MLB Player News

Houck earned the save against the Guardians on Saturday with a perfect inning of work.

Houck needed only seven pitches -- six of which were strikes -- to set the side down in order in the ninth inning. For the first time in 10 contests, the right-hander failed to record a strikeout, but that's of little concern given the results. Houck has notched a save in six of his past seven appearances and has gained a stranglehold on Boston's closer role with a 1.69 ERA and 14:1 K:BB over 10.2 innings since the start of June.

Sandoval allowed a run on eight hits and two walks with six strikeouts in five innings, taking a no-decision versus the Mariners on Saturday.

Sandoval let the second batter of the game, Julio Rodriguez, hit a solo home run, and that accounted for all of the damage on the southpaw's line. The 25-year-old was able to pitch around the other nine baserunners, throwing 62 of 95 pitches for strikes in a solid outing. Sandoval's submitted four straight starts where he's allowed two or fewer runs, lowering his season ERA to 2.63. He's added a 1.37 WHIP and 65:30 K:BB across 65 innings in 12 starts. He's projected for a tougher road start versus the Astros next weekend.

Gilbert (8-3) earned the win Saturday over the Angels. He allowed three runs on nine hits, two walks and a hit batter with seven strikeouts in 5.2 innings.

The nine hits were a season high, and two of them left the yard, making this only the second time Gilbert's given up multiple homers in a game this year. He fell one out shy of extending his streak of quality starts to eight, but he was still good enough to pick up his fourth win in his last six outings. The right-hander continues to impress with a 2.44 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 89:25 K:BB across 88.2 innings in 15 starts overall. Gilbert lines up for a favorable home start versus the Athletics next week.

Faedo allowed three runs on three hits and three walks with four strikeouts across four innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

After going at least five innings in his first seven starts, Faedo has taken a step backward with three consecutive outings falling short of that mark. The fourth inning was his problem Saturday, as he gave up a two-run home run to David Peralta and an RBI double to Daulton Varsho. Faedo now has a 4.84 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 39:17 K:BB across 48.1 innings. Two off days next week should help the Tigers' understaffed rotation, with the rookie expected to make his next start during the weekend series at home versus the Royals.

Kluber pitched 5.1 innings, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out six in Saturday's win over the Pirates. He did not factor into the decision.

Kluber was effective in this one, tossing 47 of his 63 pitches for strikes. Diego Castillo took him deep for a solo shot in the top of the third and Bryan Reynolds singled in another run later in the frame, accounting for all the damage against him. Kluber has now surrendered three or fewer runs in eight straight outings, producing a 2.70 ERA over those contests. The 36-year-old now owns a 3.45 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 66 strikeouts over 73 frames through 14 starts in 2022.

Cole (6-2) was charged with the loss after he pitched seven innings Saturday, surrendering one run on four hits and two walks while striking out eight versus the Astros.

Cole picked up a tough-luck loss after he only gave up a single run on a J.J. Matijevic solo homer in the top of the seventh inning. Unfortunately for him, the Astros tossed a combined no-hitter. Cole has now produced three straight masterful starts, surrendering just two runs over 20.1 frames while striking out 27 batters. He now owns a 2.99 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 111 punchouts over 87.1 innings in 15 starts this season.

Javier (5-3) earned the win after he pitched seven no-hit innings, giving up one walk while striking out 13 in Saturday's victory over the Yankees.

Javier was masterful in this one, registering a season-high 13 punchouts while limiting the Yankees to just a walk in what ended up being a combined no-hitter for the Astros. The 25-year-old has now rattled off three straight strong starts following a five run blow up against the Mariners on June 6, posting a 1.50 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 18 innings during that stretch. He now owns a 2.73 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 81 punchouts over 62.2 frames in 14 appearances (10 starts) this season. Javier tentatively lines up to pitch at home versus the Angels next week.

Irvin (2-5) took the loss in a defeat at the hands of the Royals on Friday, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and two walks while recording four strikeouts over 5.1 innings.

Irvin once again pitched well enough to give his team a chance at victory, but Oakland's perpetually moribund offense put together yet another lackluster performance. The veteran left-hander was essentially done in by Edward Olivares, who tagged him for a pair of solo home runs. Irvin's 3.29 ERA, when contrasted with his 2-5 record, is a testament to how much of a tough-luck season it's been for him thus far, and he'll hope for a turnaround in his fortunes when he takes the mound again in an unenviable matchup against the Yankees next week.

Greinke (1-4) allowed a run on three hits and struck out four in six innings to earn the win Friday over the Athletics.

Greinke missed a month with a right flexor strain in his elbow, but he was dominant and efficient during his two rehab assignments. That continued Friday in his return to the majors, where he threw 57 of 84 pitches for strikes to pick up his first win of the season. He now has a 4.68 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 29:10 K:BB across 57.2 innings in 11 starts. Greinke should be able to assume a full workload in his next start, which is tentatively projected for next week at home versus the Rangers.

McCullers (forearm) threw approximately 20 pitches against live hitters Saturday, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

McCullers faced live hitters for the first time Saturday, and he incorporated sinkers, cutters, changeups and a slider during the throwing session while his velocity reached 93 mph. He wasn't initially expected to throw a slider, and he's said that tossing his slider will be one of the biggest hurdles to clear in his recovery, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. The right-hander has been throwing off a mound for nearly a month and will continue to face live hitters in the near future.