MLB Player News

Smith (3-4) took the loss Tuesday against the Cardinals, allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out two in 4.1 innings.

Smith allowed a season high in runs while also posting his lowest strikeout total of his rookie campaign. It was his first start this season allowing more than three earned runs. Despite not having his best stuff, Smith only allowed one extra-base hit, though he's now issued multiple walks in five straight starts. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, tentatively set for this weekend on the road versus the Blue Jays.

Stephan (elbow) allowed one run on one hit and two walks over two-thirds of an inning for Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday.

Stephan's rehab moved from the rookie-level Arizona Complex League to the highest level of the minors. The right-hander racked up the strikeouts -- five of them in two innings -- while in the ACL. He's moved up several levels and is on the cusp of returning to the majors.

Paredes went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI, two walks and a run scored Tuesday against the Athletics.

Paredes sat out Houston's weekend series against the Twins due to a hamstring injury but has now started two straight contests. He chipped in during a 13-run offensive explosion for Houston on Tuesday while collecting his fourth extra-base hit in his last four starts. In 12 games since the beginning of June, Paredes has four homers, 12 RBI and eight runs scored, continuing his strong performance this season.

Littell (6-7) took the loss Tuesday against the Orioles, allowing three runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out three in six innings.

Littell gave up a fifth-inning solo blast to Colton Cowser and a near home run to Jordan Westburg but otherwise kept the Orioles in check. It was his fourth straight start allowing a homer, but his fifth straight start going at least six innings. Littell has allowed three runs or fewer in 11 of his last 12 starts and has walked just eight batters over that span. He'll aim to get back in the win column this weekend against the Tigers.

Carlson went 3-for-4 with a steal and two runs scored in Tuesday's win over the Rays.

Carlson posted his second three-hit effort over the last week, though he has just one RBI to show for it. He also swiped his second bag of the season, matching his total in 96 games last year. Carlson's hit safely in 16 of his last 20 games, slashing .333/.370/.551 over that span, making it difficult for manager Brandon Hyde to take him out of the lineup.

Cowser went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Rays.

Cowser took Zack Littell deep to right-center field in the fifth to put the Orioles ahead 2-1 and that proved to be enough for the win. Cowser struck out his other three times up and now has struck out 12 times over his last 18 at-bats. He's homered three times since returning from the injured list June 3, but strikeouts have been a glaring issue for Cowser as he continues to get re-acclimated following an extended absence.

Kremer (6-7) got the win Tuesday over the Rays, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings.

Kremer picked up his first win in June and the 500th strikeout of his career Tuesday night. His four hits allowed were his fewest since he allowed three May 8, and he kept the ball in the park for the fifth time in his last six outings. Since May 2, Kremer has a 3.52 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 45:15 K:BB in 53.2 innings. He's lined up to face the Yankees on the road this weekend to complete a two-start week.

Leiter (4-4) was saddled with the loss Tuesday against the Royals, giving up six runs on eight hits and one walk in 5.2 innings. He struck out four.

The hard-throwing right-hander was hurt by the long ball once again, serving up a season-high three home runs Tuesday and at least one in his third straight start. Leiter also tied a season high in both hits and runs allowed while he was hit hard for five extra-base knocks. He'll look to improve on his shaky 4.40 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 49:30 K:BB over 61.1 innings this weekend in a favorable matchup against the Pirates, who have a .627 OPS since the start of May.

Lugo (4-5) recorded the win Tuesday against the Rangers, giving up one run on three hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out nine.

The veteran right-hander had his entire pitch mix working, racking up 14 whiffs en route to fanning a season-high nine. Tuesday marked Lugo's first time firing at least six frames since he came off the injured list for his May 30 start, and it also represented his seventh quality start on the campaign as a whole. He'll bring a 3.05 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 61:23 K:BB over 76.2 frames into his next outing, which is currently projected for this weekend against a formidable Padres lineup.

Urshela went 2-for-2 with a double, one RBI and one run scored in Tuesday's 13-3 loss to the Astros.

Urshela missed just under four weeks due to a left hamstring strain. He didn't start Tuesday, but he was the only Athletic to log multiple hits in the contest. It's unclear if he'll be able to regain a regular role in the Athletics' infield -- his best bet for playing time is likely to challenge Max Muncy at third base, though Muncy is hitting a respectable .261 (12-for-46) in June compared to his .211 average on the year. Urshela is at a .240/.290/.360 slash line with no home runs, 14 RBI, four runs scored, 10 doubles, one triple and no stolen bases across 109 plate appearances this season. Even if he gains a starting role in the short term, Miguel Andujar (oblique) could displace Urshela once healthy.