MLB Player News

Javier (6-6) gave up three earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings to take the loss in a 4-2 defeat to the Athletics on Wednesday.

Stephen Vogt and Stephen Piscotty took Javier deep on back-to-back solo shots in the second. Javier gave up another run in the fifth, as the Astros offense was unable to take him off the hook. Despite having a bit of trouble keeping the ball in the yard against the Athletics, the 25-year-old right-hander only allowed six baserunners and garnered 14 swinging strikes. Javier is putting together the best season of his young career and boasts an excellent 12.3 K/9 to go along with a 2.63 xERA. He is tentatively expected to make his next start Tuesday against the Red Sox.

Irvin (6-7) gave up two earned runs on four hits and a walk while striking out four over seven innings to earn the win in a 4-2 victory over the Astros on Wednesday.

Irvin continued his excellent string of performances in July with seven strong innings at home Wednesday. He now has a 1.85 ERA in five starts this month, with three of the starts coming against the division-rival Astros and one against the strong Blue Jays lineup. It is worth keeping an eye on Irvin to see if he can maintain his breakout 2022 campaign down the stretch, as his peripheral numbers and batted-ball metrics suggest that he is due for some regression. Irvin has a low 6.1 K/( and ranks in the bottom-third of most Statcast categories, including barrel rate. Irvin is tentatively expected to make his next start on the road against the Angels on Wednesday.

Giolito didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Rockies, giving up three runs on six hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out four.

The right-hander hadn't issued more than two free passes in any of his previous six starts, but Giolito had trouble putting batters away in Coors Field, although he was at least able to limit the damage somewhat. His 12.6 percent swinging strike rate on the season is his worst mark since 2018, and more contact combined with a career-worst .349 BABIP has led to a 5.14 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. Even if Giolito's luck on balls in play gets better, it's hard to imagine he'll put together a true second-half turnaround without more whiffs.

Keller (5-11) took the loss Wednesday as the Royals were downed 4-0 by the Angels, giving up three runs on six hits and three walks over six-plus innings. He struck out five.

The game was scoreless until the fifth inning, when Los Angeles cashed two runs, and Keller stuck around until the top of the seventh when he got the hook after serving up a leadoff triple to Brandon Marsh. The right-hander tossed 56 of 90 pitches for strikes as he issued at least three walks for the third time in his last four outings. Keller still came away with his 10th quality start of the season, and he sports a 4.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 73:40 K:BB through 107.2 innings.

Junk (1-0) picked up the win Wednesday, scattering four hits and a walk over five-plus scoreless innings in a 4-0 victory over the Royals. He struck out eight.

In his fifth career big-league start and first of the year, Junk put together an impressive performance as he didn't allow a Kansas City baserunner past second base while setting a career high in Ks and racking up his first MLB win. The right-hander only got the hook after walking Whit Merrifield to begin the sixth inning. Junk hasn't posted huge strikeout numbers in the minors, but this effort was likely good enough to keep him in the rotation for now, especially if the Angels trade away veteran arms like Noah Syndergaard by the deadline.

Rasmussen didn't factor in the decision against Baltimore on Wednesday, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk while striking out four batters over 4.2 innings.

Rasmussen didn't allow any extra-base hits in the contest, but the Orioles were able to string together baserunners well enough to put up three runs against him. The Rays appear intent on keeping the right-hander relatively fresh, as he's thrown five or more innings only twice over his past six starts despite delivering a respectable 3.45 ERA during that span. Rasmussen isn't going to pick up many wins if that trend continues, but he's pitched well enough this year to deserve a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues.

Gray (7-5) allowed four earned runs on five hits and four walks while striking out eight across 6.1 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Mariners.

Gray wasn't particularly sharp through six innings but still managed to limit the Mariners to one run. However, he came undone in the seventh inning, capped by a three-run homer by Julio Rodriguez. Gray entered the start having allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his last eight starts, and he now owns a 3.62 ERA and 113:33 K:BB across 102 frames on the season.

German allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven in 4.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Mets on Wednesday.

German gave up five runs in three innings versus the Astros in his season debut last week, but he fared better against the Mets in his second start. He gave up a solo home run to Pete Alonso and an RBI single to Francisco Lindor. German threw 52 of 82 pitches for strikes, so he's just about stretched out fully already and will likely face only minimal restrictions going forward. He's on track for a home start versus the Mariners next week.

Houck (5-4) allowed a run on one hit in one inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Guardians.

Houck entered with the game tied at 6-6 and gave up a solo home run to Josh Naylor. That ended up being the deciding run. Houck has surrendered a run in three of his last five outings, and he hasn't earned a save since June 25 as the Red Sox have slumped to the bottom of the AL East. The right-hander owns a 3.30 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 55:22 K:BB with six saves in 57.1 innings across 30 appearances (four starts) this year.

Eovaldi allowed five runs (three earned) on nine hits and no walks while striking out one in six innings in a no-decision versus the Guardians on Wednesday.

Eovaldi left the game with a lead despite his shaky pitching, but the Red Sox's bullpen couldn't make it last. He's now allowed 17 runs (15 earned) in 13 innings across his last three starts since returning from a back injury, which suggests he may not be at full health. The right-hander has a 4.32 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 80:14 K:BB through 81.1 innings in 15 starts this year. He's lined up for a tough road start in Houston next week.