MLB Player News

Houck did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks over four innings during a 5-3 win over the Angels. He struck out six.

After retiring the first two batters of the game, Houck allowed three straight to reach with two outs, including a two-run double by Hunter Renfroe. The right-hander ended the first inning by striking out Jake Lamb and was able to work around a few baserunners en route to three scoreless frames before getting pulled. Houck failed to get through the fifth for the first time in three starts, but he did strike out a season-high six. He currently sports a 15:7 K:BB and a 4.50 ERA.

Sandoval did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing two unearned runs on three hits and three walks over 3.2 innings in a 5-3 loss to the Red Sox. He struck out six.

Sandoval's six strikeouts were a season high, but he couldn't get through the fourth inning, as his pitch count climbed to 90 after he walked his third batter of the game with two outs. Both of the runs on his ledger were unearned due to errors from Luis Rengifo and Anthony Rendon, so his ERA dropped to 1.23 through three starts. Sandoval's next outing is tentatively scheduled for next week's four-game set versus Oakland.

Quantrill gave up three earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three in six innings Friday against the Nationals. He did not factor in the decision.

This was Quantrill's best start of the season, but he's still searching for his first win and he has not fanned more than three batters in a start yet. His 12 percent strikeout rate on the year would be easily a career worst -- his previous low mark was a 16.6 percent rate in 2022.

Miller struck out 11 batters over five no-hit, no-walk innings in Friday's start for Triple-A Las Vegas.

Melissa Lockard of The Athletic posited that Miller may be making his next start as part of the big-league rotation. He reached 100 mph or higher 23 times on 64 pitches, 43 of which went for strikes. Miller is one of the top pitching prospects in the minors and could be Oakland's best starting pitcher in the not-too-distant future.

Rasmussen (2-1) gave up five earned runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out four in 4.1 innings Friday in Toronto. He took the loss.

After dominating a couple rebuilding clubs (Oakland and Washington) in his first two starts, Rasmussen faced a much tougher challenge against a strong Jays lineup in a hitter-friendly park and it showed in the box score. Rasmussen should still provide plenty of fantasy value over the rest of the season, but this outing showed that he's not necessarily a must-start option.

Perez (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits and four walks over five innings Friday, striking out four and earning a win over the Astros.

Despite a few threats from Houston's lineup, the only damage against Perez was a pair of solo home runs, including Yordan Alvarez's third-inning blast. Perez had issued just three walks in his first two outings and now owns a 16:7 K:BB through 15.2 frames. He's allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his three starts. Perez is projected to start in Kansas City next week.

Garcia (0-2) allowed five runs on six hits and two walks over five innings Friday, striking out seven and taking a loss against the Rangers.

The Rangers got to Garcia early with Nathaniel Lowe knocking an RBI double in the first inning followed by Adolis Garcia's two-run shot in the third. Lowe knocked in two more runs during the fifth frame. Garcia has now allowed at least three runs in each of his three starts to begin the year, resulting in an unsightly 7.71 ERA across 14 innings. He forced 12 whiffs Friday, including seven with his cutter. Garcia is lined up for a home start against Toronto next week.

Cortes gave up two earned runs on five hits and zero walks while striking out seven over seven innings against the Twins on Friday. He did not factor in the decision.

Cortes deserved the win, but Clay Holmes blew a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning. This was Cortes' best and longest start of the season, but his first without a victory. He threw 93 pitches and appears to be in midseason form. Per usual, he leaned on his 87-mph cutter (43 percent usage) while getting four whiffs on nine swings against his offspeed pitches.

Varland gave up three earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight in six innings Friday against the Yankees.

He did not factor in the decision, but Varland's eight strikeouts were a career high. His velocity was up across the board compared to 2022, as he averaged 96.2 mph with his four-seam fastball and 91.4 mph on his cutter, which he threw 39 percent of the time. It was an impressive showing from Varland, but it's possible this will end up just being a spot start if Kenta Maeda (arm fatigue) will indeed be ready to start next week after having his turn skipped this weekend.

Berrios was limited to 77 pitches Friday against the Rays after taking an 111.8 mph Yandy Diaz comebacker off the inside of his left knee, but he is expected to make his next start, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Despite the early exit, this was still easily Berrios' best start of the year, as he gave up one earned run on four hits and zero walks while striking out six in five innings en route to his first win of the season. There's always a chance the knee feels worse in the coming days, but it's encouraging that manager John Schneider gave Berrios a vote of confidence right after the game. Assuming he stays on turn, Berrios would face the Astros in Houston next week.