MLB Player News

Baz allowed three runs six hits and one walk while striking out five batters over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against the Yankees on Thursday.

Baz allowed solo homers to Austin Wells and Juan Soto in the second and third innings, respectively, but entered the fifth holding a 5-2 lead. He didn't stick around long enough to qualify for the victory, however, since he was removed in that frame with two runners on base and one out. It's not necessarily surprising that Baz was pulled in that situation given that it was just his second big-league appearance since his 2022 Tommy John surgery, though he had thrown only 68 pitches and demonstrated good control with 48 strikes after tossing 92 pitches in a six-inning win during his season debut July 5. It's not yet clear if Baz will remain in the rotation when Jeffrey Springs (elbow) returns to action, which could happen shortly after the All-Star break.

Suarez (5-3) took the loss against the Cubs on Thursday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four batters over five innings.

Suarez allowed just one run through four frames before letting three runners cross the plate in the fifth. That was more than enough to send him to his third loss, as Baltimore's offense was unable to muster any runs against Justin Steele and a pair of Cubs relievers. Suarez had won two straight starts coming into Thursday, and he still has a nice 2.82 ERA across 70.1 frames this season, so his spot in what has been an injury-plagued rotation is seemingly secure.

Gausman (7-8) picked up the win Thursday against San Francisco, allowing two runs on six hits and no walks across seven innings. He struck out three.

Both runs charged to Gausman came in the first inning when Heliot Ramos launched a two-run home run. Outside of the long ball, Gausman was able to induce enough soft contact to make it through seven innings while generating only seven whiffs. The 33-year-old entered Thursday's start with losses in four of his previous five appearances, and he allowed four or more runs three times during that stretch. However, he's logged a quality start in back-to-back outings and owns a 4.50 ERA across 104.0 innings heading into the All-Star break.

Garcia (elbow) played catch Thursday after originally being scheduled for a bullpen session, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Garcia struggled in his rehab appearance July 4, primarily due to issues with his location. Manager Joe Espada framed the downgraded activity as a precaution, though the team has also not announced when Garcia will make his next rehab start.

Flaherty (6-5) picked up the win Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over six innings against the Guardians. He struck out four.

Flaherty, who had not pitched since June 27 due to lingering back issues, received plenty of run support while holding the Guardians' lineup in check, save for a solo homer in the third by Bo Naylor. Flaherty managed 83 pitches through six innings and was staked with a 10-1 lead by the time he was replaced. It was the fifth time in six starts Flaherty has allowed no more than one run, with the lone exception coming in his previous start, which immediately preceded his two-week hiatus. Flaherty has been a model of consistency in his first year in Detroit, never completing a full seven innings yet also never completing fewer than five through 16 starts this season. Through 95 innings, he's recorded 119 strikeouts to go along with a 3.13 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.

The Angels recalled Kochanowicz from Double-A Rocket City on Thursday ahead of his start versus the Mariners.

Kochanowicz will be making his MLB debut Thursday after posting a 1.85 ERA and 0.94 WHIP across 34 innings during his last five Double-A starts. Davis Daniel was optioned to Triple-A on Wednesday, so the fifth spot in the Angels' rotation currently belongs to Kochanowicz, but the 23-year-old right-hander may be sent back to the minor leagues if he struggles against MLB hitters. In order to free up a spot on the active roster, the Angels optioned Jose Marte to Triple-A.

The Astros reinstated Bloss (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Thursday ahead of his start versus Miami, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Right shoulder inflammation has kept Bloss sidelined since June 22, but he's now been given the green light to return to Houston's rotation. It's likely he works under a pitch-count restriction during his first start back from the IL, however, as he was only able to reach 55 pitches during his lone rehab outing. Kaleb Ort was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move.

The Twins optioned Festa to Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday.

Festa will head back to the minors after a one-day stint with the Twins. He served as the club's 27th man for Wednesday's doubleheader with the White Sox and went unused out of the bullpen.

The Orioles transferred Bradish (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Thursday, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace in mid-June, so it was only a matter of time before he was moved to the 60-day IL to free up space on the 40-man roster. Bradish isn't guaranteed to take the mound for the Orioles in 2025 given his initial recovery timeline of 12-to-18 months.

Double-A New Hampshire placed Macko on its 7-day injured list Saturday with left forearm soreness, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The injury cropped up during Macko's most recent start July 2 before New Hampshire opted to deactivate him a few days later. The 23-year-old lefty is rehabbing the injury, but if he's unable to make much progress in his recovery in the weeks to come, surgery could become a more distinct possibility. Macko had produced a 4.42 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 86:26 K:BB in 77.1 innings with New Hampshire before being shut down.