MLB Player News

Kirby (8-8) allowed three hits and a walk while striking out six over six shutout innings to earn the win over the Reds on Monday.

Kirby kept his hot stretch going, racking up his sixth straight quality start with one of his best outings of the campaign. During that six-start span, he's given up just 12 runs (11 earned) over 38 innings. He now has a 3.57 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 104:25 K:BB through 116 innings over 19 starts this season. Kirby is lined up to make his next start on the road versus the Rangers.

Steer was sent for X-rays following Monday's game against the Mariners after being struck by a pitch in the ribs, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Steer managed to remain in the game after being drilled in the top of the seventh inning, but the team is proceeding with caution by sending him for imaging. Manager Terry Francona said Cincinnati's medical staff has yet to find anything concerning after an initial evaluation, but "the docs are still looking at him," per C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. Steer can be considered day-to-day for the time being.

Freeland (2-9) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings against the Nationals. He struck out four.

Freeland was tagged early, surrendering a three-run homer to Andres Chaparro before recording an out in the first inning. The southpaw was able to grind through six innings, though he couldn't avoid being charged with his ninth loss of the season. Freeland has allowed multiple runs in each of his past 15 starts dating back to April. The veteran hurler will take a 7.28 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 83:20 K:BB across 94 innings (18 starts) into his next outing, tentatively scheduled for Sunday against the Brewers.

The Mariners pulled Rodriguez from Monday's game against the Reds as a precaution, Tim Booth of The Seattle Times reports.

Manager Dan Wilson stated after the game that the team isn't overly concerned about a potential strain, but Wilson did want to get Rodriguez out of the game after he was hit by the throw from shortstop. The star center fielder can be considered day-to-day leading up to the second game of the series Tuesday.

Alvarez did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against Colorado. He struck out two.

The southpaw ran into trouble in the third inning, loading the bases before Willi Castro cleared them with a double. Alvarez has been a steady part of Washington's rotation since the end of May, operating as both a starter and bulk reliever, but he has completed five-plus innings just once. Across 14 appearances spanning 53.1 innings, the 27-year-old owns a 2-3 record with a 4.22 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 55:25 K:BB this season. He's tentatively lined up to pitch Sunday against Arizona.

Thomas was diagnosed with a bruised left wrist after exiting Monday's 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Thomas popped out to shortstop in his first at-bat of the night and then was plunked on the wrist in the third inning. He was able to play defense in the bottom of the third, but Lawrence Butler ended up subbing in for Thomas prior to the bottom of the fourth. The Athletics will likely evaluate Thomas further Tuesday morning before deciding if he'll be available for the second game of the series later that evening.

Kuroda-Grauer was diagnosed with a testicular contusion after exiting Monday's 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The rookie went 2-for-3 with a base hit and a solo home run -- the first of his career -- before exiting the game prior to the bottom of the sixth inning with the injury. The Athletics haven't provided word on the severity of the injury, but he can be considered day-to-day heading into Tuesday's contest.

Walker (hip) was called on to pinch hit during Monday's game against the Marlins, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

This is an encouraging sign for Walker, who was held out of the lineup Sunday and again Monday after picking up a right hip injury over the weekend. The team is continuing to view the 35-year-old as day-to-day and will likely re-evaluate him again Tuesday to determine his availability going forward.

Hicks went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Monday's 8-5 loss to Houston.

Hicks crushed a hanging curveball from Ronel Blanco over the right-field fence for a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Hicks is hitting .322 through 15 games in July, though Monday's long ball marked just his third extra-base hit of the month and first homer since June 12. Overall, the 27-year-old is slashing .288/.360/.457 with 14 homers, 60 RBI, 53 runs and two stolen bases across 89 contests.

Mack went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Monday's 8-5 loss to Houston.

Mack scorched a two-run homer into the second deck in right field to open the scoring in the second inning. The rookie was lifted for Leo Jimenez in the seventh inning after left-hander Steven Okert entered the game for Houston. Mack has gone just 7-for-33 (.212) in 14 games this month, though three of the backstop's hits have gone for homers. Overall, he's slashing .242/.302/.424 with eight homers, 26 RBI and 25 runs scored.