MLB Player News

Morris (0-1) took the loss against Houston on Saturday, allowing nine runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out four batters over four-plus innings.

Morris was called upon to start following injuries to Aaron Civale (shoulder) and Luis Severino (shoulder), but he didn't make a strong case for sticking in the rotation. The right-hander gave up six runs over his first two innings, with the biggest blow being a grand slam off the bat of Yordan Alvarez. That was one of three homers allowed overall by Morris, who needed 90 pitches to retire 12 batters. Neither Civale nor Severino is slated to return soon, but given Morris' performance Saturday, the Athletics -- who currently sit 3.5 games behind Seattle in the AL West -- may opt to turn to a different pitcher to fill the rotation slot.

McClanahan (6-3) took the loss Saturday against Miami, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out six.

McClanahan tossed at least five innings for an eighth consecutive start, but he did tie season worsts in both runs and hits allowed Saturday. The 29-year-old left-hander had given up one or no runs in six of his previous seven outings, so Saturday represented a rare letdown of sorts. McClanahan will bring a strong 2.85 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 59:21 K:BB over 60 innings into his next scheduled appearance on the road against the Angels.

Imai (3-3) allowed two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight batters over five innings in a win over the Athletics on Saturday.

Houston scored six runs in the first two innings, allowing Imai to go on cruise control. The right-hander gave up a pair of runs in the third frame but didn't allow the A's to get any closer. Imai racked up an impressive 17 swinging strikes and fell one short of his season-high mark with eight punchouts, though he was pulled after five innings and 92 pitches. That snapped a streak of two straight quality starts, but Imai nonetheless continued to turn things around after a rough beginning to his MLB career. He had an 8.31 ERA through his first five starts spanning 17.1 innings, but he's gone 2-1 with a 2.12 ERA across 17 frames over his subsequent three starts.

Manager Skip Schumaker said Curvelo exited Saturday's game against the Guardians with a left thigh injury, Matt Postins of SI.com reports.

Curvelo was struck on the inner thigh above the knee by a comebacker off the bat of Patrick Bailey in the top of the eighth inning and was immediately removed from the game after he fell to the ground following a bad throw to first base on the play. "He wasn't feeling really good," Schumaker said. It's unclear if Curvelo will need a stint on the injured list.

Ryan didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Royals, allowing one run on six hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out five.

The right-hander delivered his eighth quality start of the season on 102 pitches (66 strikes), but Ryan left the mound with the score tied 1-1. Five of those quality starts have come in his last six outings, a stretch in which he's delivered a 2.39 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 44:6 K:BB through 37.2 innings. He'll look for his fifth win of the year in his next start, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Detroit.

Montgomery went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Phillies.

Montgomery walked and scored a run in the first inning before launching a solo blast in the third. Including Saturday's performance, the 24-year-old has gone just 2-for-20 to open June, but he has left the yard three times over his past seven games. On the season, he's slashing .223/.317/.476 with 16 homers, 38 RBI, 30 runs scored and one stolen base across 265 plate appearances.

Lange gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Twins.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro suggested earlier this week that he would be playing matchups in closing situations while Lucas Erceg worked through his struggles, but since then Lange has gotten three straight saves, with Saturday's coming when Kody Clemens, a left-handed power hitter, was leading off the ninth for the Twins and representing the tying run. Lange has been scored upon just once in his last 12 appearances, posting a 0.75 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB in 12 innings, and he appears to have seized the top spot in the Kansas City bullpen.

Taylor struck out three batters in a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Phillies.

Taylor was summoned to protect a three-run lead in the ninth inning and struck out the side on 14 pitches to earn his second save of the year. Seranthony Dominguez appeared in the eighth inning Saturday and threw just 11 pitches, but the White Sox opted to go with Taylor, who hadn't pitched since Wednesday. The 24-year-old has been fantastic this season, posting a 1.93 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 50:9 K:BB with two saves and four holds across 32.2 innings.

Avila didn't factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over five innings in a 3-2 victory over the Twins. He struck out three.

The 24-year-old right-hander was lifted after 70 effective pitches (46 strikes) with the score tied 1-1, denying Avila his second win of the season. He's looked good since rejoining the Royals in late April, posting a 2.84 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 22:15 K:BB through 25.1 innings over his last 10 appearances (three starts). Avila will look to keep rolling in his next outing, which is set to come at home next weekend against the Astros.

Montero (2-4) took the loss Saturday as the Tigers fell 4-0 to the Mariners, giving up four runs on six hits and and a walk over five innings. He struck out one.

Half the hits off the right-hander went for extra bases, including a solo homer by Dominic Canzone in the fourth inning. Montero has been tagged for four runs in three of his last five outings, a stretch in which he's stumbled to a 5.13 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB in 26.1 innings. With Tarik Skubal (elbow), Justin Verlander (hip) and Casey Mize (thigh) all closing in on returns from the IL in the next couple weeks, Montero's time in the Detroit rotation could be coming to an end very soon.