MLB Player News

Strider did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing four runs on four hits and one walk over six innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out 13.

Strider was his usual dominant self through the first six innings, striking out 12 of the first 17 batters he faced, before allowing four runs in the top of the seventh. It was the right-hander's second start in a row in which he allowed at least four runs, though he also matched his season high with 13 strikeouts on the afternoon. Strider has now recorded double-digit strikeouts in three consecutive starts, with Thursday's performance already putting him over 200 strikeouts for the season.

France (5-3) earned the win over Oakland on Thursday, allowing one run on six hits and one walk while striking out five batters over seven innings.

France yielded a run in the first inning but kept the A's off the scoreboard for the remainder of his outing. As usual, the rookie right-hander wasn't overpowering -- his five punchouts were actually his most over his past six starts -- but he kept the ball in the park and induced two double-play groundouts. France has recorded seven quality starts over his past eight outings, compiling a 2.66 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 50.2 innings during that span. His steady consistency has helped him solidify an unquestioned role in the Astros' rotation.

Stroman (10-7) took the loss against St. Louis on Thursday, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and four walks while striking out four batters over 3.2 innings.

Stroman has been one of the National League's top starters this season, but he didn't have his best stuff against the Cardinals. The right-hander threw just 56 of 99 pitches for a strike and tied a season high with four walks, notching fewer than four innings for the third time on the campaign. Stroman allowed only one run over six innings in his previous outing, but he's been struggling overall since the end of June, posting a 6.46 ERA and 1.65 WHIP with a 22:12 K:BB across 23.2 innings over his past five starts. Stroman's season ERA of 3.09 is still very solid, but it's reasonable to be concerned about his recent downturn.

Matz (1-7) earned the win over the Cubs on Thursday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out six batters over five innings.

Matz has bounced between the rotation and bullpen this season, but coming into Thursday he hadn't picked up a victory in either capacity. The left-hander finally found himself in the win column in his 21st appearance of the campaign, going just deep enough to qualify for the victory. Matz needed 97 pitches (59 strikes) to get through five frames, though he gave up just three hits and one walk and didn't hit any batters. The veteran hurler has pitched well in two of three starts since returning to the rotation, and he's likely to stick in that role as long as he continues to be effective.

Glasnow allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and no walks while striking out nine batters over seven innings in a no-decision against Baltimore on Thursday.

Glasnow struck out the first three batters he faced and cruised through three perfect frames before Baltimore got to him for three runs on four hits in the fourth. The veteran was able to recover, however, tossing three more scoreless frames to notch his second straight quality start. Glasnow ended up completing seven innings for the first time this season, and his nine punchouts were the third-most he's tallied in an outing thus far. Glasnow got a late start to the campaign due to an oblique injury, but he's been one of MLB's top strikeout pitchers since his return. On the season, his 35.1 percent strikeout rate ranks second among MLB starters who have faced at least 200 batters.

Gibson did not factor in the decision against Tampa Bay on Thursday, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out eight batters over six-plus innings.

Gibson was headed toward a win after giving up one run through six frames. However, he came back out for the seventh and allowed the only two batters he faced to reach base, losing his shot at a victory when both runners scored following his departure. Despite the disappointing ending, Gibson bounced back well from his previous appearance, when he gave up five runs over 5.1 innings against Miami. The veteran's right-hander's quality start Thursday was just his second over his past six outings, a span during which he's posted a 7.03 ERA and 1.59 WHIP over 32 frames.

Greinke (1-10) allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one over four innings to take the loss Thursday versus the Tigers.

Greinke returned from a minimal stay on the injured list with right shoulder tendinitis, but the Royals seemed to take a cautious approach. The 39-year-old threw just 62 pitches (39 strikes) in the outing, going through the Tigers' order twice. He's now gone 12 straight starts without a win. For the season, Greinke has a 5.40 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 65:15 K:BB through 96.2 innings over 19 starts. He's projected for a road start in Cleveland next week.

Fried (forearm) will not make his scheduled rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday because the game was postponed, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Fried was scheduled to work five innings, though the game was postponed due to rain. Gwinnett will play a doubleheader Friday, and it's expected that Fried will start in one of the contests. If everything goes according to plan, he could rejoin the big-league rotation next week.

Lopez (5-6) took the loss Thursday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over five innings against the Mariners. He struck out seven.

Lopez pitched well Thursday, but the Twins couldn't muster any run support off George Kirby in a 5-0 loss. It was certainly a step in the right direction for Lopez after he was tagged for seven runs against Oakland in his prior start. The 27-year-old right-hander now sports a 4.22 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP and 152:35 K:BB across 20 starts (121.2 innings) this season. Lopez is currently lined up for a home rematch with the Mariners in his next outing.

Kaprielian (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Kaprielian landed on the IL at the end of June with a strained right shoulder and recently began throwing on flat ground. The 29-year-old righty will throw 35 pitches during Saturday's session before eventually progressing to facing live hitters and beginning a rehab assignment.