MLB Player News

Blackburn (5-2) claimed a win in Friday's 5-1 win over the Angels, allowing one run on six hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings.

Blackburn worked in and out of trouble in his first start with the Mets, needing two separate inning-ending double plays to get through six frames while giving up just one run. The veteran recently came off the injured list and showed enough in his first start back with Oakland for the Mets to trade for him, and he quickly rewarded New York with a solid debut. Blackburn has quality starts in five of his 10 outings this season and will carry a 4.11 ERA into his start next week versus the Rockies at Coors Field.

Allard will serve as a bulk reliever behind opener Orion Kerkering during Saturday's game against the Mariners, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Kerkering has recorded more than three outs just three times this season, so it's likely Allard will enter Saturday's game to begin the second inning. The 26-year-old southpaw started in his Phillies debut this past Sunday against the Guardians, surrendering three earned runs in four innings while taking a no-decision.

Woo (5-1) allowed five hits and struck out six without walking a batter over seven scoreless innings to earn the win Friday over the Phillies.

It was the first time all year Woo has completed seven frames, and it was also his fifth scoreless outing in 12 starts. He also got ample run support from the Mariners, who swatted four homers and put up 10 runs in the win over the National League's top team. Woo lowered his ERA to 2.08 with a 0.87 WHIP and 43:6 K:BB through 60.2 innings this season. His next start is projected to be at home versus the Tigers.

Stone (9-5) allowed five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out five over four-plus innings to take the loss Friday versus the Athletics.

Stone gave up multiple home runs for the second start in a row, as Shea Langeliers and Seth Brown each took him deep for solo shots in the fourth inning. Stone stayed in for the fifth, but he couldn't get an out, and Joe Kelly also allowed an inherited runner to score on a two-run home run by Brent Rooker. This was the fourth time in five outings that Stone has given up at least four runs. He now has a 3.63 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 87:31 K:BB across 111.2 innings through 20 starts this year. Walker Buehler (hip) will require another rehab start, so Stone is likely to get at least one more turn through the rotation, which is tentatively projected to be at home versus the Phillies. With River Ryan pitching well in his first stint in the majors, Stone's place in the rotation over the remainder of August is up in the air.

Anderson (8-10) allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings to take the loss versus the Mets on Friday.

Anderson is now up to 10 losses in the season, making him the 12th starter this season with double-digit losses. The 2024 All-Star still carries a 3.05 ERA, which is the best of any of those starters with 10 or more losses. Anderson's recent home/away splits have been puzzling though, as he's now given up 19 runs across his last five home starts while allowing only four runs in his five most recent road starts.

Estes (5-4) allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Dodgers on Friday.

Estes was shaky early, allowing a two-run home run to Teoscar Hernandez, but he quickly settled in. The right-hander recorded 15 straight outs before walking two with two outs in the sixth inning, only to get a strikeout to avoid trouble. Estes has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his last four outings (three starts), covering 20.1 innings in that span. For the season, he has a 4.77 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 59:21 K:BB over 77.1 innings across 15 appearances (14 starts). The 22-year-old's next outing is projected to be a favorable home matchup against the White Sox.

Crawford (7-8) earned the win Friday against Texas, allowing five runs on six hits and one walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

The 28-year-old righty made his third straight start allowing five or more runs, as he was lucky to be bailed out by his offense to collect the win. Across those three outings, Crawford has yielded an incredible 12 homers, with the Rangers launching four long balls Friday night -- including two Corey Seager solo shots. Despite allowing a league-leading 26 home runs this season, Crawford has pitched to a 3.81 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 122:30 K:BB across 127.2 innings. He looks to keep the ball in the yard in his next start, currently slated to be versus the Royals on the road next week.

Ryan (7-7) earned the win Friday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over 6.1 innings. He struck out seven.

The Minnesota right-hander took care of business against a feeble Chicago lineup, picking up his first post-All-Star break win in this 103-pitch performance. The only blemish on his evening came in the third inning when Miguel Vargas launched a two-run homer to left field. Ryan has now pitched to a 3.59 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 145:23 K:BB across 133 innings this season. The 28-year-old is scheduled to make his next against the Cubs at Wrigley Field next week.

Baz allowed two runs, six hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Astros on Friday.

Baz ran into trouble in the fourth inning but otherwise worked in and out of trouble in another solid showing for the young right-hander. Baz is still looking for his first win of the season, but he's yet to allow more than three runs in any of his five starts. The 25-year-old has five or more strikeouts in four starts this season and will carry a 3.60 ERA into a matchup vs the Cardinals next week.

Kikuchi did not factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the Rays. He allowed two runs on three hits and three walks with 11 strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

Kikuchi gave up a double and home run to the first two batters he faced as a member of the Astros and then proceeded to get 17 outs while giving up one hit. The 11 strikeouts were the most by an Astros pitcher in his team debut since Gerrit Cole in 2018 and tied for the fourth most in a debut in team history. Kikuchi now has 43 strikeouts in his last five starts (26.1 innings), but he's also allowed 20 runs in that stretch.