MLB Player News

Kikuchi (0-1) was charged with the loss against the Rockies on Friday, giving up four runs on six hits and a walk with three strikeouts across 5.2 innings.

After issuing a lead-off walk to start the game, Kikuchi focused his command and refrained from handing out any more free passes. The 29-year-old surrendered a pair of runs in the third inning and another two in the sixth, scattering six hits, only two of which went for extra bases (both doubles). In fact, his ability to produce weak contact means he has yet to allow any home runs so far this season. The southpaw will look to improve upon a 5.28 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in Houston on Friday.

Canning (0-2) took the loss Friday versus the Rangers, giving up four runs (one earned) on three hits and six walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings.

Canning didn't make things easier on himself, as his throwing error led to the Rangers' tying run being scored. Reliever Mike Mayers then hit Nick Solak with a pitch while the bases were loaded, allowing an inherited runner to score, which stuck Canning with the loss. The 24-year-old right-hander has a 3.14 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 14.1 innings this season. He'll hope to demonstrate better control at home against the Athletics on Wednesday.

Snell fired three scoreless innings in Friday's win against the Yankees but didn't factor into the decision. He allowed no hits and two walks while striking out five.

Even though Snell didn't allow any hits or runs Friday, he struggled a bit with his command as only 32 of his 59 pitches went for strikes. The southpaw had hoped to throw 4-to-5 innings Friday, but he was only able to last three innings as a result of his struggles to throw strikes. Snell has a 3.38 ERA and 14:4 K:BB over eight innings across his first three starts in 2020. He'll attempt to qualify for his first win on the road Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Lyles (1-1) gave up three runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 5.1 innings in a win versus the Angels on Friday.

Lyles gave up a two-run blast to Mike Trout in the first inning and an RBI single to Max Stassi in the fourth, but was otherwise effective in his second start. The 29-year-old righty has a 5.56 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 11.1 innings this year. Lyles is expected to start Wednesday at home versus the Mariners in his next outing.

Milone (1-1) fired six scoreless innings as he earned the win Friday against the Nationals. He allowed three hits and no walks while striking out three.

After a sharp no-decision his last time on the mound, Milone was rewarded with a win with Friday's performance. The Nationals' bats were quiet throughout the game, and the Orioles backed up the southpaw's outing with ample run support before he exited the game. Milone now carries a 3.21 ERA and 16:3 K:BB over 16 innings across his first three starts of 2020. The 33-year-old will attempt to replicate his results at home Friday against the Nationals.

Cease (2-1) tossed five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and five walks while striking out four to earn the win over Cleveland on Friday.

Cease was a little shaky with his command, walking the leadoff batter in four of five innings, but the five free passes didn't come around to hurt him. The 24-year-old lowered his ERA to 4.05 with a 1.50 WHIP and nine strikeouts across 13.1 innings in 2020. Friday was also the first time Cease didn't allow a homer in three starts this year. Expect the right-hander to take the mound Wednesday versus the Tigers.

Civale (1-2) took the loss Friday versus the White Sox, allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out five in seven innings.

Civale had good stuff, throwing 62 of his 97 pitches for strikes, but Cleveland gave their starter no run support. It's a recurring theme for Civale -- Cleveland has scored just five runs in his three starts this year. The 25-year-old righty has a 2.84 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 23:2 K:BB through 19 innings. He projects to start next Friday in Detroit.

Hill (shoulder) returned to the team Friday and is going through his throwing progression, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Hill has been sidelined since Monday with shoulder fatigue, but he appears to be on the right track toward a return as he was able to throw for the first time Friday. A timeline for the southpaw's return to game action hasn't been announced, but he could presumably return sometime next week if all goes well with his throwing plan.

Sandoval will start Saturday's game against the Rangers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Sandoval was rumored to be a candidate to start Saturday, but manager Joe Maddon confirmed the decision Friday. The southpaw has reportedly built up to 80-90 pitches. The 23-year-old made one start for the Angels this season before being sent back down to the alternate training site. In that appearance, he allowed one run on four hits and one walk while striking out four over four innings.

Anderson (oblique) is expected to start Saturday against Boston, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reports.

Anderson's preseason buildup was delayed by an oblique strain. He's still not ready to handle a true starter's workload, but he's expected to throw up to three innings Saturday before handing the ball to a long reliever.