MLB Player News

Ashcraft allowed four runs on six hits against the Rockies on Wednesday in a no-decision. He struck out two.

All four of Colorado's runs off Ashcraft came in the first inning on five singles. While he ultimately escaped with a no-decision, it was another tough outing for Ashcraft, who's now failed to pitch through six innings in six straight starts. Overall, the 26-year-old right-hander is 4-3 with a 5.05 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 49:21 K:BB across seven starts (62.1 innings) this season. Ashcraft's currently scheduled to face the Guardians at home in his next outing.

Montgomery (3-4) took the loss Wednesday, coughing up six runs on seven hits and three walks over two-plus innings as Arizona fell 9-3 to San Francisco. He struck out one.

The southpaw held the Giants off the board for two innings, but things fell apart quickly in the third, highlighted by Wilmer Flores' grand slam -- the first slam Montgomery has ever served up in his career. The 31-year-old has been tagged for 14 runs in only six innings over his last two starts, and he'll carry a 6.80 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 29:18 K:BB through 46.1 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Angels.

Hicks came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 9-3 win over the Diamondbacks, giving up two runs on six hits and four walks over 3.2 innings. He struck out seven.

The right-hander did rack up some Ks, but Hicks needed 92 pitches (51 strikes) to record just 11 outs and got the hook before he could quality for a win. He's failed to complete six innings in seven straight trips to the mound, posting a 4.09 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 32:13 K:BB over 33 innings during that stretch. Hicks will look for a more efficient performance in his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home early next week against the Astros.

Nola (8-2) picked up the win Wednesday, scattering two hits over seven scoreless innings in a 2-0 victory over the Brewers. He struck out five without walking a batter.

The veteran right-hander was dominant as he delivered his fourth straight quality start and eighth of the season, firing 68 of 93 pitches for strikes. Nola will take a 2.77 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 76:22 K:BB through 84.1 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come on the road next week in Boston.

Ashby (0-2) took the loss Wednesday as the Brewers were downed 2-0 by the Phillies, giving up two runs on two hits and five walks over five innings. He struck out three.

The southpaw was recalled from Triple-A Nashville earlier in the day but had trouble finding the plate, tossing 49 of 91 pitches for strikes, and Ashby eventually paid for the free passes in the fifth inning when Garrett Stubbs led off the frame with a walk before Nick Castellanos clubbed a two-run homer. With Robert Gasser (elbow) the latest Milwaukee pitcher to land on the IL, Ashby figures to get multiple turns in the rotation. He lines up to make his next outing at home early next week against the Blue Jays.

Blanco (5-2) took the loss Wednesday against the Cardinals, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out two.

Blanco held St. Louis to one run through his first four frames before surrendering three runs between the fifth and sixth innings. After starting the year 5-0, Blanco's now dropped back-to-back starts while allowing eight runs across 9.1 innings in that span. The 30-year-old right-hander still sports a solid 2.78 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and 59:27 K:BB across 11 starts (64.2 innings) this year. Blanco will look to get back on track in his next outing, currently scheduled for early next week in San Francisco.

Mikolas (4-6) earned the win Wednesday over the Astros, allowing two runs on five hits over six innings. He struck out three.

Mikolas shut out Houston through his first four innings, ultimately allowing both runs on back-to-back solo homers to Yainer Diaz and Trey Cabbage in the fifth. While it's Mikolas' first win since May 12, the veteran right-hander has now delivered quality starts in three straight outings and five of his last seven starts. After a rough start to the year, Mikolas has lowered his ERA to 5.32 with a 1.28 WHIP and 53:14 K:BB across 71 innings. He'll look to build on his recent success in his next start, currently scheduled for early next week at home versus Pittsburgh.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday that Gray (elbow) has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment, and the first start is likely to come Sunday with Single-A Fredericksburg, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The 24-year-old righty made just two starts this season before he landed on the injured list with an elbow strain, but he's now entering the final stage of his rehab program. Gray is expected to throw about four innings during his first outing, and he'll likely need several appearances in the minors before rejoining Washington's rotation.

Pivetta (3-4) earned the win Wednesday over Atlanta, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out nine over seven scoreless innings.

It was a stellar effort against a potent Atlanta lineup from Pivetta, who now has nine strikeouts in consecutive starts while punching out eight or more in four of his last five outings. The 31-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 3.40 with a 0.94 WHIP and 51:9 K:BB across eight starts (42.1 innings) this season. Pivetta is currently in line for a home matchup with the Phillies early next week in his next outing.

The Athletics reinstated Boyle (back) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas.

A strained back kept Boyle on the shelf since early May, but he was activated after making three rehab starts with Triple-A Las Vegas. He allowed four earned runs in 5.1 total innings while striking out six batters and walking six over the three starts. Boyle had turned in a 7.16 ERA through seven starts with the Athletics prior to being deactivated, so he'll stick around at Las Vegas and will likely need to show improved control over multiple outings before he gets another look in the big-league rotation.