MLB Player News

Kikuchi (4-8) took the loss Friday as the Blue Jays were routed 16-5 by the Yankees, giving up four runs on four hits and a walk over five-plus innings. He struck out seven.

The southpaw was sharp to begin the game and actually took a 3-1 lead into the top of the sixth inning, but after allowing two straight singles to open the frame, Juan Soto flipped the script with a three-run blast that chased Kikuchi from the game. Kikuchi has been tagged for 13 runs in only 11 innings over his last three starts, inflating his ERA to 4.18 with a 1.31 WHIP and 93:21 K:BB through 88.1 innings. He'll look to turn things around in his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Astros.

Stroman came away with a no-decision in Friday's 16-5 rout of the Blue Jays, giving up three runs on five hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

The veteran right-hander made his big-league debut with the Jays in 2014 and had trouble keeping his composure in his return to Toronto, getting the hook after 88 pitches (52 strikes) and not sticking around long enough to benefit from a season-best offensive explosion by the Yankees. Stroman completed six innings only once in five June starts, but on the year he still sports a 3.29 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 70:43 K:BB through 95.2 innings. He'll look to bounce back in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next week against the Reds.

Plesac yielded two runs on a hit and four walks over 2.2 innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out three during the win over Detroit.

Plesac retired eight straight batters to begin the game before unraveling in the third inning. With two outs in the frame, he put five straight runners on base and walked in a pair of runs. He posted a quality start in his season debut but has been tagged with eight runs in six frames over his last two outings, shooting his season ERA up to 8.25. As things stand, Plesac is lined up to start in Oakland next week, but it's unclear if he'll get another turn in the rotation.

Maeda allowed two runs on six hits and a walk over 5.1 innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out four during the loss to the Angels.

Maeda was tagged with a two-run shot by Luis Rengifo in the first inning but settled in for a solid outing. In six starts since returning from the injured list, Maeda has registered a 4.71 ERA. That's helped lower his season mark to 5.76 alongside a 45:19 K:BB through 59.1 frames. Maeda hasn't earned a win since May 24 and hasn't finished at least six innings since May 1. He's in line for a road start against his former team, the Twins, next week.

Montas (3-6) allowed a run on two hits and three walks over six innings Friday, striking out five and taking a loss against St. Louis.

Montas gave up an RBI sacrifice fly to Alec Burleson in the third inning but otherwise didn't face too much trouble. However, the Reds were shut out by the Cardinals and Montas was stuck with the loss. He generated 17 whiffs, his second-highest total of the year. He's produced back-to-back quality starts and has three in five outings this month. Montas lowered his season ERA to 4.23 with a 58:30 K:BB through 72.1 innings. His next start is projected to be on the road against the Yankees.

Thorpe (2-1) earned the win Friday versus Colorado, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out four.

The Chicago right-hander shined in this outing, allowing just three baserunners en route to his second straight quality start. The only blemish on Thorpe's performance was a two-run homer allowed to Brenton Doyle in the sixth inning. Over his first four career starts, the White Sox rookie sports a 4.43 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 13:12 K:BB across 20.1 innings. He's currently slated to make his next appearance against the Guardians in Cleveland.

Hudson (2-11) took the loss Friday versus the White Sox, allowing five runs on six hits and five walks over five innings. He struck out three.

The Colorado righty failed to find the strike zone, as his five free passes matched a season worst previously matched April 13 and June 16. Hudson finishes off a poor June, during which he made five starts, going 0-4 with a 7.77 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 13:14 K:BB across 24.1 innings. Things don't get much easier for him, as he's currently scheduled to face the Brewers -- a team collectively sporting a 113 wRC+ against righties -- at home in his next outing.

Taillon (4-4) allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk over six innings Friday, striking out five and taking a loss against Milwaukee.

Taillon worked through three shutout frames before coughing up a grand slam to Jackson Chourio in the fourth inning. Taillon is now 1-2 over his last four starts despite registering a 2.16 ERA during that stretch. He's given up three or fewer earned runs in all but one of his 13 starts this season. Taillon owns a strong 3.03 ERA with a 58:17 K:BB through 74.1 frames this season. He's projected to face the Phillies at home next week.

McKenzie (3-5) took the loss Friday in Kansas City, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks over 2.1 innings with three strikeouts.

The Cleveland right-hander closed out a tough month with this performance, failing to pitch past the third inning for the third consecutive start. Over five June starts, McKenzie posted a 9.33 ERA, 2.13 WHIP and 19:15 K:BB across 18.1 innings. The 26-year-old is currently scheduled to face the White Sox at home in his next outing.

Rea (7-2) yielded two runs on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings Friday, striking out eight and earning a win over the Cubs.

Rea looked strong aside from a speed bump in the fourth inning. He gave up a solo shot to Seiya Suzuki before Dansby Swanson drove in another run. Rea set new season highs with eight strikeouts and 15 whiffs, including six via the sinker. He hasn't lost a start since May 19; in seven outings since then, he's 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA. Rea is now sporting a 3.61 ERA and 62:28 K:BB through 87.1 innings. His next start is projected to be in Colorado.