MLB Player News

Rocker (4-9) took the loss Sunday against the Orioles, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over three innings.

Rocker was in trouble from the outset, surrendering four hits and two runs in the first inning before Colton Cowser and Pete Alonso homered in the second. In the fourth, Rocker walked the leadoff batter, prompting his exit. Sunday was his shortest start since lasting two innings against Detroit on May 2. It marked the right-hander's third outing this season allowing at least six earned runs. Rocker now owns a 4.46 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 103:42 K:BB across 111 innings and will look to rebound in his next scheduled start Friday against the Athletics.

Merrill went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 7-2 win over the Astros.

Merrill homered for the second game in a row and has hit safely in eight of his last nine contests. In that span, he's gone 13-for-36 (.361) with three homers and 11 RBI. The outfielder is batting .244 with a .705 OPS, 18 homers, 59 RBI, 60 runs scored, 18 doubles, two triples and 23 stolen bases over 116 contests this year. Assuming he can maintain his recent power hitting, he's within striking distance of his first 20-20 season.

Vargas went 1-for-3 with a double, a run scored and two walks Sunday against the Guardians.

Vargas earned a one-out walk in the third inning and was able to come around to score, accounting for his key production in Sunday's win. He has hit just .195 since the All-Star break but has still found ways to be productive by hitting three home runs and scoring 14 runs across 22 games.

Tatis went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and a double in Sunday's 7-2 win over the Astros.

Tatis is starting to find his power swing again with three homers over his last five games. This was his first blast in that span that wasn't a solo shot. Tatis is batting .283 with a .769 OPS, 11 homers, 54 RBI, 64 runs scored, 25 doubles, two triples and 26 stolen bases over 117 contests on the year.

Povich did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Rangers, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two over three innings.

Povich opened with two scoreless frames while Baltimore's offense spotted him a five-run lead, but he couldn't maintain the momentum. After allowing a hit and a walk in the third, he surrendered a three-run homer to Brandon Nimmo that accounted for all of the damage against him. The outing was a stark contrast to his first start since returning to the rotation, when he delivered six scoreless innings. Through 28.1 major-league innings this season, Povich owns a 4.45 ERA with a 21:10 K:BB. He's currently slated to start Saturday against the Rays, though Chris Bassitt's (back) impending return from the injured list could alter those plans.

Vasquez (8-6) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one without walking a batter over five innings to earn the win over the Astros on Sunday.

Vasquez put just two runners on base, as he allowed a single to Taylor Trammell and a home run to Daulton Varsho in the second inning. Beyond that, it was another decent start for Vasquez, who has started his last two appearances. He's pitching to contact without getting burned for now -- he has just four strikeouts over his last 15.2 innings. On the year, he's maintained a 4.16 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 66:31 K:BB through 106 innings over 23 games (19 starts). Vasquez should get at least one more turn through the rotation while Nick Pivetta (forearm) and Joe Musgrove (elbow) work their way back. The next outing for Vasquez is projected to be on the road in Cleveland.

Doyle went 2-for-5 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base Sunday against the Guardians.

Doyle started his fourth game since joining the White Sox at the trade deadline, all of which have come against lefties. He had a strong showing Sunday, performing well out of the leadoff spot. Doyle led off the home half of the first inning with a single and stolen base before coming around to score. He looks to be locked into a small-side platoon for the time being, but Doyle's recent change of scenery could prove to be beneficial.

Taillon is listed as the Blue Jays' probable starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Red Sox at Rogers Centre.

After being acquired from the Cubs on Aug. 2, Taillon made his Blue Jays debut three days later and took a no-decision against the Astros, allowing three earned runs on six hits and two walks over four innings. The 34-year-old should be able to stick around in the rotation until one of Trey Yesavage (knee) or Spencer Arrighetti (foot) are activated from the injured list, but Taillon has offered little reason to get inspired about his fantasy prospects. Over 16 starts this season, he's surrendered a whopping 26 home runs in 80 innings and has supplied a 5.96 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 72:29 K:BB.

O'Brien recorded his 29th save Sunday against the Rockies, tossing a perfect ninth inning.

O'Brien was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the ninth inning and made quick work of Colorado, retiring the side in order on just eight pitches. The right-hander has now delivered seven consecutive scoreless appearances while allowing only one hit during that stretch. Across 48 appearances this season, O'Brien owns a 3-4 record and 29 saves with a 3.21 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 48:29 K:BB over 47.2 innings.

Montgomery went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run Sunday against the Guardians.

Montgomery delivered the key blow in the game with his home run, breaking a 2-2 tie in the third inning. That marked his third long ball since the All-Star break and 26th of the season. While he has struggled to find his groove at the plate since mid-July, Montgomery now has three multi-RBI showings in his last nine starts.