MLB Player News

Bassitt (2-2) earned the win Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader with the Astros, allowing a run on seven hits and a walk over 6.2 innings. He struck out seven.

It was easily the best outing of the season thus far for Bassitt, who logged a season high in strikeouts en route to his first quality start. The right-hander held Houston off the board for six innings before Christian Vazquez drove in a run with two outs in the seventh. Bassitt's ERA now sits at 5.46 with a 1.86 WHIP and 17:14 K:BB across six starts (28 innings) this year. He'll look to build on Thursday's performance his next time out, tentatively scheduled to come next week in Miami.

Melendez went 2-for-2 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Nationals.

Melendez launched his second homer of the season Thursday, and he's fared well at the dish overall since being called up from Triple-A Syracuse. Over his first 29 at-bats for the Mets, the 27-year-old outfielder is hitting .345 with five extra-base hits, six RBI and three walks. New York is short on available outfield options, as Juan Soto (forearm) is limited and Luis Robert (back) is on the injured list, so Melendez should play most days versus righties in the meantime.

Elder did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Tigers, allowing a run on six hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out five.

It was another strong showing from Elder, who held Detroit off the board for his first five innings. The right-hander has turned in three straight quality starts, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.88 with a 1.05 WHIP and 36:13 K:BB across seven outings (43 innings). Elder will look to keep rolling in his next start, tentatively scheduled for next week on the road in Seattle.

Finnegan earned the save in Thursday's 5-2 win over Atlanta, allowing a hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

After Kenley Jansen was charged with a blown save Wednesday, it was Finnegan who got the call in the ninth inning Thursday with the Tigers up by three. The right-hander worked around a one-out single to lock down his first save with Detroit this season. The 34-year-old Finnegan is off to a stellar start this season -- he's allowed just one run through his first 15.2 innings. While the veteran Jansen should have a fairly long leash as the Tigers' primary closer, Finnegan is certainly a name to watch should Jansen's struggles continue.

Peralta didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Nationals, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out six.

A throwing error by Peralta himself prevented two of the runs from being earned, much to the benefit of fantasy managers. The 29-year-old right-hander has been a steady presence in the rotation for the reeling Mets, pitching at least five innings in all seven of his starts thus far, but he has walked multiple batters in six straight outings. Peralta has a solid 3.52 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 42:16 K:BB over 38.1 frames, but he should be tested during a tough matchup in Colorado tentatively set for his next outing.

Correa isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Orioles, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Correa went 1-for-5 with a strikeout during a loss in the early game Thursday, and he'll stay put in the dugout to begin the nightcap. His absence will allow Braden Shewmake to pick up a start at shortstop while batting ninth.

Mikolas didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Mets, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk in four innings. He struck out three.

The 37-year-old right-hander continues to struggle to provide the Nationals with length. Thursday marked his sixth consecutive appearance of fewer than five innings, and Mikolas has been unable to fan more than four in any of his first seven outings. He has a hideous 8.23 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 19:11 K:BB over 27.1 frames, so Mikolas doesn't shape up as a recommended fantasy option in his next scheduled outing against the Twins.

Valdez didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Atlanta, allowing two runs on six hits and no walks over six innings. He struck out eight.

It was a strong bounce-back effort from Valdez, who didn't issue any free passes after walking a season-high eight batters in his last outing, which came against the Reds. Valdez has held opponents to two runs or fewer in six of his first seven starts with the Tigers. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.35 with a 1.26 WHIP and 32:14 K:BB across 40.1 innings. Valdez is currently lined up to face the Red Sox at home his next time out.

Altuve isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against Baltimore, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

After going 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored during Game 1, Altuve will catch a breather during the nightcap while Brice Matthews starts at the keystone. Daniel Johnson will fill the resulting void in center field and bat eighth.

Harris could need a trip to the 10-day injured list if he doesn't experience improvement with his tight left quadriceps, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Harris had to miss a game last week after his quad tightened up on him, and it appears the leg issue was the reason for his absence from Thursday's lineup versus the Tigers, as well. Atlanta hopes to be able to use Harris as its designated hitter during its nine-game road trip that begins Friday, but the club might opt to IL him instead if he's not feeling better. If Harris has to miss time, Eli White would be in line for regular reps in center field.