MLB Player News

Lopez (5-4) took the loss Friday against the Royals, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out four.

Lopez was sharp in his first major-league start since June 3, working six strong innings in his return from the injured list. The right-hander has now tossed at least five frames in all but one of his 12 outings in 2025, and he's given up greater than two runs on just two occasions all year. Lopez threw 92 pitches Friday, so he shouldn't have any workload restrictions in his next scheduled appearance against the Diamondbacks. For the campaign, he has a 2.85 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 65:15 K:BB.

Wacha (9-11) notched the win Friday against the Twins, allowing one run on four hits and two walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out five.

After failing to throw at least five innings for just the third time all season his last time out, Wacha returned to form Friday to toss 5.2 strong frames. The five strikeouts were his most since his Aug. 1 start in Toronto, and the four hits allowed were his fewest also since that same outing against the Blue Jays. The veteran right-hander has a quality 3.45 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 117:41 K:BB over 28 appearances, and he's next set to take the ball for a pivotal matchup against the division-rival Guardians.

Means (elbow) will not make his scheduled rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on Friday due to an illness, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Means' fifth rehab start will be delayed by at least a day, with the Guardians hoping that the 32-year-old southpaw will be able to pitch Saturday. Means is in the final stages of his recovery from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in June of 2024, and the hope is that he will rejoin the Guardians' rotation before the end of the regular season.

Lugo (back) received a cortisone injection Thursday and will resume throwing Sunday or Monday, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

The Royals placed Lugo on the injured list Thursday with a lower back strain and also gave him a cortisone shot to address the injury. He'll be back to throwing after a brief shutdown. The shutdown should have minimal impact on his return timeline.

Ragans (shoulder) is expected to begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans has spent the majority of the season on the IL and has been on the shelf since mid-June due to a left rotator cuff strain. He ramped up his throwing program with bullpen sessions in mid-August, and the 28-year-old southpaw has progressed enough in his recovery to embark on a rehab assignment. Royals manager Matt Quatraro relayed Friday that Ragans is scheduled to pitch two innings Sunday and could ramp up his workload barring any setbacks.

Olson (shoulder) has begun a throwing program, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Olson has already been ruled out for the regular season, but it's an encouraging sign that he's started throwing. He's been sidelined since late July due to a shoulder strain. If his recovery continues without interruption, Olson could be healthy at some point during the playoffs.

The Astros recalled Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gordon will start Friday's contest in Texas versus the Rangers, giving the Astros' regular rotation members some extra rest. The southpaw holds a 5.64 ERA in 68.2 innings covering 13 starts and two relief outings this season.

Barnett is slated to start Friday's game against the Angels in Anaheim.

After being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas, Barnett made his first MLB start this past Saturday, taking a loss to the Rangers while allowing five earned runs on eight hits and no walks over four innings. The 25-year-old righty will get a chance to redeem himself Friday, but another poor showing could put him at risk of losing his spot in the Athletics rotation.

The White Sox optioned Cannon to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.

Cannon was just recalled Thursday but will head back to the minors a day later after being touched up for five runs over 2.1 innings in a bulk-relief appearance. The righty has posted a 5.67 ERA across 17 starts and three relief outings for the White Sox this season.

The Astros are expected to recall Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Houston hasn't listed a starter for Friday's game against the Rangers, and it's possible Gordon's being called up to fill that hole. Gordon has been at Sugar Land since Aug. 13, and he posted a 5.93 ERA in three starts during that time. The 26-year-old has a 5.64 ERA in 68.2 innings with the Astros this season, starting in 13 of his 15 appearances.