MLB Player News

Luzardo didn't factor into the decision in Friday's contest between the Giants and the Athletics. He gave up six runs on nine hits -- including two home runs -- and two walks while fanning three across 3.1 innings.

Luzardo's start was pushed up to Friday and, even though the young lefty was in full rest, the decision could've impacted his performance, as he delivered his worst outing of the campaign by a wide margin. Luzardo's spot in the rotation shouldn't be at risk, however, and his next scheduled start is slated for next week at home against the Diamondbacks.

Milone (1-2) took the loss in Friday's 15-3 rout at the hands of the Nationals, coughing up six runs (three earned) on nine hits over four innings. He struck out two.

One start after holding the Nats scoreless over six innings for his first win of the year, Milone's luck reversed itself, although a Hanser Alberto error softened the blow to his ERA. The journeyman southpaw still has a respectable 4.00 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB through four starts and 18 innings, but his career track record suggests further regression is coming, and soon. Milone will next take the mound Wednesday in a home clash with the Blue Jays.

Cortes (0-1) pitched just one-third of an inning Friday, giving up eight runs (seven earned) on five hits and two walks in a loss to the Astros. He struck out one.

The Mariners' defense committed three errors in the first inning, which didn't help Cortes' cause. He got the start on short notice after Yusei Kikuchi was scratched with neck spasms. Cortes has a 15.26 ERA, 2.35 WHIP and eight strikeouts in 7.2 innings, mostly in a middle-relief role.

Lynn (3-0) allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and no walks while striking out six over nine innings as he earned the win Friday against the Rockies.

Although Lynn didn't get much help from his defense Friday, he kept the Rockies in check at Coors Field. He was dealing with a quad/groin issue for most of the game after covering first base during the first inning, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports, but given that he was able to pitch a complete game after suffering the injury, it's unlikely that it will impact his availability going forward. Lynn will look to continue his dominant season on the road Wednesday against the Padres.

Valdez (1-2) gave up a run on four hits and three walks while striking out five in six innings to earn the win Friday versus the Mariners.

The Astros gave Valdez nine runs of support in the first inning alone, covering up the lone run he allowed on a Kyle Seager sacrifice fly. Valdez has yet to allow more than three runs in any of his four appearances this year. He's at a 1.90 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 24 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. The 26-year-old will have a tough test in his next start, which is expected to be Wednesday in Colorado.

Cortes will start Friday's game against the Astros, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Yusei Kikuchi was scratched from his scheduled start with neck spasms shortly before first pitch, so Cortes will step in on short notice. The southpaw hasn't pitched more than two innings in any of his relief appearances this season, and it's unclear how big a workload he'll be able to handle in Friday's contest. Cortes carries a 7.36 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 7.1 innings to begin the season.

Kikuchi was scratched from his scheduled start Friday with neck spasms, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Kikuchi was scratched with approximately half an hour remaining until the first pitch, and Nestor Cortes will step in as an emergency starter against the Astros. The severity of the issue is unclear, and whether Kikuchi misses any additional time remains to be seen.

Odorizzi will start Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Royals on Saturday after Friday's contest was postponed, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Friday's contest was postponed due to rain, but Odorizzi will still be ready to start to open the series against Kansas City. He'll take the mound for the first of the seven-inning contests Saturday with Jose Berrios starting Game 2. Odorizzi allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two over three innings in his season debut.

Hill (shoulder) threw a 60-pitch bullpen session Friday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Hill threw five scoreless innings in his lone start of the year before landing on the injured list with shoulder soreness. The fact that he's already throwing 60 pitches seems to suggest that he'll be back soon, something he's reportedly pushing for.

Nicasio's contract was selected by the Rangers on Saturday.

The 33-year-old will be pitching in his 10th big-league season when he eventually makes his season debut. He owns a mediocre 4.64 career ERA and posted a 4.75 ERA in 47.1 innings for the Phillies last season.