MLB Player News

Wacha (11-2) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Giants on Friday.

Wacha was able to secure his first quality start in four outings since returning from a shoulder injury. He gave up an early solo home to Wilmer Flores and a sacrifice fly to Brandon Crawford in the fourth inning. Prior to his last start, Wacha hadn't given up more than four runs in 12 straight outings, and it's encouraging he's getting back to that level of performance after a minor hiccup. He's at a 2.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 96:35 K:BB through 107.1 innings over 19 starts this season. Wacha is projected for a home start versus the Phillies next week.

Sandoval (7-11) allowed five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out three over 3.2 innings to take the loss Friday versus the Athletics.

Sandoval was cruising until a troublesome fourth inning saw Oakland rally for all five runs on his line. It's the third time he's given up five-plus runs over his last four starts, but this is the first time since June 29 that he's surrendered five or more earned runs. The southpaw is at a 4.19 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 112:62 K:BB through 126.2 innings across 24 starts this season, failing to replicate his performance from 2022 when he posted a 2.91 ERA in 148.2 innings. Sandoval is lined up for a difficult home start versus the Orioles next week.

Sears (3-11) threw six scoreless innings in a win over the Angels on Friday, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out three.

Sears had an 8.25 ERA over five starts (24 innings) in August, but he started September with a much better performance. The southpaw likely benefited from facing an Angels team that has essentially run up the white flag on 2023. Nonetheless, Sears hasn't been all that good this year either with a 4.60 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 138:39 K:BB through 146.2 innings over 27 starts. He's tentatively lined up for a home start versus the Blue Jays next week.

Irvin (1-4) allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out four over 5.2 innings Friday, taking the loss versus the Diamondbacks.

Irvin put together a pair of solid starts right after the Orioles moved to a six-man rotation, but he's given up four runs in each of his last two outings. The southpaw was tagged for two-run home runs by Lourdes Gurriel and Christian Walker. Irvin is at a 4.91 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 62:21 K:BB through 69.2 innings over 20 appearances (12 starts) this year. With John Means (elbow) nearing a return to the major-league roster, Irvin's time as a starter for the Orioles could again be coming to a close.

Davies (2-5) allowed a run on four hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings to earn the win Friday over the Orioles.

Davies has allowed a combined two runs over 11 innings since returning from a back injury. His win Friday was his first since June 7. The right-hander finally appears to be in his best form after an injury-plagued season that has seen him record a 6.45 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 57:30 K:BB over 68.1 innings across 14 starts. He's tentatively lined up for a home start versus the Rockies next week.

Flexen did not factor into the decision Friday, surrendering four runs on seven hits and a walk over 5.2 innings in the Rockies' 13-9 loss to the Blue Jays.

Flexen struggled to keep the ball in the yard, allowing three homers -- most notably a two-run shot by Danny Jansen with one out in the top of the sixth inning. The right-hander nearly reached six innings for the third time in four starts. Since the beginning of August, Flexen has posted a 5.23 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 24 strikeouts over 32.2 innings in six starts,

Ryu did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over five innings while striking out three in the Blue Jays' 13-9 win over the Rockies.

Ryu was solid in a tough road setting in Colorado, limiting the damage to just a two-run homer by Elehuris Montero in the bottom of the third inning. The left-hander has now allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last five outings, posting a 1.50 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 24 innings in those starts. Ryu will look to keep the good times rolling in his next start, which is tentatively set to come in Oakland on Wednesday.

Keller did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over six innings while striking out eight batters in the Pirates' 4-2 extra-inning win over the Cardinals.

Keller tossed five scoreless frames before Willson Contreras took him deep for a solo shot to open the bottom of the sixth inning, providing the only blemish on the right-hander's line. The 27-year-old has now recorded four straight quality starts, producing a 1.38 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 33 strikeouts over 26 inning during that stretch. Keller's season-long ERA now sits at 3.93 over 169.2 frames in 28 outings.

Hudson did not factor into the decision Friday, tossing seven innings and giving up one run on three hits and two walks in the Cardinals' 4-2 extra-inning loss to the Pirates.

Hudson gave up an RBI double to Alfonso Rivas in the top of the second inning, but he went unscathed the rest of the way. The right-hander matched his longest outing of the season at seven frames and he has recorded three quality starts over his last six outings. Hudson owns a respectable 4.02 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with 33 strikeouts over 56 innings in 13 starts this season.

Wheeler did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out 10 batters in the Phillies' 7-5 loss to the Brewers.

Wheeler tossed three scoreless frames to open his outing before Willy Adames took him deep for a three-run shot in the bottom of the fourth, accounting for all the damage against him. The right-hander has now reached 10 punchouts in back-to-back starts and he has allowed three or fewer runs in nine of his last 10 outings. Overall on the season, Wheeler owns a 3.62 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 185 strikeouts over 164 innings in 27 starts.