MLB Player News

Greinke will work in bulk relief behind opener James McArthur in Saturday's game at Toronto, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

In his last turn through the rotation last weekend versus the Red Sox, Greinke entered the game behind Taylor Clarke, failing to record a strikeout over 3.2 innings while giving up three earned runs on five hits and one hit. Despite Greinke's poor results the last time out, the Royals will deploy him in a bulk role once again. The veteran righty carries a 5.34 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 80:18 K:BB over 123 innings this season with Kansas City.

Snell (13-9) allowed two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight over six innings to earn the win over the Astros on Friday.

Snell gave up runs for the first time in three outings, but he still delivered his sixth consecutive quality start. Over his last three starts, he's posted a 25:12 K:BB across 19 innings. Despite a walk rate that's been among the highest in the majors all year, Snell continues to put together solid outings and has a 2.52 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 209:92 K:BB through 161 innings over 29 starts. The southpaw is projected for a challenging road start versus the Dodgers next week.

Brown (10-11) allowed six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.1 innings to take the loss Friday versus the Padres.

For the third time in his last four starts, Brown failed to complete five innings. He's posted a 24:10 K:BB over 16 innings while giving up three home runs over that span, but he's just not getting the job done. The right-hander is at a 4.78 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 162:49 K:BB through 141.2 innings across 27 appearances (26 starts) this season. Brown is tentatively lined up for a favorable home start versus the Athletics next week.

Montgomery (8-11) yielded five runs on eight hits and a walk over 5.2 innings Friday, striking out six and taking a loss against the Athletics.

Montgomery allowed two runs through four innings before giving up a homer in each of the next two frames. It was the first time he allowed more than one home run in a start since May 16 and his season ERA was raised to 3.62 through 161.2 innings. Over his last three starts, Montgomery has been tagged with 14 runs in just 14.2 frames. His next outing is currently lined up to come in Toronto.

Blackburn did not factor in the decision Friday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over three innings in Oakland's win over Texas. He struck out five.

Blackburn needed 87 pitches (43 strikes) to complete three innings in the inefficient performance. It was his shortest outing since July 9 after nine straight starts in which he worked at least five frames. He posted a 5.48 ERA over his first nine starts this season but has registered a 2.52 ERA over his last nine, lowering his season mark to 3.88. Blackburn is currently projected to start in Houston next week.

Keuchel did not factor in the decision Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings during the Twins' win over the Mets. He struck out six.

Keuchel rebounded well after being tagged for five runs by the Rangers in his last outing. The only damage against him Friday came from Francisco Lindor's two-run double in the fourth inning. Keuchel set a season high with six punchouts and now owns a 14:9 K:BB and a 4.78 ERA through 26.1 MLB frames. He's lined up to face the Rays at home next week.

Senga did not factor in the decision Friday, yielding two runs on four hits and four walks over six innings in the Mets' loss to the Twins. He struck out five.

It was a fairly lackluster performance for Senga compared to what he's been doing lately. While he turned in his 13th straight start with three or fewer earned runs allowed, he also walked four batters for the first time since June 10. Senga has registered a 2.65 ERA during that 13-game run, bringing his season mark down to 3.07. He's in line for a home matchup against Arizona next week.

Olson (3-7) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk over 6.2 innings against the White Sox. He struck out five.

Olson was locked in a 0-0 pitcher's duel with White Sox starter Mike Clevinger through six innings but blinked in the seventh when a two-out, two-run homer by Yoan Moncada chased him from the game. After struggling to the tune of a 5.29 ERA over his first 68 big-league innings, Olson has begun to put things together with a 1.50 ERA in his last three starts spanning 18 innings. He'll look to continue this momentum in his next start, currently scheduled for a home matchup against the Reds.

Bradley did not factor into the decision in Friday's win over the Mariners. He struck out five and allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over 6.1 innings.

Bradley surrendered three home runs in Friday's start, the most he's allowed since giving up four to Arizona on June 27. Since being recalled from Triple-A Durham on Sept. 3, the Tampa Bay rookie has allowed five earned runs with 12:7 K:BB in 11.1 innings over two starts. Bradley's next outing is currently scheduled to come in Minnesota.

Clevinger (7-7) earned the win Friday, allowing three hits and zero walks over seven scoreless innings against Detroit. He struck out seven.

Clevinger's one bit of trouble came in the second inning, when he allowed an infield single and a double sandwiched around a double play. He only allowed a single and a hit batter the rest of the way. This was a nice rebound from last weekend's matchup with the Tigers in which he allowed eight runs over four innings. He had been posting strong numbers from the start of June through August, allowing only 12 runs in 50.1 innings (2.15 ERA). Clevinger will take a 3.64 ERA into his next outing, likely to take place in a mid-week matchup at home against Kansas City.