MLB Player News

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.

Lord secured the save Saturday against the Diamondbacks, throwing two clean innings. He struck out one.

Lord recorded his first career save Saturday, extending his scoreless streak to 8.1 innings in the process. The 26-year-old right-hander should remain a multi-inning weapon out of Washington's bullpen and continue to see high-leverage work, but he doesn't figure to see consistent save chances. Through 40.1 frames, Lord sports a 2.45 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB with five holds.

Littell (6-4) notched the win Saturday against Arizona, allowing one run on two hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out four.

After limping to a 7.85 ERA through his first six outings, Littell has managed an impressive resurgence since the start of May. Over his last 35.2 innings (seven starts), the veteran right-hander has a 2.27 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB to lower his season ERA to 4.76 and his WHIP to 1.31. Littell will be aiming for his sixth consecutive win in his next scheduled start at home versus the Mariners.

Rodriguez (5-2) took the loss Saturday against Washington, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk in 6.1 innings. He struck out five.

Rodriguez bookended his outing poorly Saturday, giving up a pair of runs in both the opening frame and the seventh inning. The 33-year-old southpaw was hit very hard, surrendering four extra-base hits (two home runs), but he did manage to throw at least six frames for the sixth time in his last seven starts. Rodriguez is still enjoying a resurgent campaign in 2026 despite Saturday's hiccup, sporting a 2.52 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 57:27 K:BB across 78.2 innings.

Iglesias secured the save Saturday against the Pirates, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

That's now eight straight outings with a strikeout for Iglesias, who's been a lights-out closer for Atlanta when healthy in 2026. The veteran right-hander has rattled off 19 scoreless appearances through 20 outings on the year. Through 20.2 innings, Iglesias boasts a 0.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 24:4 K:BB while going a pristine 13-for-13 in save opportunities.

Ashcraft (5-3) took the loss Saturday against Atlanta, allowing six runs on nine hits and no walks in five innings. He struck out five.

Ashcraft fired 61 of his 86 pitches for strikes Saturday, but he might've been too aggressive in pounding the zone. The 26-year-old right-hander was knocked around for a season-worst nine hits and tied a season high in runs allowed, though he was still able to pitch at least five innings for the 12th time in 13 starts this year. Ashcraft will bring a strong 3.28 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 86:17 K:BB over 79.2 frames into his next scheduled outing at home against the Marlins.

Freeman was removed from Saturday's game against the Brewers in the bottom of the sixth inning after he was hit by a pitch in the helmet, Kelsey Wingert-Linch of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain reports.

Freeman was hit in the side of the helmet with a 98 mph cutter from Jacob Misiorowski, who was visibly upset that the pitch got away from him. Freeman was able to walk off the field under his own power. Prior to leaving, he was 0-for-2 at the plate with the hit-by-pitch. Sterlin Thompson came on to pinch run for Freeman.

Strider (4-1) notched the win Saturday against the Pirates, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out three.

Pittsburgh tagged Strider, who fanned a season-low three, for three doubles Saturday, plating three runs across the fourth and fifth frames. The 27-year-old right-hander has now given up three runs in five of his first seven starts this year, and he's also walked multiple batters in each outing. Strider will carry a middling 4.00 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 43:19 K:BB over 36 innings into his next scheduled outing in New York against the Mets.

Walker went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a stolen base in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Reds.

The 24-year-old took Nick Lodolo deep in the fifth inning, snapping a brief 10-game power drought. Walker has strung together three straight multi-hit efforts, boosting the breakout star's slash line on the season to .301/.362/.559 through 61 contests with 16 homers, 10 steals, 43 runs and 46 RBI.

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.