MLB Player News

McClanahan did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks over four innings against Baltimore. He struck out five.

All of the damage against McClanahan came in the fourth frame, as he surrendered five hits, including back-to-back-to-back doubles, as part of a five-run inning for Baltimore. The rough frame was enough for Rays' manager Kevin Cash to pull McClanahan, marking the third time in his last four starts not reaching the fifth inning. Saturday's outing also set a season high in runs allowed. After a dominant start to 2023, McClanahan has struggled mightily over the last month, posting a 7.02 ERA and a 15:8 K:BB in his last four outings (16.2 innings).

Singer did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over six innings against the Yankees. He struck out nine.

Singer got himself into trouble right out of the gate, walking Billy McKinney to lead off the bottom of the first and then giving up an infield single to Gleyber Torres in the following at-bat. The right-hander would allow only one run in the inning and another run in the third before finishing with a season-high nine strikeouts on the afternoon. He's now allowed two or fewer runs in three of his last five starts and has not issued more than one free pass in three straight.

Cole did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over 6.1 innings against the Royals. He struck out 10.

Cole went 1-2-3 through the first two innings before surrendering a leadoff homer to Nick Pratto to lead off the third. The right-hander then struck out the side to close out the frame and managed to record double-digit strikeouts for the fourth time this season prior to being relieved by Wandy Peralta in the seventh. Cole has now logged three consecutive quality starts, striking out 21 batters over that stretch to only three walks.

Woodruff (shoulder) struck out four batters over three scoreless innings in his rehab debut Saturday with High-A Wisconsin.

Woodruff scattered two hits and threw 27 of his 32 pitches for strikes in a highly encouraging outing against the High-A affiliate of the Reds. He's been sidelined since mid-April with a Grade 2 subscapular strain and still needs to get stretched out with a few more minor-league starts, but the 30-year-old right-hander figures to return to the Brewers' rotation by mid-August if he can avoid setbacks.

Williamson (2-2) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over six innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out five.

Williamson got off to a red-hot start Saturday, retiring the first nine batters he faced while not allowing a hit until the fifth inning. Though the southpaw had only logged one quality start through his first 10 appearances, he's rattled of back-to-back quality starts to lower his season ERA to 4.60 to go along with a 46:23 K:BB. However, he'll face a challenge in nabbing a third straight quality start considering his next outing is tentatively scheduled to come on the road against the Dodgers.

Pfaadt (0-4) took the loss Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits over six innings against the Reds. He struck out six.

Outside of a miserable sixth inning where Pfaadt surrendered back-to-back-to-back homers to TJ Friedl, Matt McLain and Jake Fraley, the 24-year-old turned in a very strong outing. Prior to the string of long balls, Pfaadt had retired 16 consecutive batters, a streak dating back to the first inning. Even with the rough ending, Saturday's start marked Pfaadts' first quality start of the season (seven appearances), while he also set a season high in strikeouts. Though Pfaadt has been plagued by the long ball in 2023 (3.4 HR/9), Saturday's outing could be a sign of better things to come for the remainder of the campaign.

Freeland (shoulder) completed another bullpen session Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Freeland hit the injured list with a dislocated shoulder in early July, but he's already nearing his return. He could be back by next weekend, assuming he checks out fine following his bullpen work.

Kershaw (shoulder) will throw an "up-down" bullpen session Monday rather than pitch in a simulated game, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw reportedly came out of his last bullpen feeling good, but the Dodgers will nevertheless slow down his throwing program slightly. He had been set to throw three innings in a simulated game, but that will now have to wait for a few more days.

Faedo will be recalled to start Sunday's game against San Diego, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Faedo has struggled to a 6.98 ERA in six big-league starts this season, though his ERA estimators -- in particular his 3.92 SIERA -- tell a different story. His combination of an average strikeout rate (23.0 percent) and an excellent walk rate (3.3 percent) should in theory lead to better results in the future, though it's unclear whether he'll get the chance to remain in the rotation for more than one start.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said Saturday that Fried (forearm) will likely make one more rehab start, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

There had been some hope that Fried might be able to return to Atlanta's starting rotation next week in Boston, but he only lasted 3.1 innings (65 pitches) in his latest rehab outing Friday with Triple-A Gwinnett. The 29-year-old southpaw has been on the injured list since early May due to a left forearm strain.