MLB Player News

Ray didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 11-10 win over the Nationals, giving up five runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.

A two-run homer by James Wood in the third inning was the only extra-base hit off Ray, but the veteran lefty unraveled in the top of the sixth as Washington strung together five two-out singles, with three steals mixed in. Ray was taken off the hook for his seventh loss of the year when the Giants erased an eight-run deficit over the final two frames, however. It's the third time in his last five outings that he's been tagged for at least four runs, a stretch in which he's been saddled with a 7.43 ERA, 1.87 WHIP and 17:16 K:BB in 23 innings. Ray could have a hard time righting the ship in his next start, which is set to come on the road next week in Atlanta.

Lile went 4-for-5 with a run scored, two RBI and two stolen bases in Wednesday's 11-10 loss to the Giants.

All four knocks were singles, but it was still a very productive effort from the 23-year-old outfielder. Lile has three multi-hit performances in nine games to kick off June, slashing a blistering .382/.462/.529 to start the month with one home run, three steals, five runs and seven RBI.

Varland gave up three runs on two hits and a walk while failing to record an out during Wednesday's 11-10 loss to the Giants.

The right-hander entered the game in the bottom of the ninth inning to protect a 10-6 lead after Paxton Schultz and Orlando Ribalta had combined to allow five runs in the eighth, and Varland continued the meltdown before handing the ball off to Mitchell Parker, who took the blown save when he served up a walk-off grand slam to Bryce Eldridge. It's the first time Varland has been tagged for multiple runs since May 10, but he has been scored upon in four of his last seven appearances, stumbling to a 10.80 ERA, 2.80 WHIP and 4:6 K:BB over five innings during that rough stretch. He does have a save and a hold in that time, but he only has a spot in the Nats' high-leverage crew because the team lacks better options.

Griffin didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits over six innings in an 11-10 loss to the Giants. He struck out five without walking a batter.

The 30-year-old southpaw produced his sixth quality start of the season on 100 pitches (72 strikes) in another sharp performance, but Griffin saw his eighth win of the year slip away when the Nationals' bullpen managed to blow an eight-run lead. After a couple bumpy outings in mid-May, Griffin has bounced back to post a 2.05 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 20:3 K:BB in 22 innings over his last four trips to the mound. He'll look to keep rolling in his next start, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Royals.

Caglianone went 4-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's extra-inning loss against the Rangers.

Caglianone's hot June continued, as he tallied a season-high four hits in the extra-inning affair. The right fielder has gone 14-for-26 (.538) with three homers, two doubles, eight RBI, seven runs, two stolen bases and five walks through eight appearances this month. After posting a modest .685 OPS through the end of May, this blistering stretch has boosted Caglianone's season OPS to .804 across 62 games.

Civale (shoulder) is scheduled to make a rehab appearance Thursday with Triple-A Las Vegas, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Civale has been shelved since May 26 due to right shoulder tendinitis and seems to be progressing well in his recovery. After beginning a throwing progression June 1, the right-hander is now set to take the next step and jump into game action. Should Civale come out of Thursday's rehab start feeling healthy, a return to the big-league rotation for his next appearance seems likely. Prior to hitting the injured list, he posted a 5-2 record with a 4.20 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 39:17 K:BB across 55.2 innings (11 starts).

Mears (shoulder) began a throwing progression this week and could progress to a bullpen by the end of the week, MLB.com reports.

Mears was placed on the injured list May 29 with a right shoulder impingement, and this marks the first notable update on his status since then. The right-hander appears to be trending in a positive direction, and if his progression remains on track, he likely won't require much more time on the injured list. Prior to being sidelined, Mears pitched to a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Burger went 2-for-2 with a home run, a walk and two RBI in Wednesday's 6-4 extra-inning win over the Royals.

Burger entered the game as a pinch hitter for Joc Pederson (hip) in the fifth inning. After drawing a walk in his first plate appearance, Burger launched a game-tying solo homer in the seventh inning before adding a sacrifice fly in the eighth. After opening June with a 0-for-17 slump, he has collected six hits over his last three games, driving in a run in each. Burger is now slashing .245/.300/.432 with 11 home runs, 12 doubles, 41 RBI, 31 runs scored and one stolen base across 267 plate appearances.

Latz earned the save Wednesday against the Royals, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one over a scoreless 10th inning.

Working on five days of rest, Latz was tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the 10th inning and quickly found himself in serious trouble. With the automatic runner already on second base, he allowed a leadoff single to Jac Caglianone and then walked the next batter to load the bases with nobody out. The left-hander responded brilliantly, striking out the next hitter before inducing a game-ending double-play grounder to escape unscathed and secure his 10th save. Latz has now converted a save in each of his last five appearances and owns a 1.80 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and a 30:10 K:BB across 30 innings this season.

Gore did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Royals, allowing two runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out six over five innings

Gore spent much of the afternoon pitching with traffic on the bases, allowing multiple baserunners in all but one inning. The left-hander easily could have been tagged for a much worse line, but he repeatedly worked out of trouble and stranded four runners in scoring position across his five innings of work. While the run prevention was solid, the amount of contact remains a concern, as Gore has now allowed 17 hits total in his last 9.2 innings. The 27-year-old has pitched well overall since May 12, posting a 2.90 ERA during that stretch. Gore now owns a 4.18 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 76:33 K:BB across 71 innings and is lined up to face the Twins at home in his next start.