MLB Player News

Eovaldi didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 5-4 extra-innings win over the Yankees, giving up three runs on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out four.

Making his first start after returning from a five-week absence due to lower back inflammation, Eovaldi looked a bit rusty and managed only nine swinging strikes among his 78 pitches. The right-hander will take a 3.34 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 76:12 K:BB through 72.2 innings into the All-Star break, but his 4.59 FIP and 2.11 HR/9 suggest he could be headed for a bumpier second half.

Sandoval (3-5) allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts in 4.2 innings, taking the loss versus the Dodgers on Friday.

Sandoval wasn't all that sharp in the contest, but that likely didn't make much of a difference Friday. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw took a perfect game through seven innings, giving the Angels' offense nothing to work with, which left Sandoval had no support in his third consecutive loss. The 25-year-old southpaw now has a 3.00 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 87:37 K:BB through 81 innings in 15 starts overall. He's given up 10 runs (eight earned) in 16 innings in July.

Ray (8-6) allowed three runs on six hits over 6.2 frames Friday, striking out 12 and earning a win over Texas.

Ray cruised through five shutout innings before coughing up a solo home run to Corey Seager in the sixth and a two-run shot to Leody Taveras in the seventh. His 12 punchouts tied a season best and it was his fifth time recording at least 10. Since his last loss June 1, Ray is 4-0 with a 1.75 ERA over his eight starts. On the year, his ERA has dropped to 3.54 alongside a stellar 135:38 K:BB through 116 frames.

Kopech (3-6) earned the win during Friday's 6-2 victory over Minnesota, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks with two strikeouts in five innings.

Kopech surrendered both runs on his ledger on three baserunners in the first inning, but he settled down from there to keep Minnesota off the board despite traffic on the bases. The 26-year-old has noticeably slowed since posting a 1.92 ERA in 11 games through June 12, posting a 5.74 ERA through 31.1 innings in six turns since. Combined, Kopech owns a 3.36 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 74 strikeouts in 83 innings across 17 starts at the first half's conclusion.

Urquidy (8-4) took the loss during Friday's 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Athletics, allowing three runs on six hits with nine strikeouts in six-plus innings.

Urquidy cruised through six innings before encountering trouble in the seventh, surrendering three straight hits that prompted his removal. All three runners crossed the plate, putting the 27-year-old in line for the loss as Houston was only able to muster a single run. Despite the defeat, Urquidy has surrendered three runs or fewer while pitching at least six innings in six straight starts. He concludes the first half with a 4.09 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 74 strikeouts in 94.2 innings across 17 starts.

Irvin (4-7) earned the win during Friday's 5-1 victory over Houston, allowing one run on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts in six innings.

The lefty was locked in a pitcher's duel with Jose Urquidy until Irvin surrendered a run in the fifth inning following a leadoff Chas McCormick double. Oakland eventually rallied to give the 28-year-old his second win in three starts, during which he's pitched to a 1.80 ERA across 20 innings. Irvin concludes the first half on a high note and possesses a 3.21 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 62 strikeouts in 95.1 innings across 16 starts.

Wells (7-5) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over 5.2 frames Friday, striking out six and taking a loss against the Rays.

Wells turned in three scoreless innings to begin the contest before Yu Chang hit his first of two RBI doubles in the fourth. The 6-foot-8 righty has allowed three runs in each of his last two outings after yielding a combined three runs over his previous four. He's now sporting a 3.38 ERA with a 59:21 K:BB through 85.1 frames.

Bradley will join Triple-A Durham after his appearance at the Futures Game on Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley has been dominant through 16 starts for Double-A Montgomery, cruising to a 1.70 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He backed those numbers up with a 30.9 percent strikeout rate and 6.3 percent walk rate. Once he reaches the doorstep of the majors, a late-season call-up can't be ruled out, but he's just 21 years old and isn't yet on the 40-man roster, so a 2023 debut is more likely.

Faedo (hip) won't pitch at Triple-A Toledo this weekend as originally planned due to continued discomfort, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Faedo has been dealing with a hip issue since last week but was initially slated to pitch in the minors this weekend. However, he'll visit specialists in the near future to help determine the nature and severity of the injury. Manager A.J. Hinch said Friday that he isn't sure how serious the issue is but said that it isn't a good sign that he'll need to visit specialists, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Whitlock (hip) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Whitlock served mainly as a starter for the Red Sox early in the season, posting a 3.51 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 48.2 innings over 13 appearances (nine starts). However, he served as a multi-inning reliever during his rehab assignment and allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out four in four innings over two appearances. The right-hander will pitch out of the bullpen for Boston following his activation, which will hinder his fantasy value since he isn't expected to be a regular part of the team's ninth-inning mix. Whitlock will be one of the top options to fill in as a starter if needed.