MLB Player News

The Athletics announced Sunday that Rucinski has improved in his recovery from a gastrointestinal illness, but he's now recovering from a low-grade MCL sprain of his right knee, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Rucinski suffered the injury during a recent bullpen session and will now be barred from throwing for 2-to-3 weeks before he's cleared to resume ramping up again. Prior to landing on the shelf, Rucinski made four starts and was lit up to the tune of a 9.00 ERA and 2.28 WHIP in 18 innings. He could be facing an uphill battle to make it back from the 15-day injured list prior to the All-Star break, and Rucinski may be relegated to a bullpen role even if he makes it back before mid-July.

Wentz allowed two runs on a hit across 4.1 innings and did not factor into the decision in Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. He walked two and struck out four.

Wentz came in for the second inning after opener Will Vest retired the first three batters of the game. Wentz pitched well, with his only glaring mistake being a two-run home run by Pavin Smith. It's a step in the right direction, though Wentz still has an ugly 7.23 ERA overall. The righty should take the mound again toward the end of next week against Minnesota on the road, and it's possible he operates as a bulk reliever there as well.

Perez (6-2) allowed seven runs on 10 hits and three walks while striking out two over 3.1 innings, taking the loss Sunday versus the Rays.

The Rays did all of their damage against Perez, tallying just two hits after he exited the contest. This was the fourth time in his last seven outings that the veteran southpaw has given up at least four runs, including a pair of seven-spots. The loss was his first since April 8. Perez owns a 4.67 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 51:24 K:BB through 71.1 innings over 13 starts. He's lined up to make his next start at home versus the Blue Jays.

McClanahan (10-1) earned the win Sunday over the Rangers, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five over seven innings.

McClanahan had some trouble in the third inning, when he allowed all three runs and four of his five baserunners. This was his fourth quality start in his last five outings, and it's just the second time he's given up three or more runs all season. The ace southpaw is now at a 2.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 92:30 K:BB through 82.2 innings over 14 starts. McClanahan's 10 wins lead all of baseball, and he'll look to add to the total in his next start, which is projected to be in San Diego.

Varland did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out six.

Varland surrendered another home run Sunday and has now given up 12 over his first nine starts. This is certainly a concerning trend for the 25-year-old, but he figures to remain in the rotation with Kenta Maeda (triceps), Tyler Mahle (elbow) and Chris Paddack (elbow) on the injured list. Varland boasts a less-than-ideal 4.70 ERA, but he has been able to chew up innings, completing at least 4.2 in each of his nine starts and six or more six times.

Gausman did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing six runs on seven hits and four walks over 4.2 innings against the Twins. He struck out four.

Gausman failed to get through the fifth inning for the first time since May 4 and third time this season. Coming into Sunday, the right-hander had given up just six earned runs over his past six starts (40 innings) and tallied 55 strikeouts during that stretch. It's safe to chalk Gausman's poor performance up as an outlier, but it's worth noting that this is the third time he's allowed at least six runs this year. Despite the blowup outings, the 32-year-old still boasts a strong 3.12 ERA across 14 starts (86.2 innings) and has 117 strikeouts, which is the second-most in MLB behind Spencer Strider (121).

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Rodon (back/forearm) will throw another live batting practice session Thursday before potentially beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

On Sunday, Rodon was able to face hitters for the second time since opening the season on the injured list with a left forearm strain before then experiencing chronic back issues. He seems to be moving past both injuries, as he hasn't experienced any setbacks since restarting his throwing program around mid-May. Assuming Rodon gets through the upcoming live session no worse for the wear, he could start pitching in minor-league games by the early part of next week. He'll likely require at least three rehab starts or simulated games to get stretched out enough to join the Yankees rotation.

Blackburn did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing four hits and one walk over six scoreless innings in a 2-1 win over Milwaukee. He struck out five.

Blackburn completed a season-high six innings and notched his first scoreless appearance of the year. The 29-year-old's 2023 debut was delayed due to a finger injury, so he's made only three starts thus far with mixed results. He held Atlanta's offense to just one run on four hits over four innings and struck out a season-high six, but he fell flat versus Miami, giving up five runs with a 3:2 K:BB across five innings, before his dominating outing versus Milwaukee on Saturday. Blackburn will look to make it back-to-back quality starts next time out, which is tentatively scheduled for the finale of a four-game set versus Tampa Bay.

Irvin (1-2) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on six hits across 5.1 innings in a 6-1 victory over the Royals. He struck out five and didn't issue a walk.

Irvin posted an ugly 10.66 ERA across three starts (12.2 innings) before being optioned to Triple-A in mid-April. He was recalled briefly in mid-May but made just one bullpen appearance before being sent down again. The left-hander was performing well in the minors, so he got another chance at the big-league level Saturday and looked sharp, albeit versus the Royals' lackluster offense. Given the strong outing, Irvin figures to get another turn in the Orioles' rotation and is slated to pitch again during a three-game weekend set at Wrigley Field.

Wentz will serve as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Will Vest in Sunday's game versus the Diamondbacks, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

After making each of his previous 12 appearances as a starter, Wentz will be deployed out of the bullpen for the first time this season. Wentz hasn't completed more than five innings in an outing since May 8 and holds a 7.49 ERA on the season. While coming on in relief should improve his chances of factoring into a decision, Wentz's poor ratios this season make him an unreliable streaming option.