MLB Player News

Wentz is slated to start Friday's game against the Guardians at Comerica Park.

Since being called up from Triple-A Toledo on Aug. 30, Wentz has mostly worked in the rotation, though his two most recent appearances came as a bulk reliever. He'll move into a traditional starting role Friday, hoping to close the season on a high note as he stakes his claim to a more permanent spot in the rotation in 2024. Over 103.1 innings with the big club this season, Wentz has gone 3-12 with a 6.45 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 96:44 K:BB.

Skubal struck out eight over four scoreless innings but didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 8-0 win over the Royals. He gave up two hits and no walks in the 52-pitch start.

Because the game was suspended after four innings Wednesday due to rain, Skubal's final start of 2023 was cut short, and his statistics weren't made official until the two teams completed the game Thursday. Given the abbreviated start, Skubal could be available in relief if needed Saturday or Sunday versus the Guardians, though the Tigers will presumably stay away from him for the final two games of the season if they can help it. After a spate of rocky outings upon his return from flexor tendon surgery in early July, Skubal was the Tigers' most dominant pitcher over the final two months of the season. Over his last 10 outings, Skubal went 6-2 with a 2.15 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 75:11 K:BB across 58.2 innings.

Megill's next start will be pushed back after Friday's game between the Phillies and Mets was postponed due to inclement weather, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

The two teams will now play a doubleheader Saturday, with Megill presumably getting the ball in one of those contests. It will be the second start in a row against the Phillies for Megill, who yielded three runs over six innings in a no-decision his last time out.

Walker's next start will be pushed back after Friday's game between the Phillies and Mets was postponed due to rain, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Saturday, with Walker presumably now slated to start one of those contests. The right-hander will be looking for win No. 16 as he closes out his regular season.

Cabrera will start for the Marlins on Friday in Pittsburgh, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Cabrera was seemingly either going to start Friday or Saturday and the Marlins have decided to hand him the ball in the series opener. Given the state of Miami's pitching staff, they could really use some length out of Cabrera on Friday. Unfortunately, he hasn't gone six innings in a start in the majors since early June.

Gipson-Long did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks over five innings against the Royals while striking out six.

Gipson-Long struggled a bit with his command out of the gate, but most of the damage off him came on a two-run shot by Michael Massey in the top of the third inning. The rookie right-hander has now gone five innings in all four of his starts and is yet to allow more than two earned runs in an outing. On the downside, he's also issued multiple walks in three consecutive starts.

Ragans (7-5) took the loss Thursday, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks over 6.1 innings against the Tigers. He struck out eight.

Ragans shut out the Tigers over the first six innings, but ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh after allowing a single and back-to-back walks. The lefty would eventually be charged with four runs in the frame, though two of those runs came across after he was relieved by Carlos Hernandez. Ragans has allowed four or more runs in two of his last three starts, though this was the third consecutive outing in which he's gone at least six innings. He's also issued four walks in back-to-back starts.

Toussaint did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over four innings in a 3-1 victory over the Diamondbacks. He struck out four.

Toussaint was able to limit the Diamondbacks despite struggling with his command. Two of his walks came back-to-back with two outs in the fourth inning, and he's issued multiple walks in 10 of his last 11 starts. The outing also marked just the second time this month that Toussaint was unable to make it through five innings.

Gray did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over four innings against Oakland while striking out four.

Gray allowed three hits over the first two innings, with the last one driving home JJ Bleday to give the Athletics their first run of the game. However, the right-hander would not allow another hit until being relieved by Kenta Maeda to start the fifth. Gray now finishes the month of September with a sparkling 2.00 ERA and 27:4 K:BB as the Twins prepare for the postseason.

Medina did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over six innings against the Twins. He struck out four.

Medina was efficient for most of the contest and didn't allow a run until the sixth inning, which would come across on a double-play ball after the right-hander gave up two hits to open the frame. It was the first time since July 7 that he went at least six innings, though he was still unable to secure his fourth win due to a lack of run support. On the downside, Medina issued at least three walks in four of his final five starts of the year. The 24-year-old figures be in the mix for a rotation spot in 2024 despite posting a 5.42 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 106:57 K:BB through 109.2 innings in his rookie season.