MLB Player News

Bradford did not factor into the decision in a loss to the Twins on Thursday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over six innings while striking out two.

The southpaw got tagged for a leadoff homer by Willi Castro and a Kyle Farmer triple to open the second inning, with the latter resulting in a second run for Minnesota following a fielding error by Leody Taveras. However, Bradford would then keep the Twins off the scoreboard over the next four frames before being relieved by Jose Leclerc to begin the seventh. It marked Bradford's third quality start of the campaign and his first since April 10 against the Athletics. He's allowed three or fewer runs in all three of his starts this month, posting a 14:3 K:BB over that stretch.

Ober did not factor into the decision in a win over the Rangers on Thursday, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out three.

All of the damage against Ober came in the opening frame when he allowed four of the first batters to reach base, leading to two runs coming across for Texas. The right-hander then held the Rangers scoreless over the next five frames, logging his 10th consecutive quality start. Ober has surrendered just one home run over his last four outings, though he's also issued multiple walks in four straight. Thursday's no-decision also snapped a four-game winning streak for the 29-year-old.

Pivetta (5-8) took the loss against the Orioles on Thursday, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings.

Pivetta kept the Orioles off the scoreboard for the first three innings before surrendering a two-run homer to Gunnar Henderson in the fourth and then a leadoff shot to Cedric Mullins to open the fifth. It marked the fourth consecutive start in which the right-hander has coughed up two long balls and he's also given up at least three runs in three of his last four outings. Pivetta has lost four of his last five decisions (spanning eight starts). However, he's also racked up six or more strikeouts in six of his last seven starts.

Eflin (9-7) picked up the win over the Red Sox on Thursday, allowing one run on five hits over six innings while striking out eight.

Eflin allowed hits in four of his six innings of work but managed to keep Boston's offense at bay, aside from a leadoff homer by Wilyer Abreu to open the fourth. The right-hander induced 12 whiffs on the night and racked up a season-high eight strikeouts while not issuing a free pass for the second time in his last four starts. Eflin is now 4-0 since being acquired by the Orioles, logging quality starts in all four outings. Through three starts this month he carries a 1.40 ERA to go along with a robust 18:2 K:BB.

Verlander (neck) threw 57 pitches and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out five over four innings during his rehab start with Double-A Corpus Christi on Thursday.

Verlander has now pitched seven innings across his two rehab appearances, allowing two earned runs in the process. His pitch count increased slightly from 52 pitches during his first rehab outing on Aug. 10 to 57 in Thursday's game, so he's not yet built up to a full starter's workload. The 41-year-old right-hander will be re-evaluated Friday, and if all checks out, he could make his return during Houston's upcoming series versus Boston, which begins Monday.

Spence allowed five runs on four hits over 2.2 innings in a no-decision Thursday against the Mets. He struck out one.

Spence allowed a run on a wild pitch in the second inning before surrendering four runs in the fourth, highlighted by Mark Vientos' two-run homer. However, the A's would rally to overcome the 5-0 deficit, getting Spence off the hook in an eventual 7-6 win. The 26-year-old Spence hadn't allowed more than two runs in any of his previous four starts, posting a 2.78 ERA in that span (22.2 innings). Overall, he's 7-8 on the year with a 4.64 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 87:34 K:BB across 108.2 innings. Spence will look to get back on track in his next start, currently scheduled for next week at home against Tampa Bay.

Maeda didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Seattle, allowing just one hit and one walk over 5.2 scoreless innings. He struck out five.

Maeda's certainly shown improvement since he started working in bulk relief -- he's posted a 2.84 ERA across 19 innings in his last four appearances. Overall, the veteran right-hander is 2-5 with a 6.18 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 71:25 K:BB across 90.1 innings this year. Maeada's currently slated to start next week on the road versus the Cubs, though he could work behind an opener again due to his recent success.

Miller didn't factor into the decision in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Tigers. He allowed just two hits while striking out nine over seven scoreless innings.

Miller was dominant Tuesday, though he'd ultimately come away with a no-decision after the Mariners' bullpen gave up two runs in the eighth. The 25-year-old right-hander has delivered 13 scoreless innings over his last two starts, allowing just five hits while striking out 15 in that span. Overall, Miller is 9-7 this year with a 3.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 128:31 K:BB across 139.2 innings. He'll have a tougher matchup in his next outing, currently scheduled for early next week on the road against the Dodgers.

Scherzer (shoulder) said Thursday that he's "turned a corner" and plans to throw a bullpen session Friday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Scherzer received a nerve injection which has helped him take a step forward in his recovery from right shoulder fatigue. He will have gone two weeks without any throwing, so the veteran right-hander will need a little time to be built back up. A clearer timetable for Scherzer's return could be available in the coming days.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Criswell (illness) is expected to be ready to return from the COVID-19 injured list to make a start or bulk-relief appearance Friday in Baltimore, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Friday is the first day he's eligible for activation from the COVID-19 IL. Criswell is poised to serve as the Red Sox's No. 5 starter indefinitely after James Paxton recently sustained a likely season-ending calf injury. The 28-year-old Criswell holds a 4.02 ERA and 56:17 K:BB over 71.2 innings in a swingman role for Boston this season.