MLB Player News

Kaprielian allowed two earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out nine across 5.2 innings in Friday's win over the Angels. He did not factor into the decision.

Kaprielian surrendered a home run to Jose Iglesias in the third inning and a long ball to Jared Walsh in the sixth. Despite that, he left the game with the lead. The 27-year-old has a 2.53 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 12.66 K/9 through 10.2 innings. He will continue to stay in the rotation as long as Jesus Luzardo (finger) and Mike Fiers (elbow) remain out.

Gibson yielded one run on four hits and two walks over six innings in Friday's win over Houston. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Aside from an Aledmys Diaz RBI groundout in the second inning, Gibson kept the Astros pretty quiet Friday. He would've improved to 4-0 if the Rangers' bullpen didn't melt down in the eighth and allow Houston to force extra innings. Still, he lowered his season ERA to a terrific 2.24 with a 48:19 K:BB through 60.1 innings. Gibson is projected to face Seattle on the road next week.

McKenzie (1-3) was tagged with the loss Friday against the Twins after giving up six runs on two hits and five walks while fanning four across 3.1 innings.

McKenzie had massive issues finding the plate, allowing a season-high five walks while also throwing just 37 of his 72 pitches for strikes. The control woes are nothing new for the right-hander, as he has issued four or more walks in all but two starts this season while posting a 44:30 K:BB across 31.1 innings in 2021. His next start is scheduled for next week on the road against the Tigers.

Perez (2-2) earned the win Friday against the Phillies after giving up three runs on five hits and a walk while fanning seven across six innings.

Perez has pitched six innings in each of his last two outings while winning and securing a quality start in both, so it's safe to say he's now trending in the right direction following an uneven start to the campaign. He has given up two or fewer runs in six straight outings as well, and he will try to keep this impressive run going in his next turn on the rotation -- scheduled for next week at home against the Marlins.

Urena (2-4) allowed five runs on 10 hits over six innings Friday, striking out one without walking a batter and earning the win over the Royals.

Urena had allowed just two runs through five innings before an ugly sixth inning put a dent in his outing. He gave up an RBI single to Ryan O'Hearn before Michael Taylor knocked a two-run homer. Miguel Cabrera's grand slam gave Detroit the lead the next half-inning, so Urena picked up his first win since April 27. Over his last three outings, the 29-year-old has given up 11 runs while striking out just five batters in 13 innings. Urena is expected to face Cleveland at home next week.

Rodon logged six scoreless frames while striking out 13 and giving up two hits and zero walks Friday against the Yankees. He did not factor in the decision.

The 13 strikeouts were a career high for Rodon, who also happens to be in the midst of a career-best year. The Yankees were 0-for-12 with nine strikeouts against Rodon's slider. His ERA is now down to 1.27 with 62 strikeouts through 42.2 innings.

Montgomery tossed seven shutout innings Friday against the White Sox, striking out a career-high 11 batters while allowing four hits and issuing zero walks. He did not factor in the decision.

Over his last four starts, Montgomery has logged quality starts against the White Sox, Rays and Astros while getting chased early against the Orioles. This was the first time in 55 career starts that Montgomery has struck out double-digit batters and he only needed 90 pitches to accomplish the feat.

Urquidy (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday before heading out on a rehab assignment, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

He played catch Friday and is doing really well, according to pitching coach Brent Strom. It sounds like Urquidy could return to the rotation in early June.

Luzardo (finger) will throw another bullpen session Sunday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

He is with the team in Anaheim but should head out on a rehab assignment soon, possibly sometime next week. In the meantime, James Kaprielian will work as Oakland's fifth starter.

Wacha (hamstring) performed well in his throwing session against live hitters Wednesday and could be activated at some point this weekend, the Associated Press reports. "It's probably fair to assume we'd like to have him back in some scenario over this upcoming Toronto series," manager Kevin Cash said.

The right-hander had been able to throw multiple bullpen sessions since going on the injured list May 5, so Wednesday's activity versus live bats represented a more aggressive step in his recovery process. Assuming he remains free of setbacks, it appears Wacha is on the verge of activation.