MLB Player News

Lopez allowed three runs on nine hits with one walk and three strikeouts across six innings during a no-decision against the Red Sox on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has allowed three or fewer runs in each of his last two starts, but he's also had some rough outings since Memorial Day. Coming into the afternoon, Lopez was leading the league in earned runs allowed, with the long ball a big reason why. Lopez has allowed at least one homer in nine straight starts, and he owns a 2.1 HR/9. Overall, Lopez is 4-7 with a 6.12 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 83 strikeouts in 92.2 innings this season. Lopez will start again at home against the Tigers next Wednesday.

Barria gave up one run on three hits and no walks while striking out six through five innings in a no-decision against the Reds on Wednesday.

It was a solid outing for the Barria, considering he came into the game sporting a 7.71 ERA during his Triple-A stint this season and a 6.52 ERA when toiling for the Angels. Despite the one-run performance, the right-hander was pulled after only 75 pitches to avoid facing the lineup for a third time. Barria lowered his major-league ERA to 5.55 (six appearances) and will get his next start Monday against the Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

Stanek will serve as the opener Thursday at Minnesota, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Stanek has made 22 appearances as an opener this season and has a 1.85 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 38:12 K:BB over 34 innings during those outings. Jalen Beeks is expected to work as the primary pitcher Thursday for the Rays.

Hendriks recorded one strikeout and allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to secure the save Wednesday at St. Louis.

Hendriks gave up a one-out double to Marcell Ozuna but quickly recorded the final two outs to close out the game. The 30-year-old has a 1.42 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 54:17 K:BB through 44.1 innings and will continue to serve as Oakland's closer while Blake Treinen (shoulder) remains sidelined.

Mengden (2-1) earned the win Wednesday at St. Louis after allowing only four hits over six scoreless innings. He had five strikeouts and one walk.

Mengden's first start for the A's in place of the suspended Frankie Montas was a dominant one, as he delivered 64 of his 93 pitches for strikes and didn't give up an extra-base hit. The 26-year-old had a 19:15 K:BB in the majors this year entering Wednesday, so it's encouraging to see he only issued a single walk. Mengden lines up for a tough matchup versus the Twins next week.

Alvarado (personal) threw bullpen sessions Monday and Tuesday and could be activated for the Rays' upcoming homestand, which begins Friday and runs until the All-Star break, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Alvarado's progression to throwing bullpens on back-to-back days is a significant step towards his return. The 24-year-old seems unlikely to rejoin the team for the start of the homestand this weekend since he has yet to face live hitters, but a return sometime next week certainly appears attainable.

Barria was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake ahead of his scheduled start against the Reds on Wednesday.

As expected, Barria is set to join the Angels' rotation Wednesday in place of Jose Suarez, who was optioned to Triple-A over the weekend. The 22-year-old Barria struggled during a stint with the big club earlier in the season, posting a 6.52 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB across five appearances (19.1 innings). How he performs in his return to the majors could determine whether he remains in the rotation for another start beyond Wednesday. Jake Jewell was sent to the minors to free up a roster spot for Barria.

Junis (4-7) took the loss Wednesday, giving up four runs on nine hits and a walk over six innings while striking out four as the Royals fell 5-3 to Cleveland.

Homers were once again an issue for Junis, as he was taken deep by Jake Bauers and Tyler Naquin in the fourth inning for solo shots that proved to be the difference in the game. The right-hander will carry a 5.23 ERA and 88:34 K:BB through 94.2 innings into his next start Tuesday -- a home rematch against Cleveland.

Mengden was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Cardinals, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

As expected, Mengden will join Oakland's rotation Wednesday in place of Frankie Montas, who was suspended 80 games last week after testing positive for PEDs. The 26-year-old Mengden owns a solid 3.47 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 9.1 K/9 in 49.1 innings with Nashville this season, though his 5.09 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 19:15 K:BB in 23 innings with the big club this season leaves something to be desired. That said, he should be given a bit of a leash given Oakland's depleted big-league rotation.

The Angels will recall Barria from Triple-A Salt Lake and have him start Wednesday's game against the Reds, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Barria will enter the rotation as the Angels' fifth starter, replacing Jose Suarez, who was optioned to Triple-A over the weekend. The 22-year-old struggled mightily in his prior five outings at the big-league level this season, giving up 14 earned runs on 27 hits and five walks over 19.1 innings. He was hit similarly hard at Triple-A and may only be in line for a spot start with Trevor Cahill (elbow) on track to return from the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Cahill looks set to work in a relief role initially, though he or Suarez -- when eligible to return to the majors -- could slot back in as the fifth starter if Barria can't get the job done.