MLB Player News

Meyer allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five batters over five innings in a no-decision against Baltimore on Thursday.

Meyer wasn't as good as in his one-hit, seven-strikeout performance over seven scoreless innings against Philadelphia in his previous start, but he still kept Miami firmly in the game with just two runs on his ledger. The righty hurler also once again avoided the long ball -- he hasn't surrendered a homer in any of his past five outings. That's been a massive improvement for Meyer this season, as his HR/9 currently stands at 0.4 after it was 2.0 across his first three big-league seasons. He may be in the midst of a breakout campaign, as he's posting strong numbers with a 2.79 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 45:15 K:BB through 42 innings spanning eight starts.

Painter (1-4) took the loss against the Athletics on Thursday, allowing eight runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two batters over 3.2 innings.

Painter struggled from the get-go, allowing a pair of two-run homers before he retired a batter in the game. Things didn't get much better for the rookie right-hander from there, and he was pulled already trailing 7-0 and at 88 pitches with two outs in the fourth frame. Painter has been up-and-down this season, but he hadn't previously had problems with the long ball -- in fact, the three homers he gave up Thursday matched the amount he surrendered across his first six starts combined. Still, he's given up at least three runs in all but two of his outings and holds an ugly 6.89 ERA and 1.71 WHIP through 32.2 frames. At some point his spot in Philadelphia's rotation could be in jeopardy, though the team doesn't have an obvious candidate to step into his job.

Gallen (1-3) took the loss against Pittsburgh on Thursday, pitching six innings during which he gave up four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

Gallen served up a solo homer to the second batter he faced but was able to make it through four frames with just that one run on his ledger. However, the veteran struggled late in this outing, allowing four straight batters to reach with two outs in the fifth frame to yield two runs before giving up another run on a solo homer in the sixth. Gallen was at least better than in his previous start, when he gave up six runs over 3.2 innings against the Cubs, but he's now at a mediocre 4.70 ERA with just one victory through eight starts on the season.

Keller (4-1) earned the win over Arizona on Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four batters over six innings.

Keller trailed 2-1 after three innings, but he finished his outing with a trio of scoreless frames. As usual this season, the right-hander wasn't overpowering -- he managed a modest eight whiffs and four punchouts -- but that didn't prevent him from picking up his fourth victory and sixth quality start through eight outings. Keller's advanced metrics don't pop off the page, but he's getting the job done with a 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 35:14 K:BB across 47 frames on the season. He'll draw a promising matchup in what's scheduled to be a home matchup versus Colorado his next time out.

Liberatore (2-1) allowed one run on three hits and three walks while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Padres on Thursday.

Liberatore was a little less commanding than Michael King, but the former came away with the win when the Cardinals got a go-ahead RBI triple from Masyn Winn in the top of the seventh inning. This was Liberatore's third quality start of the season, and he's won both of his outings in May while allowing just three runs over 11.2 innings. The southpaw has trimmed his ERA to 4.07 with a 1.43 WHIP and 29:16 K:BB through 42 innings over eight appearances this season. Liberatore's next start is projected to be on the road versus the Athletics.

King allowed one run on one hit and two walks while striking out six over six innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Thursday.

King's lone mistake ended up over the fence when Alec Burleson took him deep in the fourth inning. Other than that, it was an excellent performance for King, who came away with his fourth quality start of the season despite failing to get the win. The right-hander has also limited opponents to one run or fewer in four of his outings this season. He's at a 2.76 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 45:20 K:BB through 45.2 innings across eight starts. His 3.9 BB/9 is the highest of his career, while his 8.8 K/9 is his lowest since 2021, when he was still working as a reliever, but neither mark has been an issue yet. King's next start is projected to be on the road in Milwaukee.

Feltner (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is likely to begin a rehab assignment shortly, MLB.com reports.

Feltner had previously stated he didn't believe he'd need a rehab assignment, but manager Warren Schaeffer suggested otherwise Wednesday. Feltner is still on track to return at some point in May, though it could be later in the month than originally anticipated.

Irvin didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Twins, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out two.

The 29-year-old right-hander struggled Thursday, fanning a season-low two and tying a season worst in hits allowed. On a positive note, Irvin has now pitched at least five frames in six consecutive starts and seven of his eight appearances on the year. He'll take a lackluster 5.22 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 41:16 K:BB across 39.2 innings into his next outing, which is slated to come versus the Reds at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.

Lowder (shoulder) will undergo an MRI on Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Lowder was removed in the fourth inning of Thursday's game with right shoulder discomfort. Reds manager Terry Francona said he didn't believe Lowder was in a lot of discomfort, but Friday's imaging should present a clearer picture and inform the next steps for the right-hander. Lowder acknowledged that he had been dealing with something in the right shoulder, which may have impacted his previous start May 2, when he allowed eight runs over 1.1 innings.

Phillips was pressed into action Thursday against the Cubs after Rhett Lowder (shoulder) left in the fourth inning and proceeded to allow five runs on four hits and a walk in one inning.

It's tempting to give Phillips a little bit of grace given the circumstances of his entry into the game and because of a mental mistake made by catcher Tyler Stephenson that allowed the inning to continue; however, this isn't his first recent disaster outing, as he walked all four batters that he faced in an appearance last weekend. For the season he's issued 21 walks in 20 innings and thus can't be a serious candidate for saves even with closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) sidelined.