MLB Player News

Houck allowed a run on a hit and a walk in three relief innings during Sunday's loss to the Rangers.

The right-hander worked behind opener Austin Davis during Sunday's matchup, marking the fourth time he's pitched out of the bullpen in his last five appearances. Manager Alex Cora hasn't provided a clear reason for keeping Houck in a bullpen role, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him continue to work as a reliever since Michael Wacha (side) is expected to return next weekend. Houck has posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 26.2 innings over eight appearances (four starts) this season.

Perez (2-2) allowed a run on five hits and two walks while striking out seven in six innings to earn the win Sunday against the Red Sox.

Perez recorded his fifth consecutive quality start during Sunday's outing, and he picked up his second straight victory. The 31-year-old allowed seven runs (six earned) in eight innings over his first two starts of the season but has posted a 0.84 ERA in 32.1 innings over his last five outings. He projects to make his next start on the road against Houston on Friday.

Cortes (2-1) allowed one run on three hits over eight innings Sunday, striking out seven and picking up a win over the White Sox.

After carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his last start, Cortes began Sunday's game with seven shutout frames. At one point, he retired 15 consecutive batters. His shutout bid was then disrupted by Adam Engel's solo shot in the eighth. Cortes lowered his season ERA to 1.35 with a 49:11 K:BB through 40 innings. He's lined up for a rematch with the White Sox at home next weekend.

McKenzie (2-3) allowed three runs on three hits and two walks over seven innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against Minnesota.

McKenzie coughed up an RBI single to Max Kepler in the first inning followed by a pair of solo homers from Gio Urshela and Byron Buxton in the fourth and fifth frames, respectively. Prior to Sunday's outing, he had given up just one home run through 29.1 innings this season. The 24-year-old now owns a 2.97 ERA with a 34:11 K:BB on the year. McKenzie is lined up to face the Tigers at home next weekend.

Ryan (4-2) allowed one run on four hits over six innings Sunday, striking out five and earning a win over Cleveland.

Jose Ramirez's solo shot in the fourth inning was the only damage against Ryan in the strong outing. The 25-year-old righty has now allowed fewer than three runs in six of his first seven starts this season, registering a 2.39 ERA through 37.2 innings. Ryan will carry a 36:12 K:BB into his projected outing in Kansas City next weekend.

Ray (4-3) allowed five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out nine in six innings to earn the win over the Mets on Sunday.

Ray exhibited decent command in Sunday's start, tossing 63 of his 97 pitches for strikes. However, he allowed plenty of baserunners and gave up five runs over the first four innings of the game. Although the southpaw allowed at least five runs in a start for just the second time this season, he got plenty of run support from the Mariners and picked up his second consecutive win. Ray has posted a 4.62 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 48.2 innings over eight starts in 2022, and he tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against Boston on Friday.

Skubal (3-2) allowed three hits and two walks while striking out 11 in six scoreless innings to earn the win over the Orioles on Sunday.

Skubal gave up six runs (five earned) during his final start in April, but he's been dominant over his first three May outings. The southpaw has posted three consecutive quality starts, and he matched his career high with 11 strikeouts during Sunday's victory. Since the start of May, Skubal has recorded a 0.95 ERA, 25:5 K:BB and 0.89 WHIP in 19 innings. He projects to make his next start on the road against Cleveland on Saturday.

Wells (1-3) allowed three runs on eight hits and no walks while striking out two in four innings to take the loss Sunday against the Tigers.

Wells had lasted at least five innings in each of his last three starts, and he posted a 2.25 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 16 innings during that time. However, he was unable to replicate his success Sunday, and he was charged with his first loss since April 21. The 27-year-old has exhibited plenty of command recently and has now put together five straight starts without issuing a walk. Wells tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Rays on Friday.

Montas (2-4) was handed the loss during Sunday's 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Angels, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk with 12 strikeouts in six innings.

Montas was dealt what proved to be the crushing blow when Shohei Ohtani tagged him for a two-run home run in the first inning. The 29-year-old rebounded to hold Los Angeles scoreless through the remaining five innings, striking out a season-best 12 batters with an impressive 22 swinging strikes in the process. Montas has now received a total of nine runs of support during his past five starts, all Oakland losses, and will look to return to the win column with a rematch against Los Angeles scheduled for next weekend.

Sandoval (2-1) earned the win during Sunday's 4-1 victory over Oakland, allowing one run on four hits and four walks with four strikeouts in 6.1 innings.

Sandoval was spotted a two-run lead before he took the mound and cruised for the most part after escaping a bases-loaded jam in the first inning. The 25-year-old got back on track following two decent outings, though he's now walked at least three batters in three straight outings. A 3.76 xFIP compared to a 1.91 ERA indicates Sandoval has overperformed -- the main culprit being a high 10.7 percent walk rate -- though he's proven to be one of Los Angeles' best full-time starters and should continue to produce, especially with a rematch against Oakland on tap for next weekend.