MLB Player News

Blackburn (finger) allowed one run on four hits and two walks across four innings during Monday's 7-2 win over Atlanta. He struck out six and didn't factor in the decision.

In his return from the 15-day injured list for his 2023 debut, Blackburn delivered better-than-expected results after he logged a 7.50 ERA through 18 minor-league rehab innings. After allowing a run in the first inning, he settled in for a strong outing, though he needed 81 pitches to get through four frames. Blackburn forced 12 whiffs, which would tie the second-highest total he produced during the 2022 season. The 29-year-old righty is projected to make his second start of the week in Miami this weekend.

Bradley (3-2) was tagged with the loss against the Cubs on Monday, allowing an unearned run on three hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over 5.2 innings.

A fourth-inning Tampa Bay error helped Chicago notch the game's only run, resulting in Bradley taking his second career loss despite another strong outing. The rookie righty tossed a season-high 5.2 frames to fall one out shy of his first quality start, and he punched out eight batters while walking only one. Bradley's pitch count is being kept in check -- the 90 pitches he threw Monday marked a campaign high -- but he's still been able to complete at least five innings in all but one of his six starts. Overall, he has looked every bit deserving of a big-league rotation spot, compiling a 3.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 42:5 K:BB over 30 innings.

Rodon (back/forearm) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session at high intensity Monday, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Rodon felt strong during his latest side session, which marks his second since suffering a forearm strain during spring training. According to Kirschner, the next step for Rodon will be another bullpen session later in the week. The team has yet to unveil a concrete timetable for his return.

Boyd (3-4) took the loss Monday, allowing five runs on five hits and four walks over six innings in a 5-0 loss against Texas. He struck out five.

Boyd tied his season high with four walks but was still able to complete six innings for the second time this year. The veteran is transitioning back to a starting role after operating exclusively as a reliever for Seattle last year, and he's struggled to find a rhythm. Despite the less-than-ideal numbers (5.96 ERA and 1.43 WHIP), Boyd remains firmly entrenched in Detroit's rotation and is scheduled to pitch again during the finale of a three-game weekend set versus the White Sox.

Eovaldi (7-2) earned the win Monday, allowing four hits and three walks across five scoreless innings during a 5-0 win over Detroit. He struck out four.

Eovaldi needed 95 pitches (57 strikes) to tie his season low with five innings, but he did't allow a run for the fourth time this year. Since serving up six runs to the Royals on April 12, the veteran right-hander has been dominant, surrendering just nine earned runs over his past eight starts (58.2 innings). Overall, Eovaldi sports a 2.42 ERA and 1.00 WHIP across his first 11 outings with the Rangers, which would both be career highs. His next start is tentatively scheduled for the finale of a three-game weekend set versus Seattle.

Wells (3-2) took the loss Monday, allowing one run on four hits across six innings during a 5-0 defeat to the Guardians. He struck out seven and didn't issue a walk.

Wells notched his third quality start of the season, but he still took the loss as Baltimore's offense was held scoreless by Cleveland's pitching staff. The right-hander didn't give up a home run to the Guardians, but he has served up 13 over 63 innings this year, including nine over six May starts. Despite issues with the long ball, Wells still sports a strong 3.29 ERA coupled with an elite 61:12 K:BB and remains an integral part of the Orioles' starting rotation. His next start is tentatively scheduled for the finale of a three-game weekend set in San Francisco.

Civale (oblique) permitted four earned runs on six hits and three walks and struck out seven over 4.2 innings in his rehab start for Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

In what was the third and perhaps final start of his minor-league rehab assignment, Civale tossed 88 pitches (54 strikes) while working into the fifth inning. Though Civale wasn't as efficient as he had been over his prior two rehab outings, his ability to approach 90 pitches suggests he's ready to return from the 15-day injured list, perhaps as soon as Friday in Minnesota. The Guardians will likely clear a spot in the rotation for Civale by optioning Hunter Gaddis to Triple-A, but the team will have a tougher decision to make once Triston McKenzie (shoulder) comes off the 60-day IL as soon as Sunday or early next week. Young hurlers Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee have both made strong cases for permanent starting roles, and the Guardians could have to expand to a six-man rotation to make room for both pitchers as well as Civale and McKenzie.

Allen (2-2) earned the win Monday, allowing three hits and two walks across seven scoreless innings during a 5-0 victory over Baltimore. He struck out 10.

Allen notched career-best marks in hits allowed, runs allowed, innings completed and strikeouts during his finest outing of the campaign thus far. The rookie was called up at the end of April and has been a steady piece of Cleveland's rotation, which continues to deal with numerous injuries. Triston McKenzie (shoulder) and Aaron Civale (oblique) are close to returning from the injured list, but it'll be difficult to demote Allen with the way he's been pitching. Across seven starts (39.2 innings), Allen sports a 2.72 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 43:11 K:BB.

The Athletics activated Blackburn (finger) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Monday versus Atlanta.

Blackburn will make his season debut for Oakland after recovering from a cracked fingernail and blister issues that resulted in him going on two separate minor-league rehab assignments prior to his activation. He was an up-and-down performer on his most recent rehab stint and faces a difficult matchup in his first start back, making Blackburn a fairly easy sit in most fantasy leagues, even though he projects to get two turns through the rotation this week.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Monday that McCullers (forearm) is no longer throwing off a mound, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. "We have to take it slow with Lance until we know that he's 100 percent. That's where it is right now," Baker said.

McCullers started throwing bullpen sessions in early May, but he wasn't looking overly sharp and was apparently still not feeling totally healthy. The right-hander had been aiming to return from the 15-day injured list around the All-Star break, but his timetable is very much up in the air now.