MLB Player News

Houck has a 2.33 ERA the first time through an order, but the ERA swells to 5.40 when facing hitters a second time, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The numbers get uglier a third time through, when Houck's ERA climbs to 13.50. Boston manager Alex Cora said nothing has been different about Houck later in games -- throws the same pitches, the stuff is the same, keeps attacking hitters. The pattern emerging could lead Cora to move Houck to the bullpen. The Red Sox are currently operating with six starters -- and a seventh, Garrett Whitlock (elbow), on the way. Decisions need to be made, and Houck's inability to sustain his early-inning success could make it an easy decision for the manager.

Ragans allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings in Monday's 12-0 loss to Atlanta.

Ragans ceded his first two home runs of the season in clean-up work following rookie starter Cody Bradford, who allowed six earned runs over five innings. Eating multiple innings in relief is Ragans' job, and he's hit some bumps along the way. The left-hander has allowed 12 runs over his last 12.1 innings.

Lynch (shoulder) will make another rehab start with Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lynch stretched out to 73 pitches in his latest rehab start, but it appears he'll need one more outing in the minors before joining the big-league roster. Assuming all goes well Wednesday, the southpaw could be an option to make his season debut at some point during next week's home series versus the Tigers.

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.