MLB Player News

Stripling (0-2) yielded three runs on six hits and three walks over 3.2 innings Friday, striking out three and taking a loss against Houston.

Stripling was cursed by a second inning in which he allowed a two-run shot to Carlos Correa before walking in a third run. Stripling needed 82 pitches to record only 11 outs and saw his season ERA climb to 6.61. He's failed to finish five innings in three of his four outings on the year. Stripling is currently lined up to take the mound in Atlanta next week.

Urquidy (3-2) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk over seven innings Friday, striking out two and earning a win over the Blue Jays.

Urquidy kept Toronto's bats pretty quiet Friday as the only damage against him was a pair of solo homers by Bo Bichette and Danny Jansen. After starting 0-2 with a 5.14 ERA in his first four starts, the 26-year-old has won three straight starts while allowing four runs over 20 innings. He'll carry a 3.51 ERA and 29:9 K:BB into next week's projected home start against the Angels.

Hancock, the Mariners' first-round pick in the 2020 first-year player draft, fired two scoreless innings during which he issued a walk and recorded three strikeouts in High-A Everett's win over Hillsboro on Thursday.

The 21-year-old spent time with the big-league club in spring training without seeing any game action. Hancock's ability to consistently miss bats helped generate an impressive level of efficiency, as he needed a modest 31 pitches, 20 which found the strike zone, to record six outs in his pro debut. The right-hander could conceivably bump up to Double-A Arkansas in the latter portion of the minor-league season if he continues to develop favorably.

Gonzales (forearm) could advance to mound work as soon as this weekend, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Gonzales has been out for eight days with a forearm strain, which is considered mild. His return date remains unclear, but the Mariners' plans should be clarified once the lefty gets back on the mound.

Valdez (finger) threw a 20-pitch live bullpen Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

The lefty starter avoided season-ending surgery on the finger injury and has made rapid progress in his recovery, with Thursday's live session being the next step toward a return. Valdez was stellar in 2020 and, after recovering from the injury and rehabbing in the minors, will slot in as a key cog in the Houston rotation.

Arihara (finger) completed a bullpen session Thursday with no issues and will start Saturday versus the Mariners.

The 28-year-old was pushed back from Wednesday's scheduled start after receiving an injection in his right middle finger earlier in the week, but he'll only end up having his outing pushed back a few days. Arihara has a 5.76 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB through 25 innings this season, and he's surrendered 11 runs across his past two starts.

Verlander (elbow) has thrown from 90 feet and said Friday that he is feeling great, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The righty still has no timeline for his return from October 2020 Tommy John surgery, but his rehab appears to be progressing well. The upcoming free agent is intent on returning next season after making a full recovery, stating that his career is far from over and that he thinks he can get back to the pitcher he was pre-surgery.

Zulueta will undergoing season-ending knee surgery after suffering a significant injury during Wednesday's start, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

The 23-year-old was making his professional debut at Low-A Dunedin on Wednesday, and he suffered the knee injury while covering first base during the first inning. It's a tough break for Zulueta, who only recently returned from Tommy John surgery and will now have to look toward retaking the field in 2022.

Manoah allowed two hits over six scoreless innings in his debut for Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday. He struck out 12 without walking a batter.

The right-hander made it clear that his dazzling performance this spring was no fluke, as he carved up a Worcester lineup that included Jeter Downs and Jarren Duran while tossing 50 of 81 pitches for strikes. If there was one blot on his ledger it was that he plunked three batters, but it's hard to get too critical about a 6-6 hurler who isn't afraid to work inside with his high-90s heat. Between his talent and the Jays' need in the rotation, Manoah may not be long for the minors if he keeps pitching like this.

Arihara (finger) was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

An earlier report had Arihara throwing a bullpen Wednesday, but it was pushed to Thursday. If the right-hander comes out of the session without a setback, he is expected to start Saturday. If not, then Dane Dunning will start Saturday with Kyle Gibson going Sunday.