MLB Player News

Stripling did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing two runs on five hits over 4.2 innings against the Pirates. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Stripling worked into the fifth inning, deeper than he's gone into a contest since May 7. The right-hander missed six weeks this season with a back injury and is just now building up to something resembling a normal starter's workload, tossing 72 pitches Friday. He's unlikely to face hitters a third time in any outing, but Stripling seems to be trending in the right direction. He's allowed a total of five earned runs with 14 strikeouts against one walk in 13.1 innings since his return.

Gray allowed four runs on five hits and three walks over six innings in Friday's win over Cleveland. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

All the damage against Gray came in the third frame when he served up a pair of two-run homers. He's yielded 19 runs over his last five starts, driving his ERA from 2.32 to 3.45 in the process. Since his 12-strikeout, zero-walk performance June 7, Gray has posted a lackluster 16:13 K:BB over his last five starts. His next outing is lined up to come at home against the Rays next week.

Hendricks (3-4) allowed five runs on eight hits over 4.2 innings Friday, striking out five and taking a loss against Boston.

Hendricks gave up just four homers in 53.1 frames prior to Friday's start, during which he coughed up four more. After allowing three or fewer earned runs in his first eight outings, he's given up nine runs in his last two starts. His ERA now sits at 3.57 with a 37:10 K:BB through 58 innings. Hendricks' next start is projected to be at home next week against the Nationals.

Hill did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings against the Giants. He struck out two.

It was not the most impressive performance you'll ever see, but Hill met the requirements for a quality start -- his first since June 9. At 43 years old, Hill is the stereotypical crafty lefty who gets by with his curveball, guts and moxie. He can still be useful as a streaming option, but it's best to avoid him in tough matchups. Hill will head into his next start with a 4.76 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 104 innings this season.

Rodon (0-2) allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out six over five innings Friday, taking the loss versus the Rockies.

Rodon gave up three runs in the second inning and a Randal Grichuk solo home run in the fourth. The positive takeaway from this outing was Rodon getting stretched out to 88 pitches (51 strikes), up from 69 pitches in his season debut a week ago. The veteran southpaw should be just about clear of any workload restrictions given his pitch count Friday, but he'll need to get some better run support, as his team scored just two runs Friday. He's got an 8:4 K:BB with a 1.16 WHIP through 10.1 innings through two starts this season. Rodon's projected for a road start versus the Angels in his next outing.

Gomber (8-7) allowed two runs on six hits and struck out two without walking a batter over six innings to earn the win Friday over the Yankees.

Gomber turned in his third straight quality start and earned his fourth straight win with another steady effort. He needed just 78 pitches (56 strikes) to complete six frames in his first start of the second half. He carried a 7.25 ERA through his first 15 outings this season, but Gomber is now at a 6.19 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 63:30 K:BB over 96 frames through 19 starts. The Rockies' rotation is dealing with some injury trouble but will catch a break with Monday and Thursday off next week, allowing the team to go with four starters for a while. Gomber could be called upon for a home start versus the Astros.

Bello (7-5) yielded three runs on eight hits over six innings Friday, striking out five without walking a batter and earning a win over the Cubs.

Bello gave up one run through three innings before Cody Bellinger knocked a pair of solo homers against him. Since allowing five runs in his season debut April 17, Bello has yielded three or fewer runs in 14 consecutive starts. He's posted an 18:2 K:BB over his last four outings, improving to a 75:22 K:BB through 86 innings. Bello will carry a 3.14 ERA into his next start, which is lined up to come in Oakland next week.

Sanchez (0-3) took the loss Friday, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk over five innings against the Padres. He struck out five.

The lefty came into this one riding high, having posted a 2.84 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 22:4 K:BB over his first five starts for the Phillies this season (25.1 innings). He was brought down a peg Friday, though it was still a respectable showing, with all the damage being done on a pair of long balls. Sanchez has some streaming appeal, but he'll likely need to keep performing at this level in order to maintain his starting job after the trade deadline. The Phillies are in the mix for a wild-card spot and could add a starting pitcher.

Quintana (rib), whom the Mets activated from the 60-day injured list Friday, is listed as the team's probable starter for Tuesday's game against the White Sox.

Unless Max Scherzer's lingering neck issue prevents him from starting Sunday's series finale against the Dodgers and Quintana is pressed into action this weekend, the southpaw is slated to make his team debut against one of his former teams in the White Sox. The 34-year-old enjoyed a career renaissance between stops with the Pirates and Cardinals in 2022, pitching to a 2.93 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 32 starts. Most of Quintana's underlying ratios (4.02 SIERA, 3.86 xERA, 13.3 K-BB%) painted a less rosy picture of his performance, but even a small step back in 2023 would still make him a serviceable back-end rotation arm for the Mets. Quintana built up to 4.1 innings and 78 pitches in his most recent rehab start July 8 for Triple-A Syracuse, so he's not expected to face any major workload restrictions Tuesday.

Darvish (6-6) earned the win Friday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over six innings against the Phillies. He struck out nine.

The 36-year-old turned in a vintage performance in his first start of the second half, inducing 13 swinging strikes on 94 pitches. Darvish limped into the All-Star break with a 6.97 ERA over his last six starts, so this was a big step in the right direction. His peripherals are significantly better than his surface stats to this point, so positive regression figures to be ahead for Darvish.