MLB Player News

Sandoval (3-1) earned the win, striking out seven in 7.1 innings and allowing one run on four hits and a walk in a 4-1 victory Sunday over Oakland.

Sandoval cruised through the first seven innings, scattering two singles and needing just 82 pitches to complete the frames. In the eighth, however, he allowed a run on two hits and a walk before being removed after retiring one batter. The 25-year-old is off to a phenomenal start with a 1.79 through 40.1 innings. The one knock against him in his first six outings was a less-than-stellar 31-16 K:BB, but that rate was improved as he issued a free pass to only one batter Sunday. His next start will likely be next weekend against Toronto.

Irvin (2-2) picked up the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out four in six innings in a 4-1 defeat Sunday against the Angels.

After coming off the injured list (shoulder) to make the start, it could have been a lot worse for Irvin. He managed to pitch around trouble throughout the outing, allowing three baserunners in three different innings. The lefty has pitched at least five innings in all of his starts this season and has a 2.94 ERA. However, with 22 strikeouts and five homers allowed in 33.2 innings, there are plenty of signs that he's received more than his fair share of luck in the first quarter of the season. His next start will likely come at the end of next week against Texas.

Taillon didn't factor into the decision in a 3-1 loss to the White Sox in Game 1 of a doubleheader Sunday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in seven innings.

Taillon had his best stuff working Sunday, limiting the damage to one run on three hits in the fourth inning, and he responded by retiring the next 10 White Sox. The 94 pitches and seven strikeouts both represent season highs, while more strikeouts should be in store as the 30-year-old is at 7.2 K/9 this season compared to an 8.2 mark in his career. Taillon is scheduled to take the mound again next weekend against the Rays.

Cueto didn't factor into the decision during a 3-1 victory over the Yankees in Game 1 of a doubleheader Sunday, allowing six hits and two walks with five strikeouts in six scoreless innings.

After escaping a two-on, one-out jam in the first inning, Cueto cruised through the next five frames and was in line for his first win until New York tied the game in the eighth. Through two starts with Chicago, Cueto has fired 12 scoreless innings while surrendering only 10 baserunners along with 12 strikeouts. The 36-year-old will look to keep the momentum rolling in his next start, projected to come over the weekend against the Cubs.

Urquidy (4-1) earned the win during Sunday's 5-2 victory over Texas, allowing one run on six hits and a walk with 10 strikeouts in 6.2 innings.

Urquidy was dominant all game and made only one mistake that resulted in a Mitch Garver solo home run. The big developments here are the 20 swinging strikes and 10 strikeouts, as the 26-year-old had only recorded a total of 20 whiffs during his first 33.1 innings across seven turns. He'll look to keep the hot hand going against Seattle next weekend.

Paxton (elbow) has resumed playing catch from 60 feet, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Paxton has been on the 60-day injured list since mid-March as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in April of 2021. The southpaw was still dealing with elbow soreness in early May, but it's encouraging that he's now throwing off flat ground. Paxton still has to ramp up his intensity and pitch count, and it's not yet clear when he'll be in the mix to return to game action.

Skubal (lower leg) has a bruise on his left shin but is scheduled to make his next turn through the rotation Thursday against the Guardians, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old had Friday's start cut short after being struck by a line drive, but the injury appears to be a minor concern. Skubal still finished with five shutout innings and has a 21:5 K:BB and 0.83 WHIP over 18 scoreless frames in his past three outings. The lefty will still receive an extra day between starts to rest up, so he'll take on Cleveland at home rather than pitching Wednesday at Minnesota.

McCullers (forearm) threw 10 pitches off flat ground Sunday before tossing an additional 10 pitches off the mound about 1-to-2 feet in front of the rubber, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The second part of the throwing workout barely qualifies as a bullpen session, but the activity marks a step forward for McCullers nonetheless as he works his way back from the forearm injury he suffered during the Astros' 2021 playoff run. McCullers noted that he kept his velocity around 90 miles per hour during the light mound work, but he plans to gradually increase both the intensity and number of pitches he throws in subsequent bullpen sessions. First, McCullers plans to throw off flat ground at 90 feet again Monday before potentially getting back on the mound again later in the week. He still looks to be a month or more away from returning from the 60-day injured list.

Montas said he isn't experiencing any pain in his hand and played catch Sunday, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The 29-year-old exited Saturday's start after being struck by a comebacker on his right hand, but X-rays came back negative and there doesn't appear to be any residual soreness. Montas appears on track for his next turn through the rotation, though his ability to complete a bullpen in the next couple days will be the final hurdle before he's fully cleared.

Watkins had X-rays come back negative and was diagnosed with a bruised right forearm after exiting Sunday's start against the Rays, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The right-hander was struck in the right forearm by a 105.9 mile-per-hour comebacker during the first inning Sunday, and he left the contest after facing only three batters. Watkins allowed three earned runs on three hits without recording an out, and he should be considered day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated.