MLB Player News

Battenfield (0-3) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on two hits and zero walks over seven innings during a 2-0 loss to Minnesota. He struck out seven.

Battenfield moved back into the rotation Friday as Cleveland opted for him over Zach Plesac, who's posted a 7.59 ERA and 1.97 WHIP over his first 21.1 innings. Battenfield made the most of his opportunity and was perfect through 5.2 innings before surrendering a single to Christian Vazquez and a two-run home run to Max Kepler in the sixth. Those were the only baserunners and runs allowed by the right-hander, but that was enough to take the loss as Bailey Ober and the Twins' bullpen shut out the Guardians. Despite the loss, Battenfield may have done enough to earn another turn through the rotation.

Brito did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over four innings in a 5-4 loss against the Rays. He struck out two.

Brito allowed at least one run in each of the first three innings, including solo home runs to Randy Arozarena in the first and Yandy Diaz in the third. The right-hander has surrendered multiple runs in four of his past five outings and hasn't completed more than five innings yet. Despite the struggles, Brito figures to remain in the starting rotation as long as Carlos Rodon (back) and Luis Severino (lat) remain on the 15-day injured list.

Chirinos did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three runs on three hits and four walks over 5.1 innings during a 5-4 win over the Yankees. He struck out zero.

Chirinos made his first start of the season Friday after posting a 0.64 ERA over 14 frames as a multi-inning reliever. He got early run support and blanked the Yankees' offense for five innings before getting into trouble in the sixth. He allowed one run to come in before he was pulled with two on and one out, but both those baserunners came around to score on a Harrison Bader home run. It wasn't the best performance for the 29-year-old, who walked four and didn't record a strikeout, but he was able to mitigate the damage and may have done enough to draw another start next week.

Paxton (hamstring) allowed two runs on two hits and five walks while striking out four for Triple-A Worcester on Friday.

Paxton made what could be his final rehab start before joining the parent club. The left-hander threw 96 pitches, which suggests he's ready for Boston, but his role is unclear. Paxton has been a starter his entire career, but the Red Sox currently have five starters with a sixth one, Garrett Whitlock (elbow), soon to return from injury.

Greene (0-2) took the loss Friday as the Reds fell 5-4 to the White Sox, giving up five runs on seven hits and a walk over 5.2 innings. He struck out seven.

Homers by Elvis Andrus and Luis Robert accounted for most of the damage off Greene, with the latter long ball helping to chase the right-hander from the game. The 23-year-old continues to look dominant at times -- he produced 19 swinging strikes among his 102 pitches -- but the strikeouts aren't yet leading to consistent results. Greene will take a 3.74 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 47:12 K:BB through 33.2 innings into his next start, which could come at home next week against the Mets.

Lynn (1-4) picked up the win in Friday's 5-4 victory over the Reds, giving up four runs on eight hits over 6.2 innings. He struck out eight without walking a batter.

The veteran right-hander pounded the strike zone, firing 74 of 103 pitches for strikes while generated 19 swinging strikes, and he got just enough run support to get into the win column for the first time this year. Lynn also served up another homer, his ninth in 39.1 innings, and that remains the biggest obstacle between him and turning his season around. He'll take a 6.86 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 50:15 K:BB into his next start, likely to come next week in Kansas City.

Burnes (3-2) took the loss Friday, allowing five runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks over six innings against San Francisco. He struck out five.

Burnes was victimized by a couple of Milwaukee's defensive miscues, leading to an undeserved loss. The right-hander now sports a 1.13 WHIP on the season, and he hasn't given up more than two earned runs in any of his last five starts. The 28-year-old is tentatively slated to face the Dodgers at home in his next start.

Hill (3-3) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks over 5.1 innings as the Pirates fell 4-0 to the Blue Jays. He struck out five.

The 43-year-old southpaw allowed more than three runs for only the second time in seven starts, but he continues to live dangerously as he served up his eighth homer in only 37.2 innings on the season. Hill will take a 4.54 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 32:11 K:BB into his next outing, which could come at home next week against the Rockies.

Castillo did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing four runs on five hits and one walk over seven innings against the Astros. He struck out five.

Castillo turned in another solid outing, pitching seven innings for the second time this year. The right-hander now sports a 0.91 WHIP, tied for ninth in the league. The former Red is firmly established as an elite option ahead of his next tentative start against Texas.

Bassitt (4-2) picked up the win in Friday's 4-0 victory over the Pirates, allowing four hits and four walks over seven scoreless innings. He struck out five.

The veteran right-hander's control continues to waver a bit, as Bassitt has issued at least three free passes in five of his last six starts, but at least Friday they didn't come back to haunt him. After a disastrous Toronto debut that saw the Cardinals take him deep four times, he has a 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP 33:20 K:BB over his last 36.2 innings, serving up only two homers during that stretch. Bassitt will look to keep rolling in his next outing, likely to come next weekend at home against Atlanta.