MLB Player News

Whitlock didn't factor in the decision during Friday's 12-8 loss to the Orioles after giving up two runs on five hits over six innings. He had four strikeouts and one walk.

The 25-year-old served up a two-run homer to Anthony Santander during the fourth inning but otherwise kept Baltimore off the board, and he exited with Boston holding an 8-2 lead. However, the Red Sox bullpen completely imploded, preventing Whitlock from earning his first win since April 12. The right-hander continues to pitch well as a member of the starting rotation and has a 3.49 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 44:11 K:BB across 38.2 innings this season.

Manoah allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits across six innings in Friday's win over the Angels. He struck out nine and did not factor in the decision.

The two earned runs against Manoah came in the form of solo homers by Jared Walsh and Tyler Wade in the third and fifth innings, respectively. It was the first time he's allowed multiple home runs in one start since June 19 of last season. The 24-year-old has yet to allow more than two earned runs in any of his nine starts in 2022. Manoah has registered a 1.77 ERA with an impressive 52:9 K:BB through 56 frames. He's projected to face the White Sox at home next week.

Rodon (4-4) was charged with the loss Friday against the Reds after allowing three runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and three walks across 5.1 innings.

The left-hander threw 58 of his 99 pitches for strikes and generated only six swinging strikes, which resulted in his lowest punchout total of the season. Rodon had a 4-1 record with a 1.80 ERA and 53:12 K:BB through his first six starts of the season, but he's now lost his past three outings and has a 7.80 ERA and 12:8 K:BB in those defeats.

Gray yielded five runs on five hits and three walks over six frames in Friday's win against Oakland. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision.

All five runs charged to Gray came during a nightmare third inning; it was capped off by Sean Murphy and Chad Pinder launching back-to-back solo home runs. The 30-year-old righty had gone four straight starts without allowing a homer since he coughed up a pair against Seattle on April 19. He's now sporting a disappointing 5.56 ERA with a 32:13 K:BB through 34 innings. Gray is lined up to face the Rays at home next week.

Irvin allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits over 6.1 innings in Friday's loss to Texas. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Irvin coughed up a two-run single to Jonah Heim in the first inning before firing five straight shutout frames, including a stretch in which he retired 10 straight batters. He was then charged with another run in the seventh after he was removed from the game. The 28-year-old southpaw has allowed six runs (five earned) on 14 hits and two walks over his last two outings after a stint on the injured list. Irvin will carry a 3.15 ERA into his projected home outing against the Astros next week.

Flexen (2-6) yielded one run on seven hits and two walks over seven innings Friday, striking out six and picking up a win against Houston.

Flexen was 0-4 over his last five starts since earning a win over Kansas City on April 22. He danced around trouble multiple times in Friday's outing and the only run he gave up came on a fielder's choice in the second inning. It was the third start in which he allowed just one run and he lowered his season ERA to 4.47 through 50.1 frames. Flexen is lined up to take the mound in Baltimore next week.

Verlander (6-2) allowed six runs on 10 hits and a walk over six innings Friday, striking out six and taking a loss against Seattle.

Verlander was cursed by the long ball Friday, yielding six runs on four homers. He gave up a pair of two-run shots to Julio Rodriguez and Kyle Lewis in the first innings. The 39-year-old had been tagged with just four home runs through 51.2 frames entering Friday's ugly outing. Still, he's sporting a 2.03 ERA with a 55:10 K:BB through nine starts. Verlander is projected to take the mound in Oakland next week.

Ashcraft (1-0) earned the win Friday against the Giants after allowing four hits with one strikeout and two walks over 6.1 innings.

The 24-year-old generated only five swinging strikes on 92 pitches, but he kept San Francisco off the board by giving up only four singles. Ashcraft surrendered two runs over 4.1 innings during MLB debut last weekend, and he was able to pick up his first win in his second outing Saturday. The right-hander may have done enough to stick around in Cincinnati's rotation for another turn, however, the impending return of Mike Minor (shoulder) from the injured list could result in him being sent back to Triple-A Louisville.

Woodruff was removed from Friday's start against the Cardinals with right ankle discomfort, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The 28-year-old appeared to tweak his ankle while throwing his warmup pitches ahead of the bottom of the fifth inning, and he left the field after being looked at by the training staff. Woodruff allowed two runs on two hits with four strikeouts and one walk across four innings prior to his exit, and his availability going forward is now in question.

McCullers (forearm) completed a bullpen session Friday in which he threw sinkers, four-seam fastballs and changeups, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander threw off the mound from in front of the pitching rubber for a few pitches last weekend, but he actually toed the rubber this time. McCullers' fastball velocity sat in the low 80s as he continues to build up his arm strength. He remains without a timeline for his return but should continue increasing the intensity of his bullpen work in the coming days.