MLB Player News

Elder didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays, giving up two runs on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out three.

The young right-hander continues to give Atlanta some stability at the back of its injury-wracked rotation. Elder has allowed two runs or less in four of his last five starts, and through 46.1 innings this season he sports a 1.94 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 39:14 K:BB. He'll look to get back in the win column in his next outing, likely to come at home next weekend against the Mariners.

Wesneski (2-2) took the loss Saturday, surrendering seven runs on seven hits -- including four home runs -- and a walk over five innings as the Cubs were routed 11-1 by the Twins. He struck out five.

Alex Kirilloff's solo shot in the first inning set the tone for the Cubs' disastrous afternoon, as Wesneski served up multiple long balls for the first time since his opening start of the season. The right-hander has now been tagged for 10 homers in 39.1 innings, fueling a 5.03 ERA that doesn't match his otherwise decent 1.32 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB. He didn't have significant trouble keeping the ball in the park in the minors, so it's possible his luck will shift for the better as the campaign progresses, but his lack of dominance gives Wesneski little margin for error. His next outing will likely come on the road next weekend in Philadelphia.

Houser allowed three runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out two batters over four-plus innings in a no-decision against Kansas City on Saturday.

Houser was somewhat fortunate to have escaped the outing with just three runs on his ledger, as he allowed multiple baserunners in each of his four full frames. The right-hander remained in the contest to begin the fifth but was yanked after surrendering a leadoff solo homer to Salvador Perez. Houser didn't fool many batters with just five swinging strikes, and he needed 88 pitches to get just 12 outs. He'll likely remain in the rotation for the time being, though he's failed to impress through his first two starts, allowing five runs and 15 hits over 8.2 frames.

Contreras (3-4) took the loss against Baltimore on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out one batter.

Contreras didn't allow more than one hit in any inning Saturday, but he was dinged for a pair of solo homers to account for the two runs against him. Meanwhile, a trio of Baltimore pitchers held Pittsburgh to three hits and no runs, resulting in Contreras being saddled with a tough-luck loss. The right-hander nonetheless finished with his fourth quality start of the campaign despite notching a season-low one punchout. Contreras has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his eight starts, but a few rough outings have put his season ERA at a less-than-inspiring 4.40.

Matz did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing three runs on eight hits and one walk over 5.1 innings against Boston. He struck out four.

Though Matz was tagged for eight hits, the most he's given up since April 10, he managed to keep the ball in the park, allowing no home runs for just the second time this season. The veteran southpaw has yet to earn a win in 2023 while holding a 5.63 ERA and a 2.3 K/BB. He may have to wait one more start to pick up the elusive victory, as Matz is tentatively scheduled for a matchup with the Dodgers, who are scoring 5.44 runs per game this season and boast the fourth-best record in MLB.

Suarez allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four over four innings in a no-decision during Saturday's 7-4 win over the Rockies.

Suarez missed six weeks with a left elbow strain, and he was limited to 72 pitches (44 strikes) in his season debut. He left with the Phillies up by a run, but the short start meant that Suarez was not eligible for the win. The southpaw was solid in 2022 with a 3.65 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 129:58 K:BB across 155.1 innings over 29 starts. He may need another outing or two to get his pitch count up, but he should be a fixture in the Phillies' rotation if he stays healthy. Suarez is projected for a home start versus the Cubs next week.

Gallen (6-1) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six over 7.2 innings to earn the win over the Giants on Saturday.

Gallen had another excellent start in his longest outing of the year. He threw 66 of 97 pitches for strikes en route to earning his sixth win in his last seven starts. After a shaky first two starts of the year, Gallen has rebounded to his full potential. He has a 2.35 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 70:8 K:BB across 57.1 innings through nine outings overall. The Arizona ace is projected to make his next start on the road in Pittsburgh.

Musgrove (1-1) allowed four runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings, taking the loss Saturday versus the Dodgers.

J.D. Martinez took Musgrove deep for a three-run home run in the first inning, and Will Smith added an RBI single in the third to close out the scoring. This was Musgrove's longest outing so far, and he threw 61 of 97 pitches for strikes despite some lackluster control. He's at a 6.63 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 19:8 K:BB across 19 innings through four starts. The right-hander is projected for a home start versus the Red Sox next weekend.

Urias (5-3) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out four without walking a batter to earn the win Saturday over the Padres.

Urias completed seven innings for just the second time this year, and those two games have been his best of the season. He limited the damage to solo home runs by Juan Soto and Ha-Seong Kim, both of which came in the first two innings. Urias has quality starts in five of his nine outings this season, pitching to a 3.61 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 52:9 K:BB across 52.1 frames. He's tentatively projected to make his next start on the road in St. Louis.

Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters that Feltner is under observation at the hospital and being evaluated after being hit in the head by a line drive during Saturday's game against the Phillies, Jenny Cavnar of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain reports.

Black also mentioned that the team will receive more information on Feltner's status in the morning. The injury occurred when Nick Castellanos hit a line shot that directly connected with Feltner's head in the second inning, and while he did walk off under his own power with trainers, he was unable to continue. The right-hander will likely need to clear the concussion protocol before returning to action and could be headed for the injured list.