MLB Player News

Rocker took a no-decision after throwing 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four, during Friday's 3-2 loss the Padres.

Rocker struggled in his first start after being recalled from Triple-A Round Rock, but he has been much better in the four starts since. The 25-year-old hurler has allowed just six runs in his last 21.2 innings while striking out 20 batters. It's the most consistent stretch of pitching the right-hander has displayed at the MLB level, and he's looking more and more like the pitcher the Rangers drafted him to be in the first round back in 2022. Rocker is scheduled to make his next start on the road at the Angels next week.

Thomas was removed from Friday's game against the Tigers due to mild plantar fasciitis symptoms, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Thomas went 0-for-2 in Friday's contest before his foot forced him to make an early exit in the sixth inning. It remains to be seen how much time, if any, the 29-year-old will miss, though the Guardians should provide more details in the near future.

Woo (8-4) earned the win Friday against the Pirates, giving up no runs on three hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out eight.

Woo continued to rack up punchouts Friday, retiring at least eight by way of strikeout for his third start in a row. The 25-year-old right-hander has remarkably tossed at least six innings in each of his first 17 outings of the season, and three of his last four appearances have come without an earned run on his ledger. Woo holds a superb 2.77 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 104:19 K:BB across 107.1 innings, and he's next set for a tough test against the Yankees in the Bronx.

Gimenez was removed from Friday's game against the Angels due to an ankle injury, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Gimenez tweaked his ankle while running from first to third base in the sixth inning. The 26-year-old's ankle has been problematic recently, as he sat out Thursday's game after twisting it Wednesday. Now dealing with his second ankle injury in three days, Gimenez could end up spending time on the injured list so he can heal properly.

The Royals optioned Waters to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Waters has been in a slump at the plate recently, going 1-for-19 since June 24. His struggles will ultimately cost him his place on the active roster and open up playing time in the outfield for Nick Loftin, John Rave and Mark Canha. Luke Maile was selected from Omaha to fill the open roster spot.

The Royals selected Maile's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Salvador Perez has been playing through a bit of calf tightness recently, so the Royals will bring up Maile to provid insurance behind the plate in case Perez ends up on the IL. The 34-year-old Maile has done well in the minors this year, slashing .280/.416/.354 through 101 plate appearances at Triple-A. Drew Waters was optioned to Omaha in a corresponding move.

Paddack didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Rays, giving up two runs on five hits and no walks in five innings. He struck out five.

The five punchouts were Paddack's most since he fanned 10 during his June 1 start. The right-hander hasn't thrown greater than five innings in any of his last five starts, but he's walked just two batters during that span. Paddack owns a lackluster 4.64 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 68:24 K:BB over 95 innings this year, and he shapes up as a fairly risky fantasy option his next time out in a difficult assignment at home versus the first-place Cubs.

Littell didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Twins, giving up one run on four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.

Littell fanned five while allowing a lone run in his third consecutive start, tossing six strong innings Friday. The 29-year-old right-hander had previously gone four straight outings without walking a batter, but he's now issued two free passes in each of his last two appearances. Littell is now up to 12 quality starts in 2025, and he'll carry a steady 3.50 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 76:15 K:BB across 110.2 frames into a tough spot on the road against the first-place Tigers.

Stroman didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Mets, giving up three runs on seven hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out four.

Although Stroman allowed a season-high seven hits, he was able to stretch out to 81 pitches in his second start off the injured list. Additionally, the veteran right-hander set a season high in strikeouts while producing nine whiffs. The Yankees will likely need him to stay in their rotation going forward due to Clarke Schmidt (forearm) going on the injured list Friday. Stroman will look to improve upon a 7.45 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 12:10 K:BB over 19.1 frames his next time out at home versus the Mariners, who are averaging 5.2 runs per game over their last 21 contests.

Kim was removed from Friday's game against the Twins due to a right calf injury, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

After spending the first several months of the season on the injured list due to shoulder and hamstring injuries, Kim's Rays debut came to an early end after he injured his calf attempting to steal third base in the seventh inning. Manager Kevin Cash said after the game that Kim is considered day-to-day, so it doesn't seem like the 29-year-old infielder is headed for another IL stint. Taylor Walls will likely start any games Kim has to miss.