MLB Player News

Dunning is expected to serve as the Rangers' primary pitcher Friday against the Angels, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Dunning will take the rotation spot of Jacob deGrom (elbow), though it's unclear if he will work in a traditional starting role or behind an opener. He's thrown at least three innings in half of his eight appearances this season, though he may need to work as a bulk reliever to pitch deep enough to qualify for a win Thursday. Dunning has been impressive with a 1.77 ERA and 0.84 WHIP across 20.1 innings, though that's backed by just an 11:5 K:BB.

Bello (1-1) allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk while striking out five over five innings, earning the win Thursday versus the Blue Jays.

Bello had all the support he needed by the end of the second inning. He faded a bit in the fifth, giving up three runs in that frame, but the Red Sox's lead was never in danger. The right-hander didn't miss a start after developing a blister following last Saturday's outing versus the Guardians. Bello now has a 5.71 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 19:6 K:BB across 17.1 innings over four starts this season. He's lined up for a tough road start in Atlanta next week.

Lopez did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over seven innings against the White Sox. He struck out eight.

Lopez bounced back from a pair of rocky starts, giving up 11 runs on 16 hits over his last two outings (10.0 innings), by tossing seven innings of two-run ball Thursday. Lopez's only blemish on the day was a two-run homer by Eloy Jimenez in the third inning. Through 43 innings, Lopez holds a 3.77 ERA to pair with an 11.3 K/9 and remains a strong fantasy option as the Twins' third arm.

Giolito did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over seven innings against Minnesota. He struck out seven.

Giolito tossed a gem Thursday, allowing just two hits over seven frames. His only blemish came from a Carlos Correa solo home run in the sixth inning, which broke a streak of 13 consecutive batters retired for Giolito. Thought he handed the ball off to Reynaldo Lopez with a 2-1 lead in the eighth, Byron Buxton evened up the score with a solo homer of his own, which ultimately led to Giolito's no-decision and a White Sox defeat in extra innings. Through seven starts Giolito holds a measly 1-2 record, however, he has put up solid numbers with a 3.67 ERA and a 41:9 K/BB in 41.2 innings. Giolito has only one win on the season, but he has struck out at least five hitters in six of his seven starts.

Eflin (4-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing three hits over seven scoreless innings against the Pirates. He struck out 10.

Eflin improved on his impressive start to 2023, picking up his fourth win in five starts and blanking the Pirates. The 29-year-old went over six innings for the first time in this year and set a season high with 10 punchouts. Through 28.0 innings, Eflin holds a 2.25 ERA with a 31:3 K/BB. Though his strong start to 2023 has been unexpected given his 4.40 career ERA, it wouldn't be surprising for Eflin's success to continue considering the Rays' knack for getting the best out of pitchers.

Rucinski (0-2) allowed five runs on four hits and five walks while striking out three over 3.2 innings, taking the loss Thursday versus the Mariners.

Rucinski opened with a pair of scoreless innings, but Taylor Trammell hit a two-run home run off the right-hander in the third. Rucinski then created a mess and allowed three runs in the fourth. The 34-year-old had a hamstring injury to start the season, and he hasn't shown much in his first two starts with a 7.71 ERA, 2.25 WHIP and 4:6 K:BB through 9.1 innings. If he gets another turn in the rotation, he's tentatively projected for a road start versus the Yankees next week.

Rodriguez (3-2) earned the win Thursday, allowing two hits and one walk over eight scoreless innings against the Mets. He struck out nine.

Rodriguez picked up his third win in his last four starts, fanning nine over eight scoreless innings. The 30-year-old has been off to a blazing start to 2023, holding a 1.81 ERA through six outings after finishing the last two seasons with a 4.05 and 4.74 ERA, respectively. Rodriguez has filled the role of Detroit's top arm thus far and has allowed just two runs over his last five starts (34.2 innings) while striking out 33 batters. The southpaw has also logged quality starts in four of his last five appearances and should remain a strong fantasy option until he shows otherwise.

Kirby (3-2) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out two over seven innings to earn the win Thursday over the Athletics.

It was a fifth straight quality start for Kirby, who bounced back from a tough-luck loss in his last outing versus the Phillies. While it was a solid performance, the two strikeouts were a season low for the right-hander. He's at a solid 3.11 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 26:3 K:BB across 37.2 innings over six starts, again displaying excellent control. Kirby's next start is projected to be at home versus the Rangers next week.

Blackburn (finger) threw all his pitches during a bullpen session Wednesday morning, the Associated Press reports.

The development is naturally an encouraging one for Blackburn after a scheduled rehab start for Triple-A Las Vegas was postponed twice over a three-day period in late April due to a blister. Blackburn is expected to either throw another bullpen or finally restart his rehab assignment with another start for the Aviators in the coming days.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Crawford (hamstring) should be able to avoid the injured list, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Crawford left a relief appearance Wednesday against the Blue Jays after experiencing tightness in his left hamstring, but it's not a serious issue and he is considered day-to-day. The 27-year-old has registered a solid 3.51 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 24:3 K:BB through 25.2 innings this season with Boston.