MLB Player News

Blackburn (foot) will throw a bullpen session Saturday and then report to Single-A Stockton to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

The right-hander is finally on the cusp of a long-awaited return to game action, provided Saturday's bullpen session goes well. Blackburn is slated to follow fellow rehabbing starter Ross Stripling (elbow) out of the bullpen in Stockton's game Tuesday and is projected to throw up to 35 pitches. If the outing goes well, Blackburn will then be slated to bump his rehab assignment up to Triple-A Las Vegas for a likely start or appearance Sunday, July 14.

Thorpe (3-1) picked up the win Friday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over 6.1 innings in a 3-2 victory over the Marlins. He struck out five.

In his longest outing since getting called up to the majors, Thorpe tossed 51 of 90 pitches for strikes as he delivered his third straight quality start and third straight win. The rookie right-hander hasn't exactly faced the toughest competition over his win streak, however, as he beat Miami, Detroit and Colorado away from Coors Field. Thorpe will take a 3.71 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 18:14 K:BB through 26.2 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come at home next weekend against the Pirates.

Cortes came away with a no-decision in Friday's 5-3 extra-inning loss to the Red Sox, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out eight.

The southpaw was at his baffling best, tossing 68 of 97 pitches for strikes and leaving the mound in line for his fifth win of the season. A blown save by Clay Holmes forced Cortes to settle for his ninth quality start, and he'll take a 3.41 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 106:20 K:BB through 111 innings into his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Tampa Bay.

Houck came away with a no-decision in Friday's 5-3 extra-inning win over the Yankees, giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and four walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out one.

The right-hander was looking sharp early, but a 38-minute rain delay in the middle of the third inning caused Houck to lose his focus, and he fell apart completely in the fourth. He's winless in his last four starts, stumbling to a 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB through 20 innings over that stretch, but he figures to bounce back in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next week against Oakland.

Olson (3-8) allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits over 5.2 innings to earn the win Friday against the Reds. He walked two and struck out eight.

While Reese's record isn't great, he's actually pitched quite well this season with a 3.22 ERA. The righty has been even better lately, posting a 1.88 ERA with 28 strikeouts across 24 innings in his last four starts. Olson was solid as a rookie last year, posting a 3.99 ERA over 21 games (18 starts), so it looks like he firmly belongs at this level. He'll look to keep up his strong recent play in his next scheduled start, which is penciled in for Wednesday against the Guardians.

Gausman (6-8) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out 10 over six innings to take the loss Friday versus the Mariners.

Gausman allowed a two-run double to Luke Raley in the third inning, and that was enough to stick him with his fourth loss in five outings. This was his third 10-strikeout game of the year, as well as his third quality start over his last seven games. He's at a 4.64 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 101:27 K:BB through 97 innings over 18 starts overall. Gausman's next start is projected to be on the road in San Francisco.

Castillo (7-9) allowed a run on two hits and two walks while striking out eight over 6.2 innings to earn the win Friday over the Blue Jays.

Castillo earned his first quality start in four outings with this impressive performance. The only run on his line was a solo home run by Kevin Kiermaier in the sixth inning. Castillo is now at a 3.72 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 111:32 K:BB through 111.1 innings over 19 starts this season. He's projected to make his next start on the road versus the Angels in a favorable matchup.

Suarez (5-2) earned the win Friday against Oakland, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out six.

The 34-year-old required only 86 pitches to collect his second consecutive quality start. He held the Athletics in check, as the only blemishes on his outing came via solo shots yielded to Miguel Andujar and Shea Langeliers. Suarez now sports a 2.48 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 51:23 K:BB across 65.1 innings this season. He is currently slated to make his next start against the Cubs at home.

Harris (1-3) took the loss Friday against Baltimore, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out four.

The Oakland southpaw held his own against a staunch Orioles lineup, turning in his seventh consecutive start of three or fewer earned runs. Over that stretch, Harris has pitched to a 3.00 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 27:14 K:BB across 36 innings. He lines up to make his next appearance against Boston on the road next week.

Lopez (8-7) took the loss Friday against Houston, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out six.

Despite not allowing a homer, the Minnesota right-hander managed to yield six or more runs for the fourth time this season. Lopez generated a paltry eight whiffs out of his 91 pitches as Houston was dialed in on his arsenal. The 28-year-old now sports a disappointing 5.18 ERA across 99 innings on the season. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, tentatively scheduled to be versus the White Sox in Chicago.