MLB Player News

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

Herz received a second start after struggling in his debut against the Mets and showed improvement in holding Atlanta to two runs. After allowing those two runs and four baserunners in the second, Herz settled down and retired six of seven batters over the next two frames. A seven-run fourth by the Nationals put Herz in line for the win, but Herz allowed two batters to reach base in the fifth and was pulled two outs shy of being eligible for his first big-league win. With both Josiah Gray and Trevor Williams remaining on the shelf, Herz looks to be in line for another start, likely to take place next weekend when the Nationals welcome the Marlins to town for a weekend set.

Kirby allowed a run on five hits over seven innings in a no-decision Sunday. He struck out four during the win over the Royals.

The lone run to score on Kirby came via a sacrifice bunt in the fifth inning. After a shaky stretch in May, he's back to looking like his usual self recently; over his last three starts, Kirby has posted a 2.00 ERA and 21:1 K:BB. He was in line for the win after his seventh quality start of 2024 before the Royals tied up the game in the ninth inning. Kirby is now sporting a 3.81 ERA with a terrific 78:7 K:BB through 80.1 frames. His next start is lined up to be at home against the Rangers.

Blach (2-4) yielded four runs on eight hits and a walk over five innings Sunday, striking out three and taking a loss against the Cardinals.

Blach never quite found a groove Sunday, allowing at least one run in the second, third and fourth frames. He's given up eight runs in 10 innings so far this month after ending May with two straight quality starts. The 33-year-old southpaw's ERA has climbed to 4.84 with a 22:8 K:BB through 44.2 innings this season. Blach's next start is projected to be at home against the PIrates.

Winn (3-7) suffered the loss Sunday, allowing seven runs on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings against the Rangers. He struck out seven.

At least Winn was efficient in needing just 69 pitches while allowing eight baserunners and striking out seven. Otherwise, there wasn't much else good to glean from his start. He allowed five runs in the first two innings, then was pulled in the fifth after allowing a walk and a double, with both runners eventually coming in to score to leave him with a final line of seven runs allowed. The other positive is that Winn was able to return to the hill after landing on the IL with the dreaded forearm strain in mid-May. However, it was more of the same as he had allowed 17 runs in three starts spanning 8.1 innings prior to landing on the injured list. If Winn is able to maintain his spot in the rotation, his next start is tentatively slated to take place next weekend when the Giants host the Angels.

Eovaldi (3-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings against the Giants. He struck out five.

Eovaldi was staked to a 5-0 lead after two innings and cruised through seven, merely allowing single runs in each of the third and fourth innings as he rolled to his third victory. More importantly, he was also extended to near his full workload, completing seven innings on 90 pitches after tossing 37 and 71 in his previous two starts following a nearly four-week stint on the IL with a groin injury. It was the seventh start out of 10 for Eovaldi with at least five innings while allowing two or fewer runs. He'll carry a 2.68 ERA and 1.09 WHIP into his next start, likely to take place next weekend when the Rangers travel to Seattle for a showdown against the Mariners.

Arrighetti (calf) is listed as the Astros' probable starter for Monday's game against the Giants in San Francisco.

After he took a line drive off his left calf and was lifted after three innings in his most recent start against the Cardinals this past Tuesday, Arrighetti's availability for this week had been in some doubt. Fortunately for the rookie right-hander, he was dealing with nothing more than a bruise to his calf and made solid progress in his recovery in the days after he suffered the injury. He's not expected to face any major restrictions with his pitch count Monday for the front end of what's expected to be a two-start week, with his second turn through the rotation set to come next Sunday versus the Tigers.

Ashcraft was promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Ashcraft has pitched very well with Double-A Altoona to begin the 2024 season, maintaining a 3.69 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with an excellent 63:8 K:BB across 53.2 innings. He's already on the 40-man roster, so if he continues to have the same level of success with Indianapolis, Ashcraft could be in line for his big-league debut at some point this summer.

Gray (elbow) struck out two while allowing three earned runs on three hits and one walk across three innings Sunday in a rehab start for Single-A Fredericksburg.

Gray tossed 43 pitches (26 strikes) in the outing, his first at any level since landing on the 15-day injured list April 9 with a right flexor strain. He's expected to shift his rehab assignment to Double-A Harrisburg during the upcoming week, and Gray will likely require an additional start in the minors after that before making his return from the IL.

Flexen didn't factor into the decision Sunday against the Red Sox, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out three.

Both of the hits Flexen allowed went for extra-bases, with David Hamilton notching a solo homer in the fifth inning and Jarren Duran logging a triple in the fourth. In his last three starts, Flexen has allowed nine total hits and owns a 3.00 ERA with 13 strikeouts across 15.0 innings. He'll look to keep rolling in a projected start against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Jones did not factor into the decision Sunday against Minnesota, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks in five innings. He struck out three.

Jones struggled to find his footing early, allowing all three of his runs in a shaky first inning during which he walked two batters and allowed the bases to be loaded with just one out. The 22-year-old rookie was able to settle in afterward, but his control has been a minor cause of concern recently -- Sunday was his fourth consecutive game allowing multiple walks. In that span, Jones has compiled a 4.25 ERA, a 1.46 WHIP and a meager 16:11 K:BB over 21.2 innings. Jones is still an excellent fantasy option, although he will be tested in his next start, currently scheduled for next weekend at Coors Field in Colorado.