MLB Player News

Gray is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday against the Marlins in Washington.

Both Gray and Joan Adon were options for two starts last week after the two took the hill for the April 19 doubleheader with Arizona, but Washington ended up going with Adon over Gray for Sunday's 12-3 loss to the Giants. Gray will instead take the hill on six days' rest for the Nationals' first game this week Tuesday, setting himself up to make a second turn over the weekend in San Francisco. After getting tagged for four runs on eight hits and two walks in his first start of the season April 8 against the Mets, Gray has bounced back effectively in his subsequent two outings. He's worked five and 5.1 innings, respectively, in wins over Atlanta and Arizona, permitting only one earned run between the starts while striking out 13.

Allard allowed one hit and two walks while striking out two over two scoreless innings in Sunday's 2-0 loss to the Athletics.

Allard pitched for the first time in nine days, a stretch that may have given him time to clean up the issues that resulted in him giving up five runs and two home runs allowed over 1.1 innings April 15. He was one of several relievers to throw Sunday, as the Rangers eased starter Spencer Howard off the injured list and needed length from the bullpen. Multiple innings will be the norm for Allard, who may also draw a spot start or piggyback on another pitcher on occasion.

Hill didn't factor into the decision in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Rays after striking out one batter over four scoreless frames while scattering four hits and three walks.

Though Hill kept the Rays off the board through four innings, the Red Sox weren't willing to extend him deep into the game, which has been a recurring theme for the southpaw this season. Through his first three starts, Hill hasn't topped 80 pitches or five innings. Heading into the season, manager Alex Cora teased the idea of Hill making regular tandem starts with Garrett Whitlock, so the 42-year-old lefty isn't necessarily a safe bet to see his workloads increase as the campaign rolls along.

McClanahan (1-1) allowed two earned runs on six hits and no walks while striking out seven across seven innings to earn the win Sunday against Boston.

McClanahan was touched up early in the game, as he allowed three singles and both of his earned runs in the first inning. However, he went on to retire eight consecutive hitters -- four of which came via strikeout. Perhaps most notably, McClanahan needed only 86 pitches to work seven innings to record his longest outing of the season. Through four starts this season, he's now maintained a 2.45 ERA with a 31:5 K:BB across 22 frames.

Cueto (0-1) allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two across 2.2 innings to take the loss Saturday against Triple-A Nashville.

Cueto signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on April 4, and he has been building up his arm strength since. He took another step in that process Saturday, and while the results weren't particularly strong he did throw 53 pitches. Given that he's on a minor-league deal, there's no guarantee that Cueto will be with the White Sox any time in the near future. However, once Cueto is up to speed, the team could opt to utilize him as the fifth starter to replace Vince Velasquez in the rotation.

Brubaker allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks over three innings in Sunday's win over the Cubs. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Brubaker allowed a pair of runs in the first inning, including an RBI single by Frank Schwindel. He turned in a pair of scoreless frames before the Pirates turned to Dillon Peters to begin the fourth. Brubaker lowered his season ERA to 6.46 through 15.1 frames. He's lined up to face the Padres at home next week.

Nola didn't factor into the decision during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Milwaukee, allowing one hit and one walk with seven strikeouts in seven scoreless innings.

Nola pitched about as well as possible, but his superb performance was unfortunately matched by opposing starter Eric Lauer. The 28-year-old Nola submitted an excellent 84 game score by allowing just two baserunners compared to seven strikeouts and lowered his ERA from 5.52 to 3.74 in the process. He'll look to keep things rolling against the Mets on Friday.

Elder (1-2) allowed two runs on five hits and six walks while striking out four in 4.2 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Marlins.

Elder threw just 54 of his 96 pitches for strikes Sunday, but he was relatively effective at limiting runs. He held Miami scoreless for the first four innings before giving up a pair of runs with two outs in the fifth frame. The right-hander has now been charged with back-to-back losses, and he has a 4.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 14.2 innings. He tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against the Rangers on Saturday.

Ray struck out five in six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk in a 5-4 extra-inning win Sunday against Kansas City. He did not factor into the decision.

Ray allowed a pair of RBI doubles in the third inning but otherwise kept the Royals' lineup in check. He left the game with a 3-2 lead and was in position to earn the victory. A ninth-inning homer by Hunter Dozier erased that possibility. The lefty has thrown at least six innings in each start this season and leads all of baseball with 25.1 innings pitched. Surprisingly, Ray has been pitching more to contact and has only fanned 18 batters so far. His next start will likely be next weekend in Miami.

Lauer didn't factor into the decision during Sunday's 1-0 victory over Philadelphia, allowing five hits and a walk with 13 strikeouts in six scoreless innings.

Lauer was in top form for a Sunday Night Baseball pitchers duel with Aaron Nola, running into trouble in just the fifth inning when he was able to work out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam unscathed. The 26-year-old has a career 8.7 K/9 mark but took it to the next level Sunday with 13 whiffs, at one point striking out six straight. Lauer will take his dazzling 2.20 ERA through 16.1 innings into his next start against the Cubs on Saturday.