MLB Player News

Eovaldi did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over five innings in a 6-4 win over Boston. He struck out three.

Eovaldi took another step toward returning to normal Tuesday, going deeper than 3.1 innings for the first time since coming off the IL in early September while firing 82 pitches. While he certainly hasn't been as effective since being activated (6.75 ERA over 12 innings), Tuesday's contest should give fantasy managers some hope that Eovaldi can provide value during what's left of the regular season. The 33-year-old is tentatively scheduled to take the mound Sunday against the Mariners.

Houck did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks over four innings against the Rangers. He struck out four.

Houck didn't have his typical command Tuesday, walking four batters and hitting another to tie his season high in walks allowed. Though he limited the Rangers to three hits, one of them was a solo homer by Adolis Garcia in the second frame. Over four starts this month (20.1 innings), Houck owns a 2-1 record to go along with a 4.87 ERA and 21:10 K:BB. He's tentatively scheduled for a date with the Rays at Fenway Park early next week.

Bradley did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over five innings against the Angels. He struck out six.

The right-handed rookie retired 11 of the first 13 batters Tuesday before Logan O'Hoppe ripped a solo homer in the fourth inning, accounting for the Angels' lone tally against Bradley. In four starts since being recalled from Triple-A on Sept. 3, the 22-year-old has posted a 4.29 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB across 21 innings with six of his 10 earned runs during that stretch coming via solo home runs. Bradley tentatively lines up for a home matchup with divisional foe Toronto this weekend.

Sandoval did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over five innings in a 6-2 loss against the Rays. He struck out seven.

The 26-year-old gave up a leadoff double to Yandy Diaz and a two-run homer to Randy Arozarena before registering an out in the game. Despite allowing at least one baserunner in every inning, Sandoval managed to hold Tampa Bay scoreless for the remainder of his outing. The southpaw didn't issue any free passes in his previous start, but he went right back to his wild ways Tuesday, walking three, the 15th time in 27 tries this season he's given three or more free passes in a game, which has resulted in a career worsts in BB/9 (4.4) and WHIP (1.50) through 141.2 innings. Sandoval is tentatively scheduled to face a tough Rangers lineup at home early next week.

Maeda (6-7) earned the win Tuesday, allowing one hit and one walk over five scoreless innings in a 7-0 win over the Reds. He struck out eight.

Maeda was masterful Tuesday, setting down the first 11 batters in order and finishing with his second consecutive eight-strikeout performance. Despite allowing just two baserunners and throwing only 83 pitches, he was removed after five frames, which isn't all that surprising considering he tossed a season-high 105 pitches in his last outing. The veteran righty has earned a win in three straight starts, posting a 2.08 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB across 17.1 innings during that stretch. Maeda currently lines up for a favorable matchup with Oakland, which is tentatively scheduled for early next week at home.

Castillo (14-7) allowed two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight over seven innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Athletics.

Castillo earned his fifth quality start in his last six outings with a solid performance Tuesday. It took the Athletics until the seventh inning to get on the board, and the Mariners' lead was never in any real danger. Castillo now has a 3.06 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 207:50 K:BB through 188.1 innings across 31 starts this season. He's lined up for a critical home start versus the Astros early next week as the Mariners continue to battle for the AL West lead.

Blackburn (4-6) took the loss Tuesday versus the Mariners, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out four over five innings.

Blackburn turned in a fine outing, but the Athletics couldn't get any runs on the board until the seventh inning. This was the first time in three starts Blackburn has completed five frames. The right-hander is now at a 4.11 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 101:39 K:BB through 100.2 innings over 20 outings (19 starts) this season. Blackburn is tentatively lined up for a road start versus the Twins next week, assuming the Athletics stick to the plan for a six-man rotation for the remainder of this week.

Urena did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits over six innings against the Nationals. He struck out four.

While he wasn't able to pick up the win Tuesday, it was an impressive performance from Urena, who held the Nationals scoreless through his first five innings. In three starts (16.1 innings) with Chicago, Urena's surrendered eight runs on 15 hits while tallying 15 strikeouts. Overall, the veteran right-hander is 0-6 with a 7.27 ERA across 34.2 innings between the White Sox and Rockies this season. Urena is currently scheduled for a home matchup with the Diamondbacks in his next outing.

Schmidt (9-9) took the loss Tuesday, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks over five innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out one.

It's been a tough stretch for Schmidt, who's pitched to a 5.48 ERA over his last four starts (21.1 innings). He was hurt by the home run ball Tuesday -- three of Toronto's runs came on a pair of homers, including a George Springer blast to lead off the game. Overall, Schmidt sports a 4.65 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP and 143:43 K:BB through 30 starts (151 innings) this season. The 27-year-old right-hander will look to get back on track in his next start, currently scheduled for this weekend against Arizona.

Kopech will serve as Chicago's opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Wednesday will mark the first time Kopech has started a game since moving to the bullpen Sept. 8. Since then, he's surrendered six runs across just 2.2 innings while striking out four batters and walking two. The 27-year-old righty is certainly capable of pitching deep into the game, but the plan will likely be to pull Kopech after an inning or two -- especially if he gets into trouble early.