MLB Player News

Ashcraft (4-4) took the loss Wednesday as the Reds were downed 6-1 by the Pirates, surrendering six runs on nine hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out three.

Making his first start in the big leagues since June 5, Ashcraft served up a solo shot to Rowdy Tellez in the fourth inning and a two-run blast to Andrew McCutchen in the fifth. The right-hander has been touched up for 11 long balls in 67.2 innings with Cincinnati this season, helping to fuel his 5.45 ERA. It's not clear how long Nick Lodolo will be sidelined with a blister, but the Reds don't seem to have a better option for his rotation spot. Assuming he gets another start, Ashcraft's homer issues will make him a very risky fantasy play in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road early next week in Yankee Stadium.

Bloss (shoulder) was spotted playing catch on the field Wednesday prior to the Astros' game against the Rockies, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The Astros had initially planned for Bloss to resume playing catch Friday, but he was able to perform the activity a little sooner than expected. He indicated that all was fine with his right shoulder following the workout, but the real test for Bloss will come once he gets back on the mound and throws at full velocity. The rookie could play catch on a few more occasions before the Astros are comfortable clearing him for bullpen sessions.

Atlanta appointed Elder as the 27th man for Wednesday's doubleheader, and he'll start Game 2 against the Cardinals.

The right-hander was previously announced as the starter for Wednesday's nightcap, and he's now officially been added to the roster. Elder has struggled in his five starts for Atlanta this season with a 6.46 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and 19:11 K:BB across 23.2 innings. He'll likely be sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett following the contest.

The Giants selected Birdsong's contract from Triple-A Sacramento ahead of his start Wednesday versus the Cubs, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Birdsong earned a promotion to Triple-A in mid-June after putting up a 2.05 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with Double-A Richmond, and he'll now be launched into the majors due to the Giants' injury situation. Mason Black was optioned to Sacramento in a corresponding move, and Raymond Burgos was DFA'd to create a 40-man roster spot.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Wednesday that Clevinger (elbow) will make another rehab start with Triple-A Charlotte, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.comreports.

The veteran right-hander threw 71 pitchers over 4.2 innings during his third rehab outing Sunday, and he'll continue building up his workload at Triple-A. Assuming that next outing goes well, Clevinger could step into Chicago's rotation during the first week of July.

The Giants optioned Black to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Black was recalled from Sacramento ahead of Tuesday's contest, but he will now return to the minors without appearing in a game. The 24-year-old right-hander owns an 8.79 ERA and 1.95 WHIP in 14.1 innings with the Giants this season, but the lack of depth in San Francisco's rotation could allow him to return to the majors if needed for a spot start. Hayden Birdsong was selected from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Gibson (5-3) allowed four runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four over four innings to take the loss versus Atlanta in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Gibson made his first start since June 14 -- a stint on the bereavement list, a bout of back tightness and a rainout combined to keep him out of game action for 12 days. He wasn't sharp, throwing 50 of 87 pitches for strikes Wednesday, with the five walks being a season high. This was his first loss since April 13 and the first time he's given up more than three runs since May 17. Gibson has a 3.70 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 77:36 K:BB over 87.2 innings across 15 starts this season. He's projected to make his next start at Pittsburgh.

Lopez (6-2) allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out five over five innings to earn the win in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals.

By his lofty standards this season, this wasn't a great performance for Lopez, but it was still enough for his third straight win. He hadn't allowed a run over his last two starts, and he's walked multiple batters just twice in his last seven outings. The right-hander is now at a 1.70 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 81:27 K:BB through 79.1 innings over 14 starts in 2024. His next start is projected to be at home versus the Giants.

Lagrange (undisclosed) was reinstated from the 7-day injured list Saturday and made his season debut for the Yankees' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate, covering 1.2 innings and giving up one run on two hits and one walk. He struck out two.

The 21-year-old right-hander wasn't particularly sharp in his 2024 debut, but the Yankees are likely just happy to see him back on the mound again. Lagrange is expected to steadily ramp up his pitch count over his subsequent outings in the FCL before eventually advancing to Single-A Tampa later this season.

France will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Shoulder problems have kept France on the injured list at Triple-A Sugar Land since early May, and he suffered a setback in his recovery Sunday. Rather than pausing and restarting his throwing program, the 29-year-old right-hander will instead go under the knife to address the issue, putting an early end to his season. He'll finish with a 7.46 ERA and 1.70 WHIP through 25.1 innings over five major-league starts, and a timeline for his return will likely come following his procedure.