MLB Player News

Rodon (back/forearm) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session at high intensity Monday, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Rodon felt strong during his latest side session, which marks his second since suffering a forearm strain during spring training. According to Kirschner, the next step for Rodon will be another bullpen session later in the week. The team has yet to unveil a concrete timetable for his return.

Stone is expected to be replaced in the Dodgers' rotation by Michael Grove (groin), Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Stone has been blasted for 17 runs (16 earned) over 10 innings covering three starts with the Dodgers, most recently getting walloped for seven runs on 10 hits while recording just six outs Sunday versus the Rays. While Stone still appears to have the much brighter future than Grove, it's not a surprise to hear that the latter will be given the next turn in the Dodgers' rotation. Stone, for what it's worth, was still in the big-league clubhouse Monday, although he'll surely be sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City to start rather than be sent to the Dodgers' bullpen.

Grove (groin) is expected to take Gavin Stone's spot in the Dodgers' rotation this weekend versus the Yankees, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Working his way back from a groin strain, Grove has looked sharp in both of his rehab outings as Stone struggles mightily with the big club. Grove posted an 8.44 ERA in four starts for the Dodgers earlier this season before getting hurt and isn't a terribly appealing fantasy option.

Wainwright (2-1) took the loss Monday, allowing three runs on nine hits and two walks over five innings during a 7-0 defeat to the Royals. He struck out six.

Wainwright completed five innings for a fifth straight start to begin his 2023 campaign and struck out a season-high six, but he suffered his first loss as St. Louis' offense was blanked by Kansas City's pitching staff. The veteran has allowed multiple runs in each of his appearances since being activated off the injured list and sports an ugly 6.15 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP and 16:8 K:BB across 26.1 innings. Given his history with the organization, Wainwright's spot in the rotation is probably safe, at least for a little longer.

Boyd (3-4) took the loss Monday, allowing five runs on five hits and four walks over six innings in a 5-0 loss against Texas. He struck out five.

Boyd tied his season high with four walks but was still able to complete six innings for the second time this year. The veteran is transitioning back to a starting role after operating exclusively as a reliever for Seattle last year, and he's struggled to find a rhythm. Despite the less-than-ideal numbers (5.96 ERA and 1.43 WHIP), Boyd remains firmly entrenched in Detroit's rotation and is scheduled to pitch again during the finale of a three-game weekend set versus the White Sox.

Eovaldi (7-2) earned the win Monday, allowing four hits and three walks across five scoreless innings during a 5-0 win over Detroit. He struck out four.

Eovaldi needed 95 pitches (57 strikes) to tie his season low with five innings, but he did't allow a run for the fourth time this year. Since serving up six runs to the Royals on April 12, the veteran right-hander has been dominant, surrendering just nine earned runs over his past eight starts (58.2 innings). Overall, Eovaldi sports a 2.42 ERA and 1.00 WHIP across his first 11 outings with the Rangers, which would both be career highs. His next start is tentatively scheduled for the finale of a three-game weekend set versus Seattle.

Wells (3-2) took the loss Monday, allowing one run on four hits across six innings during a 5-0 defeat to the Guardians. He struck out seven and didn't issue a walk.

Wells notched his third quality start of the season, but he still took the loss as Baltimore's offense was held scoreless by Cleveland's pitching staff. The right-hander didn't give up a home run to the Guardians, but he has served up 13 over 63 innings this year, including nine over six May starts. Despite issues with the long ball, Wells still sports a strong 3.29 ERA coupled with an elite 61:12 K:BB and remains an integral part of the Orioles' starting rotation. His next start is tentatively scheduled for the finale of a three-game weekend set in San Francisco.

Civale (oblique) permitted four earned runs on six hits and three walks and struck out seven over 4.2 innings in his rehab start for Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

In what was the third and perhaps final start of his minor-league rehab assignment, Civale tossed 88 pitches (54 strikes) while working into the fifth inning. Though Civale wasn't as efficient as he had been over his prior two rehab outings, his ability to approach 90 pitches suggests he's ready to return from the 15-day injured list, perhaps as soon as Friday in Minnesota. The Guardians will likely clear a spot in the rotation for Civale by optioning Hunter Gaddis to Triple-A, but the team will have a tougher decision to make once Triston McKenzie (shoulder) comes off the 60-day IL as soon as Sunday or early next week. Young hurlers Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee have both made strong cases for permanent starting roles, and the Guardians could have to expand to a six-man rotation to make room for both pitchers as well as Civale and McKenzie.

Allen (2-2) earned the win Monday, allowing three hits and two walks across seven scoreless innings during a 5-0 victory over Baltimore. He struck out 10.

Allen notched career-best marks in hits allowed, runs allowed, innings completed and strikeouts during his finest outing of the campaign thus far. The rookie was called up at the end of April and has been a steady piece of Cleveland's rotation, which continues to deal with numerous injuries. Triston McKenzie (shoulder) and Aaron Civale (oblique) are close to returning from the injured list, but it'll be difficult to demote Allen with the way he's been pitching. Across seven starts (39.2 innings), Allen sports a 2.72 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 43:11 K:BB.

The Athletics activated Blackburn (finger) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Monday versus Atlanta.

Blackburn will make his season debut for Oakland after recovering from a cracked fingernail and blister issues that resulted in him going on two separate minor-league rehab assignments prior to his activation. He was an up-and-down performer on his most recent rehab stint and faces a difficult matchup in his first start back, making Blackburn a fairly easy sit in most fantasy leagues, even though he projects to get two turns through the rotation this week.