MLB Player News

Manning (3-2) took the loss against the Angels in the second game of a doubleheader Thursday, allowing seven runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five batters over five innings.

This was arguably the worst outing of Manning's campaign, as both the seven runs and seven hits were season-high marks. The right-hander was particularly vulnerable to the long ball Thursday, as the final four runs against him came by way of three Angels homers. Prior to this contest, Manning hadn't surrendered a home run over 25 innings in five starts since coming off the injured list June 27, so there probably isn't cause for concern in regard to a problem keeping the ball in the park, especially since two of the three blasts against him Thursday were hit by MLB homer leader Shohei Ohtani. Manning will look to bounce back in his next start, which is tentatively lined up to come at home versus the Rays next week.

Sandoval (6-7) earned the win in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against Detroit, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four batters over five innings.

Sandoval needed 97 pitches to get through five frames, but he kept the Tigers off the scoreboard outside of a two-run third inning. The timing of the left-hander's turn in the rotation in relation to the All-Star break limited him to just three appearances in July, but he pitched well in those outings, posting a 2.08 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 17.1 frames. Sandoval may be turning things around after compiling a 4.57 ERA and 1.49 WHIP across 15 starts through the end of June.

Cease (4-4) took the loss Thursday, allowing four runs on nine hits and two walks over 5.2 innings against Cleveland. He struck out five.

Cease's final line certainly could've been uglier as he surrendered nine hits, including four for extra bases. Still, it was a tough outing for the 27-year-old right-hander after he allowed just two runs over his previous two starts (11 innings). Cease now sports a 4.15 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP and 143:49 K:BB across 22 starts (119.1 innings) this season. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week against Texas.

Lorenzen (5-7) took the loss against the Angels in Game 1 of a doubleheader Thursday, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over five innings.

Lorenzen has thrived since departing the Angels to join Detroit in the offseason, earning his first career All-Star selection and coming into Thursday having tossed three straight scoreless outings. However, he was no match for Shohei Ohtani in the matinee of the twin bill, as the two-way star tossed a complete-game shutout to hand Lorenzen the loss. Despite the defeat, Lorenzen pitched fairly well, compiling 16 swinging strikes and tying a season high with seven punchouts. The right-hander's next start is tentatively scheduled to be a road matchup against the Pirates next week.

Bibee (7-2) earned the win Thursday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 6.2 innings against the White Sox. He struck out six.

Bibee was sharp Thursday, with Jake Burger providing all of Chicago's offense with a pair of home runs. The 24-year-old Bibee is now 5-0 over his last seven starts (41.1 innings), pitching to a 2.18 ERA with 46 strikeouts in that span. Overall, his ERA is down to 3.11 with a 1.19 WHIP and 91:31 K:BB across 16 starts (89.2 innings) this season. Bibee will look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in Houston.

Keller (shoulder) was returned from his rehab assignment Thursday.

Keller's 30 days on assignment were up, so the Royals will soon have to decide what to do with the right-hander. He appeared in nine games for Triple-A Omaha, covering nine innings with a 15.00 ERA, 3.56 WHIP and 5:21 K:BB while working as a reliever for a majority of the assignment. Given those numbers, it wouldn't be shocking to see him pitch out of the bullpen if he remains on the big-league roster once he's activated from the injured list.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Toussaint will likely start Friday against the Guardians, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

That would have been Lucas Giolito's turn in the rotation, but he was traded to the Angels on Wednesday. Toussaint has registered a decent 4.06 ERA in 31 major-league innings this season, but command remains an issue for the 27-year-old former top prospect. He made a 15-pitch appearance in relief in Wednesday's 10-7 loss to the Cubs, but he isn't expected to face any limitations come Friday.

Syndergaard (finger) is scheduled to be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start for the Guardians on Monday in Houston, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Syndergaard will be making his Guardians debut after he was acquired from the Dodgers on Wednesday in exchange for shortstop Amed Rosario. The 30-year-old has been on the injured list since early June due to a blister on his right index finger and struggled to a 7.16 ERA in 55.1 innings (12 starts) during his time with Los Angeles.

Williams did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three hits and two walks over four scoreless innings in an 8-3 win over Kansas City. He struck out five.

It's the second straight start that an elevated pitch count forced Williams out after four innings, despite limited damage against him. The rookie threw 87 pitches Wednesday, 56 for strikes, despite only issuing two walks. Williams is 1-2 this season with a 3.35 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 31:17 K:BB through seven starts (37.2 innings) this season. He'll look to provide more length in his next start, currently scheduled for next week in Houston.

Marsh (0-5) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks over 2.2 innings against the Guardians. He struck out three.

It was another tough outing for Marsh, who needed 75 pitches to make it through just 2.2 innings. The rookie right-hander has been tagged with a loss in all five of his MLB starts thus far -- his ERA is up to 7.04 with a 1.65 WHIP and 27:14 K:BB across 23 innings. Despite his early struggles, the rebuilding Royals will likely keep Marsh in the rotation for an extended look. His next start would be lined up for next week against the Mets.