MLB Player News

Pfaadt (1-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits over seven innings in a loss to the Cubs on Wednesday. He struck out six.

Pfaadt kept Chicago's offense at bay over the first four innings, allowing just two singles over that stretch. However, he ran into some trouble in the fifth after Nico Hoerner reached base in the leadoff at-bat following a fielding error from Eugenio Suarez. The right-hander would only be charged for one of the two runs that came home in the frame, though he would go on to allow another run in the sixth, this time via a solo homer off the bat of Cody Bellinger. Pfaadt has now allowed at least three runs in each of his last three starts and has also surrendered six or more hits in each of those outings. He's also posted a 17:3 K:BB over that stretch.

Dunning came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Tigers, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks over five-plus innings. He struck out five.

The right-hander tossed 97 pitches (56 strikes) before being lifted after a Spencer Torkelson double to lead off the sixth inning, and Dunning missed out on his third win of the year when the Rangers' bullpen squandered a 4-2 lead. The 29-year-old has lasted at least five innings in all four of his starts to begin 2024 while allowing three runs or less in each, leaving him with a 3.91 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 22:13 K:BB through 23 innings. Dunning lines up to take the mound at home against the Mariners next week.

Matz (1-1) took the loss against Oakland on Wednesday, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings while striking out four.

Matz got off to an decent start, striking out three of the first six batters he faced before getting tagged for two runs on an Esteury Ruiz home run in the bottom of the third. The lefty would then allow three consecutive hits to open the fifth, leading to three more runs coming across for Oakland as he took his first loss of the season. Matz had not allowed more than two runs in any of his first three starts coming in, though he's now given up 15 hits over his last 9.2 innings of work. The home run from Ruiz was also the first long ball that Matz has allowed this season.

Blackburn (2-0) allowed three runs on six hits and five walks over 5.2 innings in a win over the Cardinals on Wednesday. He struck out seven.

Blackburn struggled with his command out of the gate, surrendering a leadoff single to open the game before walking two batters in the first inning. He then went 1-2-3 through the next two innings, even striking out the side in the second, but was tagged for three runs in the fourth after allowing three consecutive hits to begin the frame. The right-hander had not allowed a run through his first three starts coming into Wednesday's matchup, while it also marked the first time this season in which he failed to make it through at least six innings. Blackburn also recorded a season-high seven strikeouts in the win and currently holds a 1.08 ERA on the season, though he's now issued seven walks over his last two starts.

Bradley (pectoral) threw around 50 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley threw the session at the Rays' spring training facility, which marks a significant step in his recovery. He's nearing a rehab assignment, but the team has stated it wants to ensure he regains his stamina before pushing him too hard. A return in the first half of May remains realistic if Bradley doesn't suffer any setbacks.

Skubal allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits across 6.1 innings and did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Rangers. He walked one and struck out six.

Skubal has now given up two earned runs or fewer in three of his four starts this season, resulting in a stellar 2.28 ERA. The lefty also has 26 strikeouts across 23.2 innings, and his overall body of work makes him a very strong fantasy asset moving forward. Skubal is projected to take the mound again Monday against the Rays, and he should be locked into lineups no matter the opponent, as he appears to be fairly matchup-proof at this point.

Wicks allowed two runs on five hits over 4.1 innings and did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. He walked one and struck out five.

Wicks pitched well and continued to miss bats at a solid rate, but the Cubs decided to pull him after just 74 pitches. The young lefty logged 126 innings last season across three levels, with only 34.2 of them coming in the majors, so the team is likely just being conservative with his workload in the early going. However, his 24 strikeouts in only 17 innings this year are reason for optimism moving forward. Wicks is penciled in to start again Tuesday against the Astros.

Littell didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three runs on eight hits and no walks over 5.2 innings against the Angels. He struck out seven.

Although Littell didn't walk any batters and yielded merely three runs, he was pulled at 107 pitches before he was able to complete six innings. He surrendered his first home run of the campaign, being tagged by Mike Trout for a solo homer in the first inning. Littell boasts a 2.14 ERA with a 22:5 K:BB across 21 innings and seems to be building off his 2023 showing with Tampa Bay when he logged a 3-6 record and a 3.93 ERA in 26 appearances (14 starts). He's tentatively scheduled to face the Tigers on Monday.

Detmers didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits and one walk over 5.1 innings against the Rays. He struck out four.

Although Detmers didn't reach seven strikeouts for the first time all season, he's now surrendered one earned run or zero in four straight outings. After seeing his K/9 jump up to 10.2 in 2023, Detmers has taken another step forward in that category with an 11.9 K/9 through 22.2 innings. The southpaw is tentatively scheduled to face the Orioles on Monday for his next start.

Wacha (1-2) was charged with the loss in Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox after he gave up two runs on four hits and two walks across six innings. He struck out four.

The right-hander allowed only single tallies in the fourth and sixth innings, but that was enough to saddle him with the loss as Kansas City mustered just one run. It's the second quality start of the season for Wacha, and he's lasted at least five frames in all four of his starts. The 32-year-old has a 3.75 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB over 24 innings.