MLB Player News

Lopez allowed two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over six innings in a no-decision against Washington on Thursday.

Lopez held the Nationals scoreless until the sixth inning, when CJ Abrams and Lane Thomas tagged him for back-to-back solo homers. Lopez looked like he could be on the ropes when the following two batters singled, but the right-handed hurler got out of the jam without another run scoring. That allowed him to register his seventh quality start in what has been a career-best campaign. Lopez ranks third among qualified starters with a 1.85 ERA through 63.1 innings on the season.

Vasquez allowed three runs on six hits and struck out three without walking a batter over 6.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Thursday.

Vasquez struggled early, allowing all three runs over the first two innings. Two of the runs came on solo shots by Eugenio Suarez and Gabriel Moreno in the second. This was Vasquez's second quality start of the campaign, but he's been sub-mediocre with a 5.40 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB over 33.1 innings across his seven starts so far. Joe Musgrove (elbow) is likely to be sidelined at least into July, which opens an opportunity for Vasquez or Adam Mazur to claim a spot in the rotation for a longer run. Vasquez should get at least one more chance to audition versus the Athletics at home next week, and his stay in the majors could be longer if Yu Darvish (groin) isn't able to return when first eligible June 14.

Cecconi allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk and struck out three batters over 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Thursday.

Cecconi was again fine but not great in his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Reno to take Zac Gallen's (hamstring) place in the rotation. Cecconi has allowed four runs over nine innings across those two starts, and he's at a 5.66 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB through 41.1 innings over eight appearances (seven starts) this year. Gallen resumed throwing earlier in the week, but he's not eligible to return until next Friday, so Cecconi should be in line for a home start versus the Angels next week.

Gray (7-4) allowed three runs on two hits and four walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings to take the loss versus the Rockies on Thursday.

The four walks were a season high for Gray, and he also uncorked two wild pitches, one of which allowed a run to score in the fifth inning. Gray's control issues have manifested with five straight starts where he's allowed multiple walks, and he's failed to complete six innings in any of his last four outings. The right-hander is now at a 3.21 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 82:19 K:BB over 61.2 innings through 11 starts this season. Gray is projected to make his next start at home versus the Pirates.

Quantrill (5-4) allowed three hits and four walks while striking out one over five scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday over the Cardinals.

Quantrill was fortunate not to give up any runs after a less-than-sharp outing. He's walked multiple batters in five of his last six starts and nine of his 13 outings overall, including three starts with four or more walks. The right-hander is now at a 3.58 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP and 51:29 K:BB over 73 innings this season. Quantrill is projected to make his next start on the road in Minnesota.

Assad (4-2) allowed five runs on seven hits across 5.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Reds. He walked two and struck out seven.

Assad flashed his skill with the seven strikeouts, which tied for his second most in a game this year, but he was ultimately done in by a three-run Elly De La Cruz home run in the third inning. The righty still has a solid 2.74 ERA and 68 strikeouts across 69 innings this season, as he's performed well in his first extended run as a full-time starter for the Cubs. Assad will attempt to bounce back in his next scheduled start, which tentatively lines up for next week against the Rays on the road.

Musgrove has been diagnosed with a bone spur and a bone bruise in his right elbow, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Musgrove got PRP and cortisone injections with the hope of resuming throwing in two weeks. However, there is also the caveat that surgery will be required if healing does not occur. That leaves Musgrove's potential timeline to return to the mound unclear, though it would be surprising to see him back on the mound prior to the All-Star break based on this most recent news.

The Pirates placed Priester on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right lat injury, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Priester allowed four earned runs in 4.2 innings during his latest start Sunday, and he appears to have come away from the game with lat problems. His move to the IL is retroactive to Monday, so the 24-year-old righty will be eligible for activation beginning June 18. In the meantime, Justin Bruihl, who signed a big-league contract with the Pirates on Thursday, will fill the open spot on Pittsburgh's pitching staff.

Meyer will make another start at Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday, but Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said he expects the young right-hander to be back in the majors "soon," Nate Karzmer of FishonFirst.com reports.

Schumaker made the statement earlier this week during an interview on the "Fish Unfiltered" podcast. The Marlins have an opening in their rotation Saturday against the Guardians, but Roddery Munoz is expected to be called up from Jacksonville to fill the void while Meyer makes his scheduled start Friday with the Triple-A club. The 22-year-old Meyer struggled initially upon his workload-related demotion to Jacksonville back in April, but he's been better of late with a 17:4 K:BB in 11 innings covering his last three starts. Meyer hasn't gone more than four innings in any outing since the demotion as the Marlins rein in his workload in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. His starts could continue to be abbreviated when he rejoins the big club, but Meyer seems like he could be back in the majors sooner rather than later.

Munoz is likely to be recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville to start Saturday versus the Guardians, Nate Karzmer of Fishon First.com reports.

The Marlins have an opening in their rotation with No. 5 starter Sixto Sanchez (shoulder) recently going on the injured list. Munoz has collected a 5.17 ERA and 19:7 K:BB over 15.2 innings covering three starts with the Marlins this season. He was roughed up for seven runs (six earned) in 6.1 innings in his most recent start for Jacksonville against Durham on June 1, but Munoz blanked Gwinnett over eight innings in his start before that back on May 26.