MLB Player News

Berrios (7-5) took the loss Monday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk over four innings against the Marlins. He struck out four.

Berrios flirted with a no-hitter last time out, but he couldn't replicate that form and struggled mightily versus Miami. It was just the third time all season that the right-hander had given up at least eight hits and five runs in a game and the first time since May 1. Despite the poor outing, Berrios still sports an above-average 3.64 ERA and 1.21 WHIP while posting a modest 79:26 K:BB through 15 starts (89 innings). He'll look to shake off Monday's outing in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for a home matchup versus the Athletics.

Gray (4-6) took the loss Monday, allowing six runs on nine hits and one walk over five innings against St. Louis. He struck out six.

Gray surrendered a season-high six earned runs and allowed multiple home runs for the third time over his past four starts. During that stretch, the right-hander has a 6.04 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and a 21:7 K:BB through 22.1 innings. The homers are a concerning trend considering Gray had given up only three long balls over his previous 10 appearances before his recent struggles. Overall, the 25-year-old's numbers are still solid (3.64 ERA and 1.39 WHIP), and he's entrenched atop the Nationals' rotation moving forward. Gray's next start lines up against the Padres this coming weekend.

Prielipp (elbow) has not pitched since making a rehab start in the Florida Complex League on June 9.

The talented lefty gave up two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four in 2.2 innings, but it's possible his elbow didn't respond well, given that he hasn't pitched in 11 days since. He was originally shut down in mid-April with left elbow soreness after making one start for High-A Cedar Rapids.

Flaherty (4-5) earned the win Monday, allowing six runs on 10 hits and one walk over 6.1 innings against the Nationals. He struck out five.

Flaherty allowed five runs through the first two frames, but he was able to keep the Cardinals within striking distance by tossing four straight scoreless innings before getting into trouble again in the seventh. It was just the third time all season that the right-hander had recorded an out in the seventh inning. Despite earning the win Monday, Flaherty has struggled over his last two starts, allowing 20 hits and 12 earned runs with a 8:4 K:BB across 10.2 innings. Before that, he'd allowed three or fewer runs in six straight starts, posting a 2.06 ERA and 1.37 WHIP during that stretch. Flaherty will look to get back on track in his next outing, which is tentatively scheduled during the Cardinals' two-game set versus the Cubs in London.

Solometo struck out seven batters and allowed two earned runs in five innings in his first start for Double-A Altoona.

The low-slot southpaw carved up High-A hitters to the tune of a 2.30 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 68 strikeouts in 58.2 innings through 12 starts before earning the promotion to Double-A. The 6-foot-5 Solometo has one of the most deceptive arm actions in the minors, somewhat reminiscent of Madison Bumgarner's delivery, and it's possible he could still add a tick to his low-90s fastball in the coming years.

Lesko (elbow) will make his pro debut Tuesday in the Arizona Complex League, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

The best prep pitcher in last year's draft class, Lesko had Tommy John surgery last spring, and he will be eased into pro action against rookie-level hitters. Assuming his stuff is back to where it was pre-surgery, Lesko should quickly ascend to Single-A Lake Elsinore.

Medina will serve as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Ken Waldichuk in Tuesday's game against the Guardians, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Since he had previously been serving as a starter before transitioning to a bullpen role about a month ago, Waldichuk could be capable of covering somewhere around 1-to-3 innings before turning the game over to Medina. While pitching out of the bullpen likely puts a cap on Medina's potential innings count, it should enhance his chances of factoring into the decision. Over his last five outings, Medina has gone 1-4 with an 8.06 ERA and 1.88 WHIP across 22.1 innings.

Watkins was designated for assignment Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Watkins was called up by the Orioles over the weekend but didn't make an appearance. The 30-year-old has posted a 7.27 ERA this season at Triple-A Norfolk and would seem to have a good chance of clearing waivers.

Hancock has generated a 5.92 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 62.1 innings over 14 starts with Double-A Arkansas, but he's posted three straight quality starts to push his record to 8-3.

It's been a true feast-or-famine season for Hancock, whose contradictory set of metrics is due to four outings where he's allowed between six and nine earned runs. Otherwise, the right-hander, the sixth overall pick in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, has given up three earned runs or less in his other 10 starts, including a pair of blankings against Tulsa over five and six innings. Hancock has dealt with both shoulder and lat injuries over the past two seasons, but he's sporting a career-best 11.0 K/9, albeit alongside a career-high 4.6 BB/9. If he's able to maintain his current form, a move to Triple-A Tacoma later in the summer wouldn't be inconceivable.

Houck (face) is scheduled for a follow-up meeting with a doctor Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Houck, who was hit just under the right eye by a batted ball last Friday, was placed on the injured list while the Red Sox gather information. At this point, the team is not sure if Houck will need surgery or how long he'll be out. Tuesday's exam, they hope, will provide more clarity.