MLB Player News

Abbott (5-6) allowed one unearned run on four hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings to take the loss versus the Mariners on Monday.

Abbott was almost as sharp as opposing starter George Kirby for the first six innings, but the Reds' bullpen buckled as soon as the southpaw exited. This was Abbott's second quality start in four outings in July, and he's allowed a total of 10 runs (nine earned) over 21 innings this month. He's at a 3.89 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 90:50 K:BB through 111 innings on the season. He's projected to make his next start at St. Louis.

Freeland (2-9) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings against the Nationals. He struck out four.

Freeland was tagged early, surrendering a three-run homer to Andres Chaparro before recording an out in the first inning. The southpaw was able to grind through six innings, though he couldn't avoid being charged with his ninth loss of the season. Freeland has allowed multiple runs in each of his past 15 starts dating back to April. The veteran hurler will take a 7.28 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 83:20 K:BB across 94 innings (18 starts) into his next outing, tentatively scheduled for Sunday against the Brewers.

Alvarez did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against Colorado. He struck out two.

The southpaw ran into trouble in the third inning, loading the bases before Willi Castro cleared them with a double. Alvarez has been a steady part of Washington's rotation since the end of May, operating as both a starter and bulk reliever, but he has completed five-plus innings just once. Across 14 appearances spanning 53.1 innings, the 27-year-old owns a 2-3 record with a 4.22 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 55:25 K:BB this season. He's tentatively lined up to pitch Sunday against Arizona.

Junk (4-6) took the loss Monday, allowing six runs on five hits and three walks over four innings against Houston. He struck out three.

Junk was tagged in the second inning, surrendering all six of his runs in the frame, including a grand slam to Jeremy Pena. Monday marked Junk's second start since returning from a right shin injury, with his previous outing July 9 against Seattle going considerably better while he allowed one earned run across five innings to earn the win. The right-hander will take a 5.09 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 51:20 K:BB across 69 innings (13 starts) into his next outing, tentatively scheduled for Sunday against San Diego.

Sheehan (4-7) took the loss Monday against the Phillies, allowing six runs on eight hits and one walk in 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

Sheehan wasn't able to limit the damage when he got into trouble Monday, getting torched for four runs in the second inning and then two more in the sixth frame. The right-hander is without a quality start since June 1 in Arizona, and he matched season worsts in both hits and runs allowed Monday. Sheehan is set to close out a two-start week this weekend on the road against the Mets, holding a disappointing 5.13 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 99:27 K:BB over 87.2 innings.

Sanchez (12-4) earned the win Monday against the Dodgers, allowing three runs on seven hits and no walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out seven.

Sanchez kept a vaunted Dodgers lineup in check for one run over his first five innings, but Los Angeles chased him from the outing with a two-run sixth frame. The All-Star southpaw has been a bit erratic as of late, coughing up at least three runs in four of his last seven starts, but he has spun at least six innings while yielding two runs or fewer in the other three. Sanchez is set to bring a 2.71 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 151:25 K:BB over 132.2 innings into another tough matchup against the Yankees this weekend.

Ashcraft (9-4) took the loss against the Yankees on Monday, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits and one walk while striking out two across three innings.

Ashcraft's put the Pirates behind early after yielding four runs in the first inning, three of which came on a Jazz Chisholm homer. Ashcraft was handed a 5-4 lead by his teammates, but the left-hander gave that back to the Yankees with another four-run frame in the third. The hits and runs allowed were both career highs for Ashcraft who, despite a 4-1 record, has a 5.40 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over his last seven starts in 36.2 innings. He's lined up to face the Cubs at home this weekend.

Elder (6-6) earned the win Monday against San Diego, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk in six-plus innings. He struck out four.

Elder came out for the seventh inning Monday, but he served up a solo home run to Ty France and was promptly pulled from the outing. It was the right-hander's first quality start since June 7 versus Pittsburgh, but he hasn't given up fewer than multiple runs since May 22 against Washington. Elder is set to finish a two-start week over the weekend in Baltimore, where he'll carry a middling 4.06 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 90:33 K:BB over 108.2 innings.

Sears (2-3) took the loss Monday against Atlanta, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and no walks in five innings. He struck out three.

Sears was cruising along until Atlanta's two-run fifth inning, though one went unearned due to catcher interference by Freddy Fermin. It was still one of Sears' better outings this year, as the 30-year-old southpaw worked at least five innings while yielding one earned run or zero for the second time through five appearances. Sears is set to wrap up a two-start week this weekend in Miami, where he'll bring a 4.38 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB over 24.2 innings.

McDonald was pulled from Monday's game against the Royals due to a right elbow injury, Evan Webeck of the California Post reports.

McDonald stated after the game that he experienced some discomfort in his throwing elbow while warming up for the fifth inning, resulting in his departure. He'll undergo an MRI to determine the severity of his injury.