MLB Player News

Freeland (1-4) took the loss during Friday's 14-10 defeat at the hands of the Royals, allowing eight runs (six earned) on 12 hits and two walks in 4.2 innings. He failed to record a strikeout.

Freeland got himself down 2-0 two batters into the game before permitting four more runs in the third and two in the fifth. The 28-year-old had pitched well prior to Friday -- surrendering four runs in 23 innings across his last four turns -- though he failed to record a strikeout and only induced two swinging strikes. Freeland will look to get back on track against San Francisco early next week.

Keller fell to 0-5 on the season after allowing five runs in 4.2 innings Friday against the Reds. He struck out just two batters while walking two and allowing five hits.

Keller generated some sleeper buzz over the winter after increasing his velocity, but the results have unfortunately been more of the same. He's now allowed at least four runs while failing to finish five innings in five of his first seven starts. He managed just a pair of scoreless innings this time around before allowing two runs in the third, one in the fourth and two more in the fifth. It's hard to see things suddenly changing in his next trip to the mound, when he'll carry his 6.61 ERA and 1.53 WHIP to Wrigley Field.

Mahle (2-4) earned a win and a quality start Friday against the Pirates, striking out eight batters across six innings while allowing two runs on five hits and a walk.

It was a refreshingly strong performance from Mahle, who hadn't recorded a quality start in any of his first seven starts of the year. He allowed one run on a Ben Gamel solo shot in the first inning and another on a Ke'Bryan Hayes double in the third, but it was on the whole a very encouraging performance from the right-hander. That follows a start his last time out in which he allowed two runs on just one hit across five frames, though that outing also came against the Pirates. Whether or not he can keep that momentum going against a tougher opponent Wednesday in Cleveland remains to be seen.

Gray fell to 4-3 on the season Friday against the Astros, allowing six runs on six hits across six innings while striking out five batters and walking two.

Almost all the damage the Astros did came in the first inning, a frame in which they homered twice and crossed the plate five times. Gray was allowed to remain in the game and threw five good innings after that, allowing just one more run on a Yordan Alvarez homer. It's not an outing that will have helped out any fantasy teams, but the ability to rebound at least represents an encouraging sign for the 24-year-old righty. He'll look to pitch well from the start his next time out, which lines up to come Wednesday against the Marlins.

Lopez did not factor into the decision Friday against the Brewers despite striking out 11 batters while allowing one run on three hits and no walks across seven innings.

Lopez gave up a leadoff homer to Kolten Wong to start the game before settling in for seven dominant frames. Unfortunately for him and the Marlins, Corbin Burnes was just as good for the visitors, allowing just one run in seven innings as well. While it wasn't good enough for a win, it was still another dominant showing from Lopez, who now owns a 1.05 ERA through seven starts. He'll look to keep the remarkable start going Wednesday against Washington.

Webb (5-1) allowed one run on three hits and three walks over six innings Friday, striking out one batter and picking up a win over the Cardinals.

Webb gave up an RBI groundout to Paul Goldschmidt in the first innings before shutting the Cardinals down for five straight frames. It was the second time this season that he struck out only one batter, with the last one happening on April 19 when he threw just 3.2 innings. Webb is now sporting a 3.48 ERA with a 28:11 K:BB through 41.1 frames. He's expected to face the Rockies on the road next week.

Burnes threw seven innings Friday against the Marlins, striking out seven and walking none while allowing on run on five hits. He did not factor into the decision.

Burnes did his part, but so did his counterpart Pablo Lopez, who also allowed just one run in seven frames. Both pitchers' only blemishes came on solo homers, with Jesus Aguilar besting Burnes in the bottom of the third inning to level the score. The Brewers would eventually score a run in the top of the ninth to emerge 2-1 victors. Burnes, who now owns a 1.77 ERA through seven starts, lines up to face Atlanta next Wednesday.

Kershaw (pelvis) underwent an MRI on Friday which revealed no structural damage, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw landed on the injured list with right SI joint inflammation Friday, but initial reports indicate that the team believes he'll need a minimum-length absence. Tests back that up as well, so it looks as though he'll have a good chance to return before the end of the month.

Steele (thumb) felt good after throwing a bullpen session Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Steele exited his start last Sunday against the Dodgers with a sore left thumb. He felt the discomfort specifically while throwing his slider, but he was able to throw that pitch without issues Friday. The Cubs have yet to announce their starter for Sunday's series finale in Arizona, a job which could go to Steele if he's cleared to pitch.

Overton will remain in Cincinnati's starting rotation, with his next start coming Tuesday at Cleveland, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Overton was called up in late April and has made three starts for the Reds, tallying a 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 8:6 K:BB over 17 innings. The 28-year-old will receive a longer look in the starting rotation, while Vladimir Gutierrez will shift to the bullpen.