MLB Player News

Alcantara took a no-decision after throwing six innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out two, during Friday's 8-7 win over the Royals.

Four runs through six innings may not seem like much to write home about, but that's a welcome sign for Alcantara, who had allowed 18 runs over his last three starts spanning 17 innings. The 29-year-old has had a nightmare campaign, with a 7.14 ERA that would blow his previous career-high of 4.32 from his rookie season out of the water, but it wasn't a bad start to the second half for the right-hander. He'll look to continue to build on this outing going into his next start, scheduled to be at home against the Padres.

Falter (6-5) took the loss Friday against the White Sox, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over four innings while striking out two.

Falter ran into trouble early, surrendering three runs in the opening frame, including a solo homer to Edgar Quero. He later served up another solo shot in the fourth to Luis Robert Jr., continuing a concerning trend with the long ball. The left-hander has now allowed multiple home runs in four of his last six outings, serving up nine total and pushing his ERA to 5.81 over that stretch. He'll look to get back on track the next time he takes the mound, which is scheduled for Wednesday against Detroit.

Soroka did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings in the loss to the Padres.

Soroka turned in a solid outing Friday, with the only damage coming on a second-inning sacrifice fly from Jake Cronenworth. However, a lack of offensive support from Washington's lineup once again left the right-hander without a chance at a win. Still, it was a step in the right direction for the 27-year-old, who has now allowed two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts. Soroka will carry a 5.10 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 77:21 K:BB into his next start, which is scheduled for Wednesday against the Reds.

Strider (4-7) picked up the win after throwing six shutout innings Friday, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out eight during a 7-3 win over the Yankees.

As far as starts to the second half go, it'd be hard to imagine a better one for Strider. He put up all zeros in a start for the second time this season, with the other start coming June 14 against the Rockies. That start against Colorado marked the beginning of a seven-start streak of allowing three runs or fewer that is still ongoing. Over that time, the 26-year-old is 4-2 with a 2.55 ERA and 58 strikeouts across 42.2 frames.

Cease did not factor into the decision in Friday's win against the Nationals, dealing 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing four hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts.

Cease bounced back in dominant fashion Friday, silencing the Nationals into the sixth inning while racking up double-digit strikeouts for the third time this season. The right-hander had been in a rough patch leading up to this start, posting a 6.51 ERA over 27.2 innings over his previous five appearances. While consistency has eluded the 29-year-old ace at times this year, his ability to miss bats remains intact, as he's now tallied 139 strikeouts across 108.2 innings. Cease will look to build on this performance when he takes the mound against the Marlins next week.

Rea (8-3) earned the win Friday against the Red Sox, allowing one run on four hits and four walks over five innings while recording five strikeouts.

For the fourth consecutive start, Rea earned the win and limited the damage to two or fewer runs. The only run charged to the right-hander Friday came on a third-inning RBI double by rookie Roman Anthony, but otherwise, the veteran kept Boston in check. Over this four-game win streak, the 35-year-old has quietly pieced together a 1.90 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 23.2 innings, showcasing an ability to navigate lineups with efficiency even without overpowering stuff. Rea will look to make it five straight when he takes the mound Wednesday, July 23 against Kansas City.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Friday that Greene (groin) is on track to make a rehab start in the Arizona Complex League early next week, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

The plan is for Greene to make one start in Arizona before continuing his rehab at Triple-A Louisville. The 25-year-old suffered a setback in his recovery from a strained right groin early in July. It's unclear how many rehab appearances he'll need, but he shouldn't be expected back until sometime in August.

Nola (ankle/rib) will throw 35 pitches against live hitters Saturday and throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Nola will face hitters for the first time since being placed on the injured list May 16. If all goes well in the live session and subsequent bullpen, he could embark upon a minor-league rehab assignment. Nola is expected to require multiple rehab starts before being cleared, making a mid-August return likely.

Oviedo's (lat) minor-league rehab assignment was transferred from Low-A Bradenton to Double-A Altoona on Friday.

Oviedo got up to 2.2 innings in his most recent minor-league start -- his fourth of what's expected to be a lengthy rehab assignment. He hasn't pitched for the Pirates since 2023, as he missed the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery before sustaining a strained lat during spring training.

Blackburn (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with the Mets' Florida Complex League affiliate Friday.

A previous report indicated Blackburn's rehab stint would begin at Single-A St. Lucie on Friday, but he'll get his start in the FCL instead. He's expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list in late July, and will likely fill a long relief role with the Mets' rotation nearly at full strength.