MLB Player News

Alexander (4-1) allowed two runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out three over 5.1 innings to earn the win over the Orioles on Thursday.

Alexander fell short of a quality start for the first time in his four outings in August, but he still did well enough to secure his third win of the month. Dylan Beavers produced both runs for Baltimore with a solo home run in the second inning and an RBI fielder's choice in the sixth. While Alexander has had some inconsistent stretches this year, he's doing all he can to keep a spot in the Astros' rotation with his recent strong play. He's at a 4.59 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 38:19 K:BB through 49 innings over 12 appearances (seven starts) between the Astros and the Athletics in 2025. Alexander could face additional challenges for a starter role soon, as Lance McCullers (finger) is set to come of the injured list Friday while Luis Garcia (elbow) could follow sometime next week.

Young exited Thursday's start against Houston with hamstring discomfort, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Young exited in the sixth inning after suffering the injury while covering first base. He was hit hard prior to his exit, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits across 5.1 innings. It is not immediately clear if Young will miss a start or require a stint on the injured list.

Young exited Thursday's start against the Astros after suffering an apparent leg injury, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Young allowed seven earned runs on nine hits and two walks across 5.1 innings prior to his departure and is on the hook for the loss. The exact nature of the injury is unclear, though Young hurt himself while running to cover first base. He was able to walk off the field with trainers.

Buehler could be moved to the bullpen prior to his next scheduled start, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Buehler has struggled with his command all season, but his performance has gone even further downhill of late. He has a 6.5 BB/9 and a 1.72 WHIP across his last five starts, and he's failed to complete at least five innings three times in that span. Richard Fitts would be a candidate to take Buehler's rotation spot, as would Kyle Harrison, Payton Tolle or Connelly Early.

Cease (6-11) earned the win Thursday against the Giants, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out seven.

Though the six hits were his most allowed since July 2 in Philadelphia, Cease produced 13 whiffs en route to fanning at least seven for the fourth time in his last five starts. The right-hander continues to offer fantasy managers plenty of strikeout upside, as he has 178 punchouts over 137.2 innings, but he's been unable to reach his top form consistently with a 4.71 ERA for the season. Cease will be aiming for better run prevention his next time out, which is slated for next week at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park against the Mariners.

Verlander (1-10) took the loss Thursday against the Padres, allowing seven runs on seven hits and one walk in 4.1 innings. He struck out four.

Following a season-best outing in innings and strikeouts against the Rays on Aug. 16, Verlander surrendered a season-worst seven runs Thursday. The veteran right-hander made it through three spotless frames before the Padres got to him, and it was the sixth time this year that he couldn't last at least five innings. Verlander has a shaky 4.64 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 99:37 K:BB over 110.2 frames, and he'll remain difficult to trust from a fantasy perspective in a tough matchup against the Cubs next week.

Gore didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Mets, allowing three runs on six hits and four walks in 4.1 innings. He struck out five.

It was just the third time all season that Gore was unable to make it through five innings, and each of those instances have come following the All-Star break. The All-Star left-hander is showing signs of fatigue since the second half began, submitting a 7.88 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 32:18 K:BB over his last seven outings (32 innings). Things are unlikely to get much easier for Gore in next week's scheduled appearance against the Yankees, who have a robust .990 OPS versus left-handed pitching since the beginning of August.

Manaea (1-2) took the loss Thursday against the Nationals, allowing four runs on three hits and one walk in 4.2 innings. He struck out eight.

Manaea fanned a season-high eight, but he permitted at least four runs in his fourth consecutive start after giving up four runs across his first four appearances of 2025. The left-hander has yet to pitch at least six frames in any of his first eight outings, and he's watched his ERA for the season soar from 2.08 on July 28 to 5.15 following Thursday's showing. Manaea does have a strong 1.12 WHIP and 45:8 K:BB across 36.2 innings, which do offer some reasons for optimism ahead of a difficult assignment against the division-rival Phillies next week.

Imanaga (8-6) took the loss Thursday against the Brewers, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks across seven innings. He struck out five.

Imanaga was sharp Thursday, holding Milwaukee to just two runs on a Brice Turang homer in the second inning. However, the Cubs failed to generate enough run support to back the left-hander in an eventual 4-1 defeat. Imanaga has turned in four straight quality starts, allowing just seven runs across 27 innings in that span. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.03 with a 0.94 WHIP and 90:21 K:BB across 19 starts (110 innings) this season.

Dollander (2-10) took the loss Thursday against the Dodgers, allowing seven runs on nine hits and two walks in 3.2 innings. He struck out five.

The nine hits given up matched a season high for Dollander, who also set a season worst in runs allowed. The rookie right-hander has now walked multiple batters in six straight major-league starts, and he's failed to get through at least five innings in 10 of his 18 big-league outings in 2025. Dollander has a dreadful 6.91 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 68:40 K:BB over 82 frames, so he should likely be avoided in most fantasy settings next week in Houston.