MLB Player News

Williams didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 6-5 win over the Phillies, allowing one run on five hits and four walks over four innings. He struck out three.

The rookie right-hander got handed an early lead but couldn't pitch efficiently enough to qualify for the win, getting the hook after 81 pitches (42 strikes). Williams has issued eight free passes in nine innings over two starts since the All-Star break, a disturbing trend after he walked seven in 24.2 innings over his first four big-league outings, but his spot in the Guardians' injury-depleted rotation should be secure for now. He'll look for a better result in his next start, likely to come at home next week against the Royals.

Olson (1-4) took the loss Friday, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings in a 5-4 loss against San Diego. He struck out five.

Three of the five runs Olson allowed were the result of Juan Soto home runs, but the right-hander was able to settle down and toss two scoreless frames before getting replaced. The lack of run support has been a trend for Olson, who's made back-to-back starts following the All-Star break. During those outings, he's allowed seven runs on 13 hits and two walks while posting 10 strikeouts over 10.1 innings, but the Tigers haven't scored with him on the mound in either of those contests. Olson's spot at the back of Detroit's rotation is far from secure, but he figures to get at least one more look with Alex Faedo still at Triple-A Toledo.

Suarez (2-5) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings as the Phillies fell 6-5 to the Guardians. He struck out five and also threw two wild pitches.

Cleveland had runners in scoring position in four of the five frames Suarez worked, and the southpaw mostly wasn't able to wiggle off the hook. He's lost three straight decisions in his four July outings, stumbling to a 6.14 ERA and 17:12 K:BB through 22 innings on the month. Suarez will try to get back on track in his next start, which is likely to come at home next week against the Orioles.

Lugo (4-4) earned the win Friday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over six innings against the Tigers. He struck out seven.

Lugo tied his season high with seven strikeouts, a mark he set April 2, and recorded his first win since May 3. Since returning from the injured list June 20, the right-hander has pitched fairly well, posting a 3.24 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 33:5 K:BB over six appearances (33.1 innings). Lugo's next start is lined up for a home matchup against the Pirates.

Freeland (shoulder) is throwing another bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Freeland threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and will continue to ramp up activity. Assuming there are no setbacks, he's hoping to return to the team's rotation next weekend in a series against the Athletics.

Ryan (9-6) allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings Friday, striking out 10 and earning a win against the White Sox.

Ryan allowed two runs through five frames before Yasmani Grandal knocked a two-run shot in the sixth inning. After posting a 2.90 ERA through 13 starts, Ryan's ERA over his last seven outings is 5.75, raising his season mark to 3.88 across 118.1 innings. Friday's win was his first since he shut out the Red Sox on June 22. Ryan is currently projected to face the Mariners at home next week.

Lynn (6-9) yielded nine runs (six earned) on eight hits and three walks over 6.2 innings Friday, striking out six and taking a loss against the Twins.

Lynn was taken deep four times, including twice during Minnesota's five-run opening frame. He's allowed 16 home runs over his last nine starts while raising his season ERA to 6.18. Lynn has now been charged with at least four runs in 12 of his 20 starts this year. The veteran righty has been the subject of trade rumors, but he hasn't been of much use to fantasy managers outside of the occasional dominant performance. Lynn's next start is currently lined up to be at home against the Guardians.

Kikuchi allowed five hits and a walk while striking out eight over 5.1 scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Friday.

Kikuchi pitched into the sixth inning for the first time in four July starts, and he delivered his third scoreless effort of the season. While he's had some struggles this year, the Blue Jays' bullpen was responsible for this loss. Kikuchi is now at a reasonable 3.92 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 108:31 K:BB over 103.1 innings through 20 starts. He's projected for a home start versus the Angels his next time out, though Kikuchi could be bumped up to a take a road start versus the Dodgers if Hyun Jin Ryu (elbow) needs one more rehab start.

Miller allowed a run on three hits and two walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Blue Jays on Friday.

Miller limited the damage to Danny Jansen's fifth-inning solo home run. Since returning from a finger blister, Miller has allowed just one run, eight hits and three walks over 10.1 innings across his two starts. The right-hander owns a 3.50 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 64:15 K:BB through 69.1 innings over 13 starts this season. He's lined up for a road start in Minnesota next week.

Sears (1-7) took the loss Friday versus the Astros, allowing five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out just one over 5.2 innings.

All of the damage came on a trio of home runs -- two from Kyle Tucker and the other from Alex Bregman. This was the second start in a row that Sears has allowed multiple homers, and he's now yielded 24 long balls through 20 starts this season. The southpaw is at a 4.19 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 101:24 K:BB through 111.2 innings. His struggles with keeping the ball in the yard make him a high-risk fantasy play, though he's been able to limit the damage by not giving up too many baserunners. That's little comfort heading into his next start, which is projected to come at Coors Field.