MLB Player News

Varland did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out six.

Varland surrendered another home run Sunday and has now given up 12 over his first nine starts. This is certainly a concerning trend for the 25-year-old, but he figures to remain in the rotation with Kenta Maeda (triceps), Tyler Mahle (elbow) and Chris Paddack (elbow) on the injured list. Varland boasts a less-than-ideal 4.70 ERA, but he has been able to chew up innings, completing at least 4.2 in each of his nine starts and six or more six times.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Urias (hamstring) will throw one or two bullpen sessions this week before beginning a rehab assignment, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Urias was initially slated to be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's game against the Phillies, but he experienced some issues following a bullpen session Thursday. He'll resume mound work during the Dodgers' homestand that begins Tuesday and will eventually join a minor-league affiliate to see some game action before officially being activated.

Gausman did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing six runs on seven hits and four walks over 4.2 innings against the Twins. He struck out four.

Gausman failed to get through the fifth inning for the first time since May 4 and third time this season. Coming into Sunday, the right-hander had given up just six earned runs over his past six starts (40 innings) and tallied 55 strikeouts during that stretch. It's safe to chalk Gausman's poor performance up as an outlier, but it's worth noting that this is the third time he's allowed at least six runs this year. Despite the blowup outings, the 32-year-old still boasts a strong 3.12 ERA across 14 starts (86.2 innings) and has 117 strikeouts, which is the second-most in MLB behind Spencer Strider (121).

Walker (6-3) earned the win Sunday, allowing two hits and two walks over five scoreless innings against the Dodgers. He struck out five.

Walker hasn't allowed a run during his two-game winning streak, tallying 13 strikeouts in 12 innings during that stretch. The right-hander was off more than he was on to start the campaign, posting a 5.65 ERA over his first 12 appearances (57.1 innings), but he's really picked up his play of late. Walker will look to stay sharp during his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for the opener of a three-game weekend set in Oakland.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Rodon (back/forearm) will throw another live batting practice session Thursday before potentially beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

On Sunday, Rodon was able to face hitters for the second time since opening the season on the injured list with a left forearm strain before then experiencing chronic back issues. He seems to be moving past both injuries, as he hasn't experienced any setbacks since restarting his throwing program around mid-May. Assuming Rodon gets through the upcoming live session no worse for the wear, he could start pitching in minor-league games by the early part of next week. He'll likely require at least three rehab starts or simulated games to get stretched out enough to join the Yankees rotation.

Elder (4-1) took the loss Sunday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk over 5.1 innings against the Nationals. He struck out one.

Elder couldn't get through the sixth inning, snapping a four-game streak, and surrendered a season-high five runs during his first loss. The right-hander has allowed three home runs over his past two starts after giving up just four long balls across his first 11 appearances. Overall, the 24-year-old still boasts solid numbers (2.69 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 65:22 K:BB) through 13 starts (77 innings), but he's currently on a two-game slide. Elder will look to get back on track his next time out, which is tentatively scheduled during a four-game set versus the Rockies.

Williams (3-4) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk across five innings in a 6-2 win over Atlanta. He struck out six.

Williams snapped a two-game losing streak with five sharp innings against Atlanta's prolific offense. The right-hander is still struggling with the long ball and has given up seven home runs over his past five starts, but he did correct his recent command concerns, allowing just one walk Sunday after issuing 10 free passes over his previous three outings. Overall, Williams holds a 4.11 ERA and a 52:10 K:BB across 13 appearances (65.2 innings) and has a steady spot in Washington's rotation.

Gallen did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing five runs on 10 hits and two walks over 5.2 innings against the Tigers. He struck out five.

Gallen surrendered a season-high 10 hits Sunday after allowing nine in his last outing against Atlanta. However, unlike his previous start, Gallen couldn't limit the damage against Detroit as four of their hits went for extra bases, including a Zach McKinstry two-run homer. The 27-year-old Gallen came into the day with a 2.04 ERA in his previous three outings. He's now 7-2 with a 3.09 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 93:19 K:BB across 14 starts (84.1 innings) this season.

Wood (back) could return from the 15-day injured list to make a start during the Giants' series in Los Angeles versus the Dodgers next weekend, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Wood will make his second rehab start with Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, and though he's expected to cover around only 50 pitches in the outing, that might be enough for the Giants to have him make his subsequent start with the big club. Whenever Wood makes his return from the IL, it would be a welcome development for a Giants squad that will be doing a bullpen day for the second straight game Sunday.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Contreras is being moved to the bullpen, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. "[Contreras has] just gotten himself in a situation where he's not in his best form," Cherington said.

Contreras' move to the bullpen comes after he recorded just one out while seeing his ERA jump from 4.82 to 5.91 in Wednesday's loss to Oakland. The Pirates could still look to revisit moving Contreras back to the rotation at some point in 2023, but with a move to the bullpen on tap, the right-hander can safely be ignored in most redraft fantasy formats for the foreseeable future. The Pirates plan to call up a starter from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill Contreras' turn in the rotation during Pittsburgh's upcoming series with the Cubs this week.