MLB Player News

Pfaadt took a no-decision in his major-league debut against the Rangers on Wednesday, allowing seven runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and a walk across 4.2 innings.

The 24-year-old was called up from Triple-A Reno earlier Wednesday, and he was rocked in his first taste of the big leagues as Texas launched four home runs, including two off the bat of Josh Jung. Pfaadt totaled 218 strikeouts across 167 innings between the Double-A and Triple-A levels last year and has major strikeout potential, but he generated just seven swinging strikes versus the Rangers. Assuming he sticks in the rotation, the right-hander tentatively lines up for a matchup with Miami early next week.

Cubs manager David Ross was noncommittal Wednesday when asked whether Taillon (groin) might be activated to start Thursday versus the Nationals, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Ross ruled out the idea Monday, but that was before Taillon threw a successful 45-pitch simulated game Tuesday in Washington. "Oh, I don't know," the skipper said Wednesday at Nationals Park. "We'll see." Taillon, 31, has been on the injured list since April 20 because of a left groin strain.

Fried's next scheduled start will be pushed back from Thursday to Friday at home against the Orioles, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

It sounds like Atlanta just wants to give the left-hander an extra day of rest. The team has not yet decided who will start Thursday in Miami, as it wants to see how Wednesday's game plays out first.

Valdez (2-4) took the loss Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings in a 4-2 loss against the Giants. He struck out eight.

Valdez recorded his sixth consecutive quality start Wednesday, holding San Francisco to just a pair of runs in the sixth inning. However, the 29-year-old left-hander was ultimately outdueled by Logan Webb in the 4-2 loss. Despite his losing record, Valdez has been excellent this season with a 2.60 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 45:10 K:BB. He'll be counted on to continue anchoring Houston's rotation following injuries to Luis Garcia (elbow) and Jose Urquidy (shoulder).

Webb (2-5) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 7.2 innings against Houston. He struck out five.

Webb was excellent Wednesday, holding the Astros scoreless until Alex Bregman's two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning. The 26-year-old Webb has allowed two runs in each of his last three starts, pitching into the seventh inning in all three outings. He now has a 3.80 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 48:7 K:BB through seven starts (45 innings) to begin the season.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that Woodford will be available out of the bullpen beginning with Thursday's game against the Angels, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Woodford's demotion to the bullpen comes with Adam Wainwright (groin) in line to return from the 15-day injured list to start Saturday against the Tigers. Woodford had struggled to a 5.72 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB through 28.1 innings (six starts) this season for St. Louis.

Houck will remain in the Red Sox's rotation for now and start Sunday in Philadelphia, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

While manager Alex Cora committed to Houck making his next scheduled start, he did not guarantee anything beyond that. Notable is that James Paxton's (hamstring) rehab assignment window runs out May 8, one day after Houck's start. Houck has been roughed up for 10 runs (nine earned) over 11 innings in his last two starts.

Whitlock (elbow) could return after a minimum-length stay on the 15-day injured list, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Whitlock has been cleared to resume throwing as he makes a swift recovery from right elbow ulnar neuritis. He'll be eligible for activation May 9, and he looks as though he'll have a chance to return that day or shortly thereafter.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Rodon (back) will undergo more testing Thursday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rodon no longer has any issues with his pitching arm, but his back is still bothering him and the Yankees are trying to get a better handle on it. Apparently the back issue is affecting the lefty's mechanics. Rodon remains on the 15-day injured list, but given his recent setback, he could be a candidate to shift to the 60-day IL, which would make him ineligible to make his 2023 debut until May 29.

Severino (lat) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Tampa on Thursday, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that he hoped to get Severino back in 2-3 weeks, so expect the right-hander to make two and possibly three rehab starts. He's been on the shelf all season with a strained right lat muscle.