MLB Player News

Gray allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five batters over five innings in a no-decision against Boston on Wednesday.

Gray gave up a single run in each of the first, third and fifth frames and didn't come out for the sixth. He hasn't pitched into the sixth inning in any of his past three outings, though he's posted a a fine 3.86 ERA over that span. Gray has yet to give up more than three runs in a game through 15 starts this season, but he hasn't picked up a win since April 30. Since that date he's taken eight no-decisions and one loss while recording a 3.91 ERA. The right-hander has slowed down after a phenomenal beginning to the campaign, but he still ranks fourth among qualified pitchers with a 2.56 ERA overall.

Blackburn allowed four runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over five innings in a no-decision against Cleveland on Wednesday.

Blackburn was staked to an early four-run lead but couldn't hold it, giving up three runs in the third inning and another in the fourth. The right-hander ended up with his fifth straight no-decision after coming off the injured list to make his season debut May 29. Blackburn notched seven strikeouts Wednesday, continuing a surprising trend that has seen him tally 30 punchouts over 25.2 innings on the campaign. Prior to this season, he had never come close to averaging a strikeout per inning, topping out at a 7.2 K/9 last year. The improved strikeout ability and Blackburn's tolerable 4.21 ERA has given him some mild fantasy value, though he's unlikely to find himself in the win column very often given Oakland's standing as one of the league's worst offensive teams.

Williams allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four batters over 5.2 innings to take a no-decision in Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Athletics.

Williams had an up-and-down outing in his first appearance in the majors, beginning with two scoreless frames before surrendering four runs in the third. He bounced back to retire eight of the final nine batters he faced before being pulled with two outs in the sixth. Williams induced a moderate seven swinging strikes and fanned just four batters in the outing, which is mildly disappointing given his 11.7 K/9 in the minors this season. Nonetheless, he acquitted himself well enough to likely get another turn in the rotation with Triston McKenzie (elbow) out multiple weeks and Cal Quantrill (shoulder) not expected to begin a rehab assignment until Friday.

Castillo (4-6) took the loss against the Yankees on Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out three batters over five innings.

Though Castillo yielded just four hits, two of those left the yard, and he also issued four walks. The last number is particularly concerning because it comes on the heels of the season-high six walks he issued against Miami in his previous outing. Prior to the pair of wild performances, Castillo hadn't handed out more than two free passes in any of his first 13 appearances of the season. The right-hander has now lost each of his past four starts, though that's partly due to poor run support, as he's posted a respectable 3.42 ERA over that span. Castillo will look to get back in the win column -- and to exhibit better control -- in his next outing, which is tentatively lined up to come at home against Washington.

Kopech (3-6) took the loss Wednesday versus the Rangers, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five over four innings.

Kopech needed 86 pitches (46 strikes) to get through the short start. After the game, manager Pedro Grifol acknowledged that Kopech's struggles in the third and fourth innings played a part in his decision to turn to the bullpen, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports. Kopech has covered 13.1 innings over his last three starts, allowing four runs in that span. He's gone five starts without a win and now has a 4.06 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 94:42 K:BB over 82 innings on the season. He's projected to make his next start on the road against the Angels.

Brito (4-3) earned the win over Seattle on Wednesday, pitching 5.2 scoreless innings during which he allowed two hits and one walk while striking out three batters.

Brito was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make the start and gave New York an efficient 81-pitch scoreless outing. Both hits the rookie right-hander allowed were singles, and at one point he retired 12 straight batters. Brito began his major-league career allowing just one run over his first 10 innings earlier this season, though his effectiveness tailed off after that, as he allowed four-plus earned runs on three occasions. He struggled with a 7.08 ERA And 17:10 K:BB over 20.1 frames after being sent down to Triple-A in late May, so he's a risky fantasy proposition moving forward despite Wednesday's excellent outing. In addition, Brito may not stick in the rotation for long with both Carlos Rodon (back/forearm) and Nestor Cortes (shoulder) making progress in their respective returns from injury.

Perez improved to 7-3 in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the White Sox. He allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out two over seven innings.

Perez earned his fifth quality start in his last seven outings, though the two exceptions in that span have generally offset the positives. He snapped a four-start winless skid with this effort despite throwing just 59 of 100 pitches for strikes. Perez has walked multiple batters in five of his last six starts, and he hasn't struck out more than five in any of those games. For the season, he's at a 4.38 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 56:28 K:BB through 84.1 innings over 15 starts. He's lined up for a home start versus the Tigers next week.

Singer (4-7) took the loss Wednesday, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk over seven innings against the Tigers. He struck out two.

After allowing eight runs over his last four starts (20.1 innings), Singer gave up five Wednesday, including a solo homer to Zack Short in the fifth. Though he went past the sixth inning for the first time all year, he was only able to punch out two batters, setting a season low in the category, while falling to his seventh loss. Through 15 starts (76.2 innings), Singer owns a 6.34 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and a 7.9 K/9.

Boyd (5-5) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on six hits over six innings against the Royals. He struck out seven.

Boyd had one of his better starts of the season to earn his second consecutive win. In the two wins, the lefty has gone six innings both times, allowing six earned runs and striking out 15. Boyd still has a mediocre 5.37 ERA overall. He'll look for his third straight win in his next outing, which is tentatively set for Monday against the Rangers on the road.

Bradley (5-3) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits over six innings against the Orioles. He struck out eight and did not walk a batter.

Bradley struck out the first two batters of the game and cruised through the first two innings before surrendering a leadoff homer to Ramon Urias in the third. The rookie right-hander was able to shake it off, however, retiring the next 10 hitters he faced while going six innings for the first time in his career. He also didn't issue a walk Wednesday for the third time this season while fanning eight, giving him 19 strikeouts over his last two starts. Bradley will look to build off the strong performance when the Rays take on the Diamondbacks next week in Arizona.