MLB Player News

Brown tossed six innings against Oakland on Saturday, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and no walks. He struck out nine and did not factor in the decision.

Brown gave up just one extra-base hit in the outing and demonstrated excellent control, throwing 62 of 97 pitches for a strike and issuing no free passes for the first time this season. The rookie also racked up 15 whiffs while setting a season high with nine punchouts. This was one of his finest outings of the campaign, but he had to settle for a no-decision since Houston's offense managed only two runs while he was in the game. Brown how holds a solid 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 56:17 K:BB over 50.2 innings on the campaign. His next start is tentatively lined up to be a rematch with the Athletics in Oakland.

Eflin (6-1) earned the win Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits over seven innings against Milwaukee. He struck out eight.

Outside of a pair of homers dished out to Owen Miller and Brian Anderson, Eflin was exceptional Saturday, fanning eight and pitching into the seventh frame for just the second time in 2023. Though the 29-year-old has had troubles with the long ball (1.5 HR/9), he has made up for it with strong strikeout numbers (9.96 K/9) while earning six wins, which is the second-most in MLB. Eflin is in line to face one of MLB's most powerful offenses in his next start, taking on the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field.

Gilbert (2-2) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out nine over six innings to earn the win Saturday over Atlanta.

Gilbert had a tough first inning, in which he allowed a two-run home run to Matt Olson, but he was able to settle in after that. This was Gilbert's fifth quality start in nine outings this season, and it was the first time in his last four starts he's allowed a homer. The right-hander is now at a 3.81 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 63:10 K:BB through 52 innings. He's projected for a favorable home start versus the Athletics next week.

Pfaadt did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings against Pittsburgh. He struck out three.

Pfaadt made it through his fourth big league start relatively unscathed, with all three earned runs coming on one swing of the bat by Ke'Bryan Hayes, who drilled a bases-loaded triple in the third inning. After giving up 13 runs and six homers over his first two appearances (9.2 innings) Pfaadt has bounced back with four earned runs and one homer allowed over his last two starts (10.1 innings). After touting 218 strikeouts in 167 innings of minor-league ball in 2022, fantasy managers who took a shot on the highly ranked prospect have yet to reap any real benefits in that department considering Pfaadt's measly 14:8 K/BB and 7.56 ERA through 20 innings of big league work. Though it's unclear if Pfaadt will make another trip around the Arizona rotation, he remains no more than a dart-throw streaming option for those willing to take another chance on the rookie's strikeout upside and prospect pedigree.

Keller did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits over six innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out eight.

Keller worked his way through the Diamondbacks' lineup with relative ease, retiring 16 straight batters after allowing a solo homer to Ketel Marte in the first inning, racking up eight strikeouts without walking a single batter. Keller has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past month, allowing just five earned runs over his last five starts (33.0 innings), picking up four wins and boasting an incredible 47:3 K/BB over that stretch. The right-hander was on his way to picking up another win Saturday, handing the ball off to the bullpen with a 3-2 lead after six innings, but he had the win spoiled after Pavin Smith launched a two-run home run off Robert Stephenson to give Arizona the lead in the seventh. Keller is slated to take the mound next in a road series against the Mariners, who strike out at the second-highest rate in MLB.

Mahle (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery Monday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Mahle will undergo the reconstructive surgery and miss not just the rest of the 2023 season, but a large portion of the 2024 season. Once healthy, the right-hander should be a rotation option again for the Twins, and the success rate of hurlers who come back from Tommy John surgery does suggest there's still a good chance for long-term success for Mahle.

Hendricks (shoulder) allowed one run on five hits and zero walks while striking out six over six innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.

Hendricks threw 82 pitches in the contest as he continues to work on building back his stamina as he recovers from the shoulder strain that has sidelined him throughout the 2023 season. The veteran right-hander should be ready to return from the 15-day injured list to make his next start with the Cubs, though the organization has yet to confirm his next step. If activated, Hendricks would likely make his 2023 MLB debut next weekend versus Cincinnati.

Maeda (biceps) threw a bullpen session Saturday that went well, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Maeda threw around 25 pitches in the session, and he exclusively used his fastball and change-up. The right-hander is scheduled to throw another bullpen Tuesday, and he'll use all of his pitches in that effort. Maeda will need to throw a few more bullpens before going on a rehab assignment, but he could be back in the Minnesota rotation in the early part of June.

Whitlock (elbow) will be activated off the 15-day injured list for Boston's series next weekend against the Diamondbacks, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Whitlock is starting Sunday for Triple-A Worcester to conclude his rehab assignment, and then the right-hander will join the team in Anaheim before being activated against the D-Backs; likely Saturday for a start against Arizona. Whitlock struggled to a 6.19 ERA before being placed on the injured list with elbow ulnar neuritis, but he's had plenty of success in the past, and the 26-year-old offers a chance for fantasy success when he's on the mound.

Fried (forearm) has been able to lift weights, but there's been no sign he's close to resuming throwing, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Fried hit the injured list in early May with a strained left forearm, and while he's yet to be placed on the 60-day injured list, initial reports suggested he'd miss at least two months. It's a positive to see him beginning to work his way back, but manager Brian Snitker didn't know when the lefty was set to be re-evaluated, so it doesn't appear as though he's about to be cleared to throw in the immediate term.