MLB Player News

Boyd didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five across 4.2 innings.

The Cubs activated Boyd (biceps) from the 15-day injured list right before Wednesday's start, and the veteran delivered a solid outing before making way for Ben Brown, who earned the win after tossing 2.1 scoreless frames. Boyd couldn't complete five innings and exited after tossing 84 pitches, though he should be ready for a bigger workload in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for next week on the road against the Padres. Boyd has given up four runs (three earned) on 10.1 innings over his last two outings, which is a clear improvement from an Opening Day start in which he gave up six runs on 3.2 frames against the Nationals.

Brown (1-0) earned the win in relief Wednesday against the Phillies after tossing 2.1 scoreless innings, giving up three hits but striking out five.

Brown tossed 28 of his 37 pitches for strikes, and even though he gave up a double to Trea Turner in his first at-bat, he immediately retired Bryce Harper to close out the fifth inning. Brown also allowed baserunners in the following two innings, but he got the job done after striking out five of the final seven batters he faced. This was Brown's fourth consecutive scoreless outing, a stretch in which he's posted a 9:2 K:BB while allowing seven hits through 8.1 innings.

Duran went 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Yankees.

Duran's RBI single in the ninth inning snapped a string of 17 consecutive scoreless innings for the Red Sox the last two days and a 29.2-inning scoreless stretch against New York dating back to last year's postseason. The one positive takeaway for Boston is that this was the best game of the season for Duran, who entered the contest slashing .162/.240/.250 over 18 games. A major difference for Duran on Wednesday was that he replaced a leg kick with a toe tap, Ian Browne MLB.com reports.

Pena had to be taken to the hospital after collapsing in the dugout when he became overheated during Wednesday's game with High-A Wisconsin, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The game was called in the eighth inning following the scary incident, but Pena was administered IV fluids at the hospital and is feeling better. Consider him day-to-day. The 19-year-old top prospect is off to a blazing-hot start for the Timber Rattlers, slashing .372/.462/.512 with one home run, six stolen bases and an 8:10 BB:K.

Backhus allowed one run on two hits across one inning of work as an opener Wednesday against the Cubs. He struck out one.

Backhus needed 15 pitches (12 strikes) to get the job done in the first inning, but the Cubs, who have boasted one of the best offenses in the majors over the last 10 days, still found a way to score against him. Backhus should return to his regular role in the bullpen moving forward and has been pitching well of late, tossing four scoreless outings over six appearances this month, with a 2.45 ERA across 7.1 innings.

Walker (1-4) was tagged with the loss Wednesday against the Cubs, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits and a walk across four innings. He struck out one.

Walker pitched in bulk relief after Wednesday's opener, Kyle Backhus, allowed a run on two hits in his lone inning of work. Walker has failed to pitch more than four innings in his last two starts, taking losses to Atlanta and the Cubs while allowing a combined 12 runs (11 earned) on 15 hits and a 5:4 K:BB through eight frames. Walker's next turn in the rotation should come against the Giants at home next week, but it's hard to trust him right now. He's allowed at least four earned runs in four of his five appearances this season while sporting an inflated 9.13 ERA with a 2.07 WHIP through 22.2 innings.

Duran started in left field and went 0-for-3 in Wednesday's 8-4 loss to the Pirates.

Duran, who replaced an injured Wyatt Langford (forearm) during Tuesday's game, stayed in the lineup after the Rangers placed Langford on the injured list Wednesday. Duran has been a nice source of production -- he entered Wednesday batting .298 with one home run, eight RBI and three steals in 47 at-bats -- and should receive the bulk of the starts in left field while Langford is shelved.

Winn (0-1) took the loss against Pittsburgh on Wednesday, allowing three runs on two hits while striking out one over one-third of an inning.

Winn entered the ninth inning of a 4-4 game and gave up hits to the first two batters before allowing a run on a fielder's choice. The rest of the damage came after he was removed, as Jalen Beeks surrendered a three-run shot to Oneil Cruz. Winn is part of the Rangers' late-game crew but has recently hit a rough patch; he's allowed three runs in two of his last four outings. After a scoreless 7.2 innings to start the season, Winn has pitched to a 16.20 ERA over 3.1 subsequent frames.

Jung went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Wednesday's 8-4 loss to the Pirates.

Jung gave Texas an early lead with a two-run homer in the second inning, his third of the season. The homer also extended an RBI streak to six contests, during which the third baseman is 11-for-24 (.458) with eight extra-base hits and eight RBI. He's turned around a slow start to the season, but maintaining that level of production over longer stretches has been elusive for Jung the last two years.

Higgins went 0-for-2 with an RBI in Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the Rays.

Higgins' run-scoring sacrifice fly was all the Reds could do against former teammate Nick Martinez. The RBI was the first for Higgins, who is 2-for-10 since being called up to replace Jose Trevino (back). Reports indicate Trevino will be activated Sunday, which should end Higgins' current stay in the majors.