MLB Player News

Berrios (knee) is listed as Toronto's probable starter for Wednesday's game at Houston, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander exited Friday's start against the Rays after being struck in the knee by an 111.8-mph comebacker, but it appears he's been cleared to make his next turn through the rotation. The injury was tough luck for Berrios, who allowed just one run across five innings Friday after he posted an 11.17 ERA in his first two starts of the season.

Gibson did not factor in the decision Saturday versus the White Sox, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks with one strikeout in 5.1 innings.

It was Gibson's first start of the season that ended without a win. He threw 58 of 96 pitches for strikes, so he was a little less effective than usual. He's posted a 4.18 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB over 23.2 innings across his four starts this season. Gibson is projected for a home start versus the Tigers in his next outing.

Hancock has allowed just one earned run on seven hits and recorded 13 strikeouts over nine innings across his first two starts for Double-A Arkansas.

The talented right-hander got his season started with five scoreless innings against Corpus Christi during which he recorded seven strikeouts, and he followed it up by limiting Springfield to an earned run on four hits across four frames on Friday. Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports Hancock's fastball was consistently in the 93-95 mph range and generated plenty of swings and misses in his first start, indicating the 2020 first-round pick seems to be at full strength after struggling with a right shoulder impingement and strained lat muscle in 2021 and 2022, respectively. "Big time arrow up, trending right direction, whatever you want to call it from him," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "I thought the velocity was better than what I was expecting to see. He looked very healthy."

Manning (foot) told reporters Sunday that he expects to start throwing again as soon as next week and hopes to return to the mound in six weeks, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Woodbery notes that Manning was in the clubhouse prior to Sunday's game against the Giants while wearing a protective boot and using a Knee Rover scooter. The right-hander broke the fifth metatarsal on his right foot during Tuesday's start, but he won't require surgery and stands a good chance to return to the mound before the summer months if there are no setbacks.

The Royals placed Bubic on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a left flexor strain.

Bubic went five innings against Atlanta on Saturday, allowing five runs on 10 hits. The left-hander will miss at least two weeks while he recovers from the strain, and Josh Taylor has been recalled from Omaha in a corresponding move.

Ragans (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits while striking out three over four innings, picking up the loss in Saturday's game against the Astros.

Ragans was forced to enter the game when starter Jon Gray was removed following a comebacker off his elbow. That's never an easy situation for a pitcher, but the 25-year-old lefty filled up the zone (40 of 55 pitches for strikes) in an effort to get quick outs and eat up as many innings as possible. "Cole did a good job for us, gave us some much needed innings," Texas manager Bruce Bochy told Kenndi Landry of MLB.com. "He did a really nice job getting us some length to the seventh inning." Gray's injury appears to be a minor one, and he could make his next start, so Ragans may not be needed for a spot start. The lefty, who was a minor-league starter, has adjusted well to a bullpen role in 2023, giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out nine over nine innings (six outings). Of note, after issuing four free passes in his first 3.1 innings, Ragans is walk-free over the last 5.2 frames.

Minnesota optioned Varland to Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Varland pitched well in his start against the Yankees on Friday by allowing three runs over six innings. However, the right-hander was sent down to the minors to make room for Brent Headrick after Headrick received a call-up from the Saints in a corresponding transaction.

Brown (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two unearned runs on five hits and one walk over seven innings in a 8-2 win over Texas. He struck out five.

Brown gave manager Dusty Baker and the Astros a second consecutive excellent start. The 24-year-old righty has given up just three runs in his last 14 innings, but none of them have been earned. Look for the Detroit native to keep getting opportunities to prove himself as Houston looks to fill the void left by Justin Verlander in free agency.

Kirby (1-1) secured the win over Colorado on Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and no walks while striking out three batters over 6.1 innings.

Kirby recorded a season-low three punchouts and notched a modest nine swinging strikes Saturday, but he held the Rockies to a pair of runs to enjoy his first win of the campaign. The right-hander started the season with a rough 4.1-inning, four-run effort, but he's since posted consecutive quality starts during which he's allowed a combined three earned runs over 12.1 frames. Kirby's 6.5 K/9 so far in 2023 is disappointing after he recorded a 9.2 K/9 over 130 frames as a rookie last season, but he has plenty of time to catch up. His next start is tentatively scheduled to come at home against St. Louis next week.

Bubic (0-2) took the loss against Atlanta on Saturday, pitching five innings during which he allowed five runs on 10 hits and one walk while striking out three batters.

Bubic was outstanding in his first two starts this season, allowing just two runs and posting a 13:1 K:BB over 11 innings. The southpaw took a step back Saturday, yielding a season-high 10 hits -- including three extra-base hits off the bat of Sean Murphy -- and five runs. Bubic didn't fool many batters in inducing just eight swinging strikes and recording a season-low three punchouts. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, which is tentatively slated to come on the road against the Angels.