-
Michael Kopech SP | LAD
White Sox's Michael Kopech: Control issues in no-decision
Kopech didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 7-6 extra-inning win over the Orioles, giving up three runs on six hits and four walks over five-plus innings. He struck out four.
The right-hander seemed to be cruising toward a quality start, allowing just one run through the first five innings, but a solo shot by Anthony Santander followed by a walk to Austin Hays to lead off the sixth chased Kopech from the game. It's the second time in three starts the wheels have come off for him in a hurry in a later inning. Kopech will carry a 6.32 ERA and 14:10 K:BB through 15.2 innings into his next outing, likely to come next weekend in Tampa Bay.
-
Michael Lorenzen RP | TOR
Tigers' Michael Lorenzen: Bailed out by offense
Lorenzen didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 7-6 extra-innings win over the Giants, surrendering six runs on eight hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out six.
The strikeouts were somewhat encouraging, but Lorenzen's first start of the season was mostly poor as he served up two-run home runs to Blake Sabol in the second inning and J.D. Davis in the third, eventually exiting after 79 pitches (52 strikes). Fortunately for the right-hander, he got bailed out by Detroit's batters after he hit the showers. Lorenzen, whose season debut was delayed due to a spring groin strain, should remain in the rotation for at least another couple turns. He'll hope he's shaken off all the rust ahead of his next outing, likely to come next weekend in Baltimore.
-
Jon Gray SP | TEX
Rangers' Jon Gray: Not expected to miss next start
Gray (forearm) told reporters Saturday that he does not expected to miss his next turn in the rotation, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Gray was hit in the right forearm on a line drive off the bat from Yainer Diaz and had to be removed in the third inning against the Astros. Examination revealed just a bruise for the 31-year-old right-hander, and while the situation could change depending on swelling and how Gray feels in the coming days, it appears he's avoided an injury that would require a trip to the injured list.
-
Domingo German SP | PIT
Yankees' Domingo German: Fans 11 in first win
German (1-1) picked up the win in Saturday's 6-1 victory over the Twins, allowing one run on three hits over 6.1 innings. He struck out 11 batters and walked none.
The right-hander was absolutely dominant in his best performance yet in 2023, as German generated 18 swinging strikes among his 78 pitches. There was a bit of a dark cloud hanging over the outing however, as he was checked twice for foreign substances, only for the umpires to determine they couldn't find anything actionable. Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli got ejected for disputing that decision. German sports a 3.86 ERA and 19:5 K:BB through three starts and 14 innings, but he lines up for a tough test in his next trip to the mound, which is likely to come at home next weekend against the Blue Jays.
-
Tyler Mahle SP | ATL
Twins' Tyler Mahle: Stumbles against Yankees
Mahle (1-2) took the loss Saturday, giving up four runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks over 4.1 innings as the Twins were downed 6-1 by the Yankees. He struck out five.
Three of the four hits off the right-hander went for extra bases, including home runs by Kyle Higashioka and Anthony Rizzo, but it was Mahle's own error that tempered the damage to his ERA. He tossed only 53 of 90 pitches for strikes before exiting. Mahle will carry a 4.11 ERA and 18:5 K:BB through 15.1 innings into his next outing, likely to come next week in Boston.
-
Tyler Anderson SP | LAA
Angels' Tyler Anderson: Struggles Saturday
Anderson did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing six runs on eight hits and four walks over four innings during a 9-7 loss to the Red Sox. He struck out two.
Anderson was spotted a four-run lead thanks to a grand slam from Gio Urshela in the first inning, but the left-hander couldn't take advantage. He served up a two-run home run to Rafael Devers in the bottom of the first, and another two-run shot by Yu Chang in the fourth gave Boston a 5-4 lead. After tossing six scoreless frames in his first start with the Angels, Anderson has given up 11 runs, including five homers, over his past two appearances. He'll look to get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for the Angels' upcoming three-game weekend series against Kansas City.
-
Jon Gray SP | TEX
Rangers' Jon Gray: Leaves with right forearm bruise
Gray was diagnosed with a right forearm bruise after leaving Saturday's start against the Astros, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
Gray was struck in the arm on a liner off the bat by Yainer Diaz, and the right-hander was unable to continue. He should be considered day-to-day for now, but it appears to be good news that there doesn't seem to be structural damage for Gray at this point.
-
Jon Gray SP | TEX
Rangers' Jon Gray: Leaves start with injury
Gray left Saturday's start against the Astros after being struck by a comebacker, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. He allowed one run on a hit and a walk over two innings with two strikeouts before exiting.
Gray was hit by a Yainer Diaz line drive and immediately exited the contest. Cole Ragans took over for the right-hander. It's likely Gray will undergo imaging before the Rangers announce the specifics on why he exited the contest.
-
Yusei Kikuchi SP | LAA
Blue Jays' Yusei Kikuchi: Strikes out nine in victory
Kikuchi (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and one walk over six innings in a 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay. He struck out nine.
The only run Kikuchi allowed was a solo blast by Taylor Walls in the fourth inning. Outside of that, the left-hander was outstanding while throwing 67 of 94 pitches for strikes. The left-hander has now allowed no more than a run in two of his three starts this year with a six-run struggle against the Angels last Sunday sandwiched between. Kikuchi has shown almost no consistency throughout his career, but he'll look to build on this start with his next outing lined up for the weekend series against the Yankees.
-
Tommy Milone SP | SEA
Mariners' Tommy Milone: Designed for assignment
Milone was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Saturday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.
Milone was called up to make a spot start against the Rockies on Saturday after Marco Gonzales was placed on the paternity list, and he pitched well while allowing one run over 4.2 innings of work. With Gonzales expected back next week and a full Seattle rotation, there's no room for Milone on the roster. if he goes unclaimed, he will likely report back to Triple-A Tacoma.