MLB Player News

Eovaldi was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday at Pittsburgh due to soreness in his neck and shoulder area, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Eovaldi said he still believes he could pitch Thursday, but the Red Sox will exercise caution with the veteran right-hander. At this point, it seems likely Eovaldi will simply be skipped for one turn through the rotation, and he should be considered day-to-day for the time being. Josh Winckowski will make a spot start Thursday for Boston.

Manager Brian Snitker announced Fried (concussion) will be activated off the 7-day injured list to start Thursday against the Mets, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The left-hander landed on the shelf due to the concussion last week, and he'll rejoin the rotation after being sidelined for little more than the minimum of seven days. Fried has a 2.37 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB across 19 frames in three starts since the All-Star break, though he didn't pick up a win in any of those contests.

Marquez (6-10) took the loss Wednesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks over six innings in a 5-1 loss against the Cardinals. He struck out four.

Marquez earned the quality start, but it wasn't good enough to earn the win as he was outdueled by Jordan Montgomery. The quality start is his sixth in his last seven turns, as he's largely turned his season around after a rough first two months-plus. He will take a 5.05 ERA and 1.43 WHIP into his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for next week against Texas.

Montgomery (3-0) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits and no walks over 5.2 innings against the Rockies. He struck out eight.

Montgomery was in control all night as he struck out eight and did not walk a single batter. The only damage came in the third inning when the Rockies strung together a few singles to score a run. He has now allowed just one earned run over the 16.2 innings covering his first three starts with the Cardinals, recording the win on each occasion. He next lines up to face the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday.

Ragans (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk over five innings in a 7-2 loss against the Athletics. He struck out three.

The rookie was tagged for two home runs off the bat of Sean Murphy, which accounted for all three runs allowed on the night. He was able to get through five innings on just 83 pitches as he allowed just one walk, a welcome sign after he walked a combined seven over his first two starts in the big leagues. He will carry a 5.02 ERA into his next start.

Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Pepiot will remain in the rotation for at least one more start, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 24-year-old took a no-decision Tuesday in Milwaukee after giving up three runs over 4.2 innings and appeared headed for the bullpen with Dustin May (elbow) returning from the injured list this weekend. However, Pepiot will stick in the rotation for at least one more turn and perhaps more as Roberts contemplates a six-man rotation. Pepiot has a 4.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 29:20 K:BB across 25.1 frames through his first six big-league outings.

Keller (shoulder) was able to play catch Wednesday without any discomfort, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Keller's ability to do some light throwing one day after being pulled early in his start against the Red Sox is a good sign, but an upcoming bullpen session will be the real test of his health. If Keller's right shoulder presents no issues when he attempts to throw off a mound Thursday or Friday, he should be ready to make his next turn through the rotation Sunday against Cincinnati.

Smyly allowed two runs on four hits across 5.1 innings and did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Nationals. He had no walks and struck out four.

Smyly pitched well, though he needed 100 pitches to retire 16 batters and therefore got the hook after allowing a one-out double in the sixth inning. The lefty has now allowed two runs or fewer in his last three outings, which has helped him lower his ERA to a solid 3.67. Smyly isn't the most exciting fantasy option and doesn't always go deep into games, but he's been useful lately. He's scheduled to start again as part of a doubleheader Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Flaherty (shoulder) will make his next rehab start Sunday with Double-A Springfield, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The right-hander threw 52 pitches over three scoreless innings during Tuesday's rehab outing with Springfield, and he'll remain with the affiliate for his next start. If Flaherty requires another rehab start after Sunday, it would put him on track for early-September activation.

Interim manager John Schneider said Wednesday that Kikuchi will transition to a relief role, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The 31-year-old has surrendered 14 runs (11 earned) over 17.1 innings since the All-Star break and has a 5.25 ERA for the season, and the Blue Jays have seen enough with him in the rotation. Mitch White will step into the rotation Saturday against the Yankees with Kikuchi now in the bullpen.