MLB Player News

Cecconi took a no-decision Thursday against the White Sox, allowing five runs on nine hits and one walk in five-plus innings. He struck out three.

A staggering six of Cecconi's nine hits allowed went for extra bases, three of which came in the fifth inning alone, and a Chase Meidroth two-run home run chased the hurler from the outing in the sixth frame. The 27-year-old right-hander stumbled dramatically Thursday, as he worked at least five innings while yielding two runs or fewer in all five of his starts in June. Cecconi will take a subpar 4.44 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 73:30 K:BB over 95.1 innings into his next scheduled outing against the Twins.

X-rays on May's injured right ankle came back negative Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

May said his ankle/shin area is "soft" and painful, per Goold, indicating it will be a pain tolerance and swelling issue moving forward. The right-hander was struck by a line drive off the bat of Dominic Smith in the bottom of the first inning of Thursday's start versus Atlanta and was pulled from the game a few batters later, with May ultimately being charged with five runs on five hits and two walks with one strikeout over two-thirds of an inning. The St. Louis bullpen covered 8.1 frames, yielding a combined three hits and one walk in an 11-5 victory. It's unclear at this point if May will be able to make his next scheduled start.

Baker secured the save Thursday against the Royals, striking out one in a clean ninth inning.

Baker remains firmly entrenched as Tampa Bay's closer. The 31-year-old right-hander has yielded just one run in his past 15 outings and last blew a save back on May 13, converting 11 straight. His 22 saves trail only Cade Smith's 26 for the major-league lead, while Baker boasts a 1.89 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB over 33.1 innings.

Seymour (5-1) earned the win Thursday against the Royals, allowing one run on three hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out eight.

That's now back-to-back quality starts for Seymour, who has excelled over his past five outings (three starts) while getting stretched out. During that span, the 27-year-old southpaw has a 2.52 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 27:6 K:BB covering 25 innings. Seymour, who holds a 4.02 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 60:21 K:BB over 56 innings on the year, is pushing for a permanent stay in the Rays' rotation, but a tough assignment against the Yankees awaits him for his next start.

Kolek (4-3) took the loss Thursday against the Rays, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk in two innings. He failed to record a strikeout.

Pitching on 10 days' rest following stints on the paternity and family medical emergency lists, Kolek showed signs of rust in an abbreviated start Thursday. The 29-year-old right-hander has now been unable to register a single punchout in back-to-back outings, watching his season ERA balloon from 2.68 on June 18 to 4.50 after coughing up 12 runs in his last two appearances. Kolek, who has a 1.24 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB over 54 innings this year, will be aiming to steady the ship against the Mets his next time out.

Robles was removed from Thursday night's contest against the Angels in the fifth inning with a right forearm injury, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Robles took a 97.9-mph sinker from Walbert Urena off his right forearm in the bottom of the third inning and was later replaced in the outfield by Weston Wilson before the top of the fifth. Robles had already entered the game in place of Julio Rodriguez (head), and Seattle will now operate especially shorthanded for the remainder of the contest. More information on Robles' status will likely come following the conclusion of Thursday's series finale.

Rodriguez was removed from Thursday night's contest against the Angels in the third inning after taking a blow to the head earlier in the game, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez took a 78.2 mph throw from Nolan Schanuel off the back of his helmet while advancing to second base on a ground ball in the bottom of the first inning. After he was able to remain in the contest for an additional frame, he was replaced in center field by Victor Robles in the top of the third. Rodriguez will likely undergo additional testing to determine if he suffered a concussion.

May exited Thursday's start against Atlanta in the first inning with a right ankle contusion, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

May was making his first start since June 21 after his last turn in the rotation was skipped due to the right-hander dealing with back tightness. May struggled out of the gate Thursday, allowing the first three batters he faced to reach base before he was able to get Michael Harris looking for a strikeout. After Mauricio Dubon notched an RBI single in the next at-bat, Dominic Smith hit a 91.6-mph liner up the middle, which hit off May's right ankle and rolled into foul territory for a double. He was able to remain in the contest for three more batters but was ultimately lifted for Justin Bruihl with two outs in the frame. May finished his day having allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning.

Rangel was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after Thursday's 6-1 loss to the Pirates, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Rangel did not factor into the decision Thursday after he pitched four scoreless innings, surrendering three hits and four walks while striking out four batters during his start. He will now head back to Triple-A after combining to allow five runs while striking out 12 batters over 13 frames in three outings following his call-up June 22. Rangel's spot in the rotation is set to appear one more time before the All-Star break, and it remains to be seen if the Phillies go with a bullpen game or call up a spot starter for that game.

Bubic (elbow/shoulder) received a cortisone injection Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Bubic will be shut down for 7-10 days before the team will reevaluate where he's at. The southpaw has been sidelined since mid-May while nursing left elbow and shoulder discomfort, and he was shifted to the 60-day injured list Wednesday.