. Other than that, it was an excellent performance for King, who came away with his fourth quality start of the season despite failing to get the win. The right-hander has also limited opponents to one run or fewer in four of his outings this season. He's at a 2.76 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 45:20 K:BB through 45.2 innings across eight starts. His 3.9 BB/9 is the highest of his career, while his 8.8 K/9 is his lowest since 2021, when he was still working as a reliever, but neither mark has been an issue yet. King's next start is projected to be on the road in Milwaukee.

Feltner (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is likely to begin a rehab assignment shortly, MLB.com reports.

Feltner had previously stated he didn't believe he'd need a rehab assignment, but manager Warren Schaeffer suggested otherwise Wednesday. Feltner is still on track to return at some point in May, though it could be later in the month than originally anticipated.

Bennett was optioned to Triple-A Worcester after Thursday's 8-4 loss to Tampa Bay, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Bennett made his second career major-league start Thursday at home versus the Rays, taking the loss while allowing four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out one batter over 5.1 innings. The southpaw has combined to pitch 10.1 innings while surrendering four runs in two outings with Boston, and he'll likely get another shot with the major-league roster down the road this season.

Irvin didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Twins, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out two.

The 29-year-old right-hander struggled Thursday, fanning a season-low two and tying a season worst in hits allowed. On a positive note, Irvin has now pitched at least five frames in six consecutive starts and seven of his eight appearances on the year. He'll take a lackluster 5.22 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 41:16 K:BB across 39.2 innings into his next outing, which is slated to come versus the Reds at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.

Lowder (shoulder) will undergo an MRI on Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Lowder was removed in the fourth inning of Thursday's game with right shoulder discomfort. Reds manager Terry Francona said he didn't believe Lowder was in a lot of discomfort, but Friday's imaging should present a clearer picture and inform the next steps for the right-hander. Lowder acknowledged that he had been dealing with something in the right shoulder, which may have impacted his previous start May 2, when he allowed eight runs over 1.1 innings.

Phillips was pressed into action Thursday against the Cubs after Rhett Lowder (shoulder) left in the fourth inning and proceeded to allow five runs on four hits and a walk in one inning.

It's tempting to give Phillips a little bit of grace given the circumstances of his entry into the game and because of a mental mistake made by catcher Tyler Stephenson that allowed the inning to continue; however, this isn't his first recent disaster outing, as he walked all four batters that he faced in an appearance last weekend. For the season he's issued 21 walks in 20 innings and thus can't be a serious candidate for saves even with closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) sidelined.

Povich exited Thursday's contest against the Marlins in the fourth inning with left forearm discomfort, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Povich pitched three innings, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one batter before he was forced to exit the game prior to taking the mound in the bottom of the fourth frame. The left-hander was making his second start with the big-league club since being called up from Triple-A on May 1. Povich finished his day having thrown just 43 pitches, and more information on his status will likely be provided in the near future as he continues to be evaluated.

Quintana did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Mets, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out two.

The Mets scratched across a pair of runs against Quintana in the second inning, but the left-hander would hold them there in an eventual 6-2 Rockies victory. Quintana has given up just four runs over 16 innings in his last three starts after struggling to a 6.23 ERA in his first three outings this year. Quintana will carry a 3.90 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP and 14:13 K:BB into his next start, which is currently scheduled to come on the road against the Pirates.

Scott didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Colorado, allowing a run on three hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out six.

After issuing five walks in just 1.1 frames in his major-league start of the year, Scott has given up only three earned runs over 9.2 innings with a 14:2 K:BB in his last two outings. The young right-hander figures to get an extended run in the Mets' rotation with Kodai Senga (back) sidelined, especially given his improved recent form. Scott is tentatively lined up to face the Tigers at home in his next start.