MLB Player News

Verlander did not factor into the decision in Monday's 2-1 win over the Cardinals, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts over five innings.

Verlander got into immediate trouble, allowing solo home runs to Alec Burleson and Nolan Gorman in the first inning. He labored through the next four, surrendering a total of eight hard-hit balls, including another homer by Gorman, and leaving with a 4-2 deficit. Verlander was coming off back-to-back nine-strikeout efforts, but he has now failed to reach six innings in four of his nine starts this season. In those nine games, Verlander has posted a 3.63 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 48:17 K:BB. He tentatively lines up for a road matchup against the Angels on Sunday.

Feltner (1-5) yielded eight runs on 10 hits over 4.1 innings Monday, striking out three and taking a loss against the Reds.

Feltner began his start with a scoreless first inning, but that was the only positive in what became a long night for Colorado's pitching staff. The Reds piled eight runs on Feltner, including back-to-back three-run innings in the second and third. He was knocked from the game after 4.1 frames for the second straight start and saw his ERA jump to 6.22 through 63.2 innings. Since the start of May, he's given up at least five runs in four of his six starts. Feltner's next outing is projected to be in St. Louis.

Abbott (4-5) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings Monday, striking out six and earning a win over Colorado.

Abbott was charged with three runs through three frames but settled in to produce his fifth quality start of the year. Three of those quality starts have come over his last four appearances, and he matched his season best by generating 13 whiffs Monday. He had struck out just 11 batters over his previous four outings but improved his season K:BB to 52:18 with Monday's strong performance. Abbott owns a 3.39 ERA on the year and a 3.50 ERA in six starts since the beginning of May. His next start in lined up to be at home against the Cubs.

Skubal did not factor into the decision in Monday's 2-1 win over the Rangers, allowing one run on seven hits and two walks with six strikeouts over six innings.

Skubal surrendered a leadoff home run to Marcus Semien in the first inning but held the Rangers in check over the next five and left the mound in a 1-1 tie. Skubal allowed at least one baserunner in each inning, but he was still able to earn a quality start despite not having his best stuff. Through 12 starts, Skubal, who has not walked more than two batters in any game this season, has posted a sparkling 1.97 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 86:13 K:BB and tentatively lines up for a home matchup against the Brewers on Sunday.

Eovaldi did not factor into the decision in Monday's 2-1 loss to the Tigers, allowing one run on three hits and no walks with seven strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

Eovaldi allowed a solo home run to Jake Rogers in the third inning but was otherwise fantastic, leaving the game in a 1-1 tie with two outs in the sixth. Eovaldi was pulled just shy of a quality start at 71 pitches, as he is getting eased back in after returning from the injured list (groin) May 28. Through nine starts, Eovaldi now owns a 2.70 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 53:19 K:BB and will aim to continue building up his pitch count against the Giants this weekend.

Wheeler (7-3) earned the win Monday against Milwaukee, allowing one earned run on five hits and three walks over seven innings. He struck out six.

Wheeler nearly pitched seven shutout innings, but he surrendered a solo home run to former teammate Rhys Hoskins with two outs in the seventh inning. Wheeler turned in his fourth consecutive quality start Monday, bringing his season total to 10. Wheeler has pitched to a 2.23 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 91 strikeouts in 80.2 innings this season, all of which rank top 10 in the league. He will look to keep rolling in his next start, tentatively scheduled for next Tuesday in Boston.

The Pirates transferred Gonzales (forearm) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

Gonzales hasn't been cleared to resume throwing since landing on the IL on April 14 with a left forearm strain, so the move to the 60-day IL won't affect his return date. Instead, the transaction clears up a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Jason Delay (knee), who was reinstated from the 60-day IL and then optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Gallen (hamstring) will begin a throwing progression Tuesday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Gallen appears to have his sights set on returning from the injured list when first eligible after being diagnosed with a right hamstring strain Friday. This will be a strong first step toward meeting that goal, and he should be cleared to resume mound work quickly considering he last threw off a mound Thursday.

Kelly (shoulder) will begin his throwing program Tuesday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

This is the next expected step for Kelly as he makes his way back from a right shoulder strain. His recovery has been moving along smoothly to this point, but the right-hander could take some time to gain clearance for mound work.

Francis (forearm) is likely to be activated from the 15-day injured list and pitch in some capacity Tuesday versus the Orioles, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Whether Francis is deployed as a traditional starter or bulk reliever isn't yet clear, but he appears set to operate as the Blue Jays' primary pitcher. He's expected to be available to pitch four innings and/or 60 pitches. Francis, who has been out since late April with forearm tendinitis, turned in an 8.59 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 17:7 K:BB in 14.2 innings across two starts and three extended relief appearances before landing on the shelf.