MLB Player News

Blackburn didn't factor into the decision during Friday's 4-2 win over the Angels, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts in 4.2 innings.

Blackburn had trouble with the top of the Los Angeles order, putting on a season-high eight baserunners and ultimately falling one out short of his fifth win. The 28-year-old walked two batters for the second straight start after issuing three free passes total through his first six turns. A 2.29 FIP confirms Blackburn's 1.91 ERA, and he ranks 12th in MLB with both an 0.99 ERA and 4.86 K/BB. He lines up to face Seattle next week.

Javier (2-2) was saddled with the loss during Friday's 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Rangers, allowing one run on three hits and one walk with nine strikeouts in six innings.

Javier delivered his best start of 2022 with a 70 game score but it was spoiled by opposing starter Martin Perez's shutout. The 25-year-old posted season highs in innings (six), pitches (91) and strikeouts (nine) and rebounded nicely from a poor performance May 14 against Washington. Javier has been lights out with an 0.99 ERA when removing the Washington start and is making a strong bid to remain in the rotation once Jake Odorizzi returns from a leg injury. His next start is projected to come against Cleveland next week.

Perez (3-2) earned the win during Friday's 3-2 victory over Houston, allowing eight hits and one walk with five strikeouts in a complete-game shutout.

Perez had been pitching well lately but took his game to new heights Friday, keeping a potent Astros offense off the board in spinning just the third shutout by one pitcher of 2022. The 31-year-old tossed a season-high 108 pitches with only 13 of 73 strikes of the swinging variety; however, perhaps the most noteworthy item was manager Chris Woodward's trust after the tying run came to the plate in the ninth inning. Following two poor outings to open the season, Perez has allowed just three earned runs over his last 41.1 innings across six starts and owns a 1.64 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with a 38:12 K:BB in 49.1 innings. He'll go for an encore against Oakland next week.

Wells allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four in 4.2 innings during Friday's win over the Rays. He didn't factor into the decision.

After giving up just two runs in 11 innings over his first two starts in May, Wells has been less effective recently by allowing six runs in 8.2 innings over his last two outings. The right-hander was able to settle for the no-decision in Friday's 13-inning game, but he snapped his streak of five consecutive starts without issuing a walk. Wells projects to make his next start on the road against the Yankees on Wednesday.

Ober (groin) is expected to start Sunday's game against the Royals, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Manager Rocco Baldelli said Tuesday that Ober would return during the Twins' weekend series against the Royals, and the right-hander will ultimately take the mound in Sunday's series finale. Prior to Ober's three-week absence, he posted a 2.75 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 19.2 innings over four starts to begin the year.

Lynch (2-3) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over 3.2 innings Friday, striking out two and taking a loss against the Twins.

All the damage against Lynch came during the first two innings, including a three-run first frame by the Twins. It was his first time giving up more than three runs in an outing season his season debut on April 12. The 25-year-old southpaw has registered a 4.01 ERA through 33.2 innings this season. Lynch is lined up for a rematch in Minnesota next week.

Wacha allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings in Friday's win over Seattle. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

Wacha escaped a jam in the first inning and kept Seattle scoreless until the fifth when Abraham Toro took him deep for a two-run shot. The 30-year-old righty made his first start since May 3 after a stint on the injured list due to intercostal irritation. He's now sporting a 1.76 ERA with a 22:14 K:BB through 30.2 innings. Wacha is projected to face the White Sox on the road next week.

Ray (4-4) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over six innings Friday, striking out eight and taking a loss against Boston.

Despite the poor final line, the only damage against Ray was Trevor Story's two-out grand slam in the third inning. He's now allowed a home run in four straight starts as his ERA jumped to 4.77 through 54.2 frames this season. The 30-year-old lefty has allowed at least four runs in three of his last four outings but he's posted a 32:8 K:BB during that stretch. Ray is lined up to face Oakland at home next week.

Skubal was diagnosed with a left leg contusion after exiting Friday's game against the Guardians, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Skubal was hit by a comebacker at the end of the fifth inning Friday and immediately went to the clubhouse with a trainer after limping off the field. He'll be reevaluated by the Tigers' medical staff Saturday but should tentatively be considered day-to-day. If he's cleared to make his next turn through the rotation, he's projected to face Minnesota on the road Wednesday.

Civale exited Friday's game against the Tigers due to a left glute cramp, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Civale tweaked his glute while covering first base in the top of the seventh inning Friday, and he was immediately removed from the game. The right-hander will presumably be monitored by the team's medical staff in the coming days, but his initial diagnosis of a cramp is somewhat encouraging. If Civale is cleared to make his next turn through the rotation, he tentatively lines up to start on the road against Houston on Wednesday.