MLB Player News

Valdez (12-10) earned the win Sunday, allowing an unearned run on five hits and one walk over seven innings in a 7-1 win over the Royals. He struck out five.

A throwing error led to an unearned run that gave Kansas City an early lead, but Valdez was aided by a couple of double plays and an out at the plate to otherwise keep the Royals off the board. It was the fifth consecutive quality start for Valdez, who has gone at least seven innings in seven of his last nine starts. Among all qualified American League starters, Valdez ranks second in innings (188.2), fifth in ERA (3.20), sixth in WHIP (1.09), seventh in strikeouts (183) and second in quality starts (20). He's currently penciled in to face the Royals again next weekend in Houston.

Cease (7-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over six innings against the Twins. He struck out five.

The positive is that Cease contributed his first quality start in over a month. Cease cruised through four, but a lack of run support combined with a 34-pitch fifth inning that was culminated by an Edouard Julien three-run homer sealed Cease's fate and paved the way for his eighth loss. Cease has now allowed 38 hits and 16 walks over his last six starts with an ERA of 7.71 in 31.2 innings. He's currently penciled in to take the mound next weekend in Boston.

Williams (3-5) allowed one run on four hits and two walks over six innings Sunday, striking out seven and earning a win over the Rangers.

Williams gave up a run in the second inning and didn't face any issues the rest of the way as he cruised to a win. He walked four batters in each of his previous two outings but was much more efficient Sunday, tossing 62 of 97 pitches for strikes. Williams owns a 2.50 ERA over his last four appearances, lowering his season ERA to 3.29 through 82 frames. The rookie's next start is currently lined up to be at home against the Orioles.

Gray (8-7) earned the win Sunday, allowing five hits and zero walks over seven scoreless innings against the White Sox. He struck out six.

Gray was staked to a three-run lead in the fifth, then cruised from there to earn his eighth win. It was an efficient and relatively stress-free outing for Gray, who never allowed more than one baserunner in an inning and needed only 81 pitches to complete seven frames. In 30 starts covering 174 innings, the veteran Cy Young contender is first in home run rate, allowing 0.36 per nine, and second in the American League with a 2.84 ERA. However, his eight wins are lower than any of the other top 20 pitchers who qualify for the ERA title. He's next scheduled to take the hill during a weekend series at home against the Angels.

Kremer did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over five innings against the Rays. He struck out five.

After surrendering a solo home run to Brandon Lowe in the first inning, Kremer settled down and held the Rays off the board for his final four frames, ultimately winding up with a no-decision in the Orioles' extra-innings win. It was a strong bounce-back effort from Kremer after he gave up five runs in 4.1 innings in his previous outing against St. Louis. Overall, the 27-year-old right-hander is 12-5 with a 4.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 146:52 K:BB in 30 starts (164 innings) this season. Kremer's currently stated to face the Guardians on the road in his next outing.

Ryu did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing six hits and two walks over 4.2 scoreless innings against Boston. He struck out two.

Ryu held the Red Sox off the board Sunday, though he wasn't able to make it through the fifth inning after throwing 83 pitches. While the Jays continue to monitor the left-hander's pitch count, Ryu's provided a steadying presence in the rotation since returning from Tommy John surgery in early August, going 3-3 with a 2.62 ERA in nine starts (44.2 innings). He's currently scheduled for a road matchup with the Rays in his next outing.

Gilbert (13-6) allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out six over five innings, taking the loss Sunday versus the Dodgers.

The loss was Gilbert's first since June 28, and this was just the fourth time in 30 starts he's allowed five or more runs. The Dodgers got to him early, as they scored four times over the first two innings, helped by home runs from Jason Heyward and Austin Barnes. Despite the poor start, Gilbert is still at a solid 3.77 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP and 182:32 K:BB through 179 innings this season. He's projected for a road start versus the Rangers in his next outing.

Wentz (3-11) allowed three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out seven over 4.1 innings to earn the win Sunday over the Angels.

Wentz worked behind opener Miguel Diaz, who pitched a scoreless first inning. The Tigers' offense did the heavy lifting to establish a lead, powered by two home runs from Jake Rogers, before Wentz ran into some trouble in the fifth and sixth innings. While far from a stellar outing, it was enough for Wentz to earn his first win since July 29. The 25-year-old southpaw has given up 21 runs (18 earned) over 21.1 innings over his last six appearances and now has a 6.63 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 91:44 K:BB through 97.2 innings overall. He's lined up to make his next appearance on the road in Oakland.

Rodon (3-6) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on six hits over 6.2 innings against the Pirates. He struck out 10.

It was a strong outing from Rodon, who set a new season high with 10 strikeouts while pitching into the seventh inning for the first time this year. However, he was stuck with the loss, as the Yankees offense couldn't provide enough run support in the 3-2 defeat. Rodon's now struck out 19 over 11.2 innings in his last two starts, allowing four runs in that span. He'll carry a 5.90 ERA into his next outing, currently scheduled as a home matchup with the Diamondbacks.

Detmers was scratched from Sunday's start against the Tigers due to an illness, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Detmers has a 3.00 ERA across his past five starts but won't pitch as scheduled Sunday due to the ailment. Depending on the severity of the illness, the left-hander could be available to pitch during the upcoming three-game series in Tampa Bay, which begins Tuesday. Jimmy Herget will now open Sunday's contest with Kenny Rosenberg following as the primary pitcher.