MLB Player News

Bielak pitched 2.2 scoreless innings against Arizona on Friday, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out six. He did not factor in the decision.

The right-handed reliever was called into action for a spot start after Framber Valdez (finger) was scratched Thursday. Bielak performed well enough in his first start of the campaign, keeping the Diamondbacks off the scoreboard while racking up six punchouts in just 2.2 frames. He wasn't very efficient -- Bielak needed 55 pitches to retire eight batters -- but none of the hits against him went for extra bases, and he was able to escape a bases-loaded situation in the first inning. He'll likely return to the bullpen but will almost certainly be down a few days given his larger-than-normal workload Friday.

Gray allowed five runs on three hits and four walks while striking out five in 5.1 innings during a no-decision versus Colorado on Friday.

Control continues to be a problem for Gray, who threw 58 of 94 pitches for strikes in this contest. He's walked 10 batters in 10.1 innings across his last two starts. The 23-year-old owns a 6.24 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 57:27 K:BB in 53.1 innings overall, while adding an 0-2 record in 11 appearances. Gray projects for a friendlier road start in Miami next week.

Marquez allowed six runs on eight hits and two walks with one strikeout in four innings versus Washington on Friday. He did not factor in the decision.

The right-hander had his start pushed back a day after bad weather in Atlanta postponed Thursday's contest. Marquez didn't seem to benefit from the extra day, as he allowed a pair of runs in the first inning and then four more in the fourth, although Colorado's offense was able to spare him from a loss. He's been rather inconsistent since the start of August, and he now owns a 4.16 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 168:58 K:BB through 171 innings overall. Marquez lines up for an unpleasant home start versus the Dodgers next week.

Cease (12-7) allowed four hits and two walks over five scoreless innings Friday, striking out 10 and earning a win over Texas.

Cease put runners in scoring position multiple times but never faced much danger in Friday's dominant win. He's reached double-digit strikeouts in eight of his 30 starts this season, going 7-1 during those appearances. The 25-year-old had just one double-digit strikeout game in his 26 career starts before the 2021 campaign. Cease lowered his ERA to 4.09 with a 212:66 K:BB through 156.1 innings. He's projected to take the mound in Cleveland next week.

Ryu (13-9) allowed five runs on five hits and a walk with two strikeouts in two-plus innings Friday, taking the loss versus Minnesota.

The southpaw ran into trouble in the third inning, and he exited after allowing back-to-back home runs to Jorge Polanco and Josh Donaldson. Ryu has allowed 12 runs in his last 4.1 innings across two starts. He left a Sept. 6 start versus the Yankees with forearm soreness, but he's been able to take his regular turn through the rotation despite the recent ineffectiveness. After the game, Ryu said he felt "physically fine" but added that he hasn't had the best control, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. Ryu takes a 4.34 ERA and 1.21 WHIP into next week's projected start in Tampa Bay.

Mize allowed a run on three hits and a walk over three innings in Friday's loss against the Rays. He struck out three.

Mize coughed up a sacrifice fly to Austin Meadows in the first inning before turning in two scoreless frames. He's gone three or fewer innings in each of his last three appearances as the Tigers are clearly restricting his workload down the stretch. The 24-year-old righty is sporting a 3.64 ERA through 143.1 innings. Mize is projected to face the White Sox at home next week in what's expected to be another short outing.

Kluber (5-3) allowed four hits and two walks while striking out four in six shutout innings to earn the win over Cleveland on Friday. He also hit one batter.

The right-hander worked a full starter's assignment, throwing 61 of 95 pitches in a fairly dominant start. Kluber had struggled a bit in his first three games since returning from a shoulder injury, allowing 11 runs in 11.2 innings in that span, but he was much closer to his best form Friday. The strong start lowered his ERA to 3.68 with a 1.28 WHIP and 76:32 K:BB through 71 innings overall. Kluber lines up for a home start versus his other former team, Texas, next week.

Gore allowed one earned run on three hits and three walks while striking out eight across four innings Friday for Double-A San Antonio.

This was Gore's second start since being promoted to San Antonio. He's now allowed only three earned runs across 10 innings at the level, though he has also walked eight batters. Though it's a positive that Gore is back on the mound at a reasonably appropriate level, he'll need to find the strike zone more regularly to succeed consistently and work deeper into games.

Cueto (elbow) extended his throwing distance to 90 feet Friday and is working toward being able to throw a live batting practice session within the next 10 days, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

It marked the second day in a row that the right-hander was able to extend his throwing distance. Given the obvious time restraints, it's very possible that Cueto doesn't return during the regular season, but if he is able to throw off a mound with some intensity soon, he should have a chance to contribute in some form during the playoffs.

Keller (lat) will be shut down and won't return this season, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Keller landed on the injured list in late August with a lat strain, and while he has progressed in recent weeks, the Royals have determined there simply isn't sufficient time for him to return this season. The right-hander concludes the campaign with a 5.39 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 120:64 K:BB across 133.2 innings.