MLB Player News

Lopez allowed five runs on five hits and struck out four over 4.2 innings in Monday's 9-8 loss to the Dodgers in 12 innings. He didn't factor into the decision.

Lopez should have gotten through the fifth, but a Kyle Farmer error extended the inning and ended Lopez's night. It was another setback for Lopez, who has surrendered at least five runs in three of his last five starts. The Dodgers popped three homers off Lopez, which was the first team to take Lopez deep more than once in a game. The righty has a 4.00 ERA and 1.07 WHIP on the season.

Keller (3-4) was the pitcher of record in Monday's 4-0 loss to the Padres after allowing three runs on three hits and eight walks over 3.2 innings. He struck out two.

Keller nearly walked as many batters as he retired Monday. The free passes have been a major problem for Keller, as he now leads MLB with 40 walks on the season. Amazingly Keller's ERA is 4.36 despite all the walks. However his FIP is 5.39, a career high, suggesting his luck will run out soon if he doesn't locate the zone.

Rucinski (0-4) was the pitcher of record in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Diamondbacks after allowing five earned runs on six hits and five walks over 3.2 innings. He failed to strike out a batter.

Most of the damage against Rucinski came via the long ball, as Geraldo Perdomo and Lourdes Gurriel each ripped two-run homers against him. Rucinski continues to struggle with his command and he's now sporting an ugly 6:14 K:BB through 18 innings. His ERA jumped to 9.00 and he's given up at least five runs in each of his four MLB starts this season. Rucinski is currently lined up for a tough matchup in Houston this weekend.

Houck (3-3) took the loss against Seattle on Monday, allowing four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five batters over five innings.

Houck pitched well early, retiring the first 11 batters he faced and making it through four innings without allowing a run. However, he surrendered a two-run homer to Cal Raleigh in the fifth and then opened the sixth by allowing the first two batters to reach base, and each came around to score after his departure. Houck did flash some good swing-and-miss stuff with 15 whiffs, and his early-inning success may help him in his bid to remain in the rotation. However, his overall numbers this season aren't great, as he's posted a 5.48 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 38:15 K:BB over 42.2 frames.

Kirby (5-2) earned the win over Boston on Monday, allowing one run on eight hits and one walk while striking out six batters over 6.2 innings.

Kirby got through five scoreless frames before the Red Sox tagged him for a run in the sixth. He finished off that inning and got two more outs in the seventh before being lifted with two runners on base after tossing 97 pitches (66 strikes). Kirby fell one out shy of extending his three-game streak of throwing at least seven frames, but he did stretch his run of quality starts to seven consecutive contests. He's pitching like an All-Star this season with five wins along with a 2.45 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 41:4 K:BB through eight starts.

Valdez allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks in Monday's 6-4 win over the Cubs. He struck out eight in four innings and didn't factor into the decision.

Valdez got through three shutout frames before coughing up four in the fourth, including Christopher Morel's three-run shot. Valdez needed 91 pitches (53 strikes) in what ended up being his shortest outing of the year. His ERA jumped from 2.38 to 2.84, though he improved his K:BB to a strong 65:12 across nine starts. Valdez is currently lined up for a home start against Oakland this weekend.

The Twins are hopeful that Maeda (triceps) will be cleared to throw off the mound by the end of the week, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Maeda was placed on the 15-day injured list April 29 due to a right triceps strain, and while he remains without a firm timetable for a return, this latest update is positive news. The team will likely ask him to complete a few side sessions before beginning a rehab assignment.

Severino (lat) may be activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of Sunday's game in Cincinnati, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Severino threw 49 pitches in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last Wednesday, and he's slated to make his next start with the minor-league club Tuesday. The right-hander will likely increase his pitch count to some extent in that outing, and if the appearance goes well, he could be given the green light to make his 2023 MLB debut Sunday. Severino would almost certainly have his workload monitored under that scenario, as he didn't see any sort of game action during the entire month of April as he worked his way back from a low-grade lat strain that he suffered near the end of spring training.

General manager Ross Atkins said Monday that Ryu (elbow) has been throwing bullpen sessions at the Blue Jays' spring training complex in Florida, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Atkins added that Ryu "could be facing hitters and be in games" next month, though even if that comes to fruition, the veteran left-hander would likely be in store for a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment before making his 2023 debut with Toronto. Ryu had Tommy John surgery last June and is aiming to return from the 60-day injured list around the All-Star break.

Kopech is scheduled to make his next start Friday against the Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Kopech had been lined up to start Thursday's series finale with the Guardians in Chicago, but manager Pedro Grifol will instead use Monday's off day to reorder the rotation. Staff ace Dylan Cease will be moved up a day and flip spots in the order with Kopech, who will now take the hill for the series opener with Kansas City.