MLB Player News

Gray allowed one hit and one walk while striking out four over 2.1 scoreless innings in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Giants.

Gray appeared in relief of Andrew Heaney on Saturday in the former's first appearance since May 21, after he was placed on the IL with a groin strain. The right-hander certainly looked healthy, as he struck out four of the nine batters he faced. Overall, Gray is 2-2 with a 2.12 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 60:18 K:BB across 59.1 innings this year. He's currently scheduled to rejoin the rotation next week on the road versus the Dodgers.

Heaney (2-7) took the loss Saturday against the Giants, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk over 5.2 innings. He struck out five.

All three of the runs charged to Heaney came off the bat of Heliot Ramos -- the outfielder opened the scoring with a double in the first inning before adding a two-run homer in the third. The 33-year-old Heaney had earned wins in his previous two appearances (one in relief), delivering 8.1 scoreless innings in that span. Overall, he sports a 4.06 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP and 58:15 K:BB across 62 innings this season. Heaney is currently lined up for a road start next week in Seattle, though he could find himself back in the bullpen due to Jon Gray returning from the IL.

Marsh (5-3) got the win vs the Mariners on Saturday. He went five innings, giving up four runs on seven hits while striking out eight.

Marsh gave up a leadoff homer to J.P. Crawford but would settle in nicely, as he retired the next 13 batters in order. He struck out eight of those 13 hitters, which is a new season high and three away from his career high. Marsh ran into trouble in the fifth and wound up allowing four runs before being pulled, his third straight outing in which he's given up at least four earned runs. His ERA has gone from 2.72 to 4.05 over his last three starts, but he remains a key piece of the Royals' revitalized rotation this season.

Morton (3-3) took the loss Saturday against Washington, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits over five innings. He struck out three.

The Nationals got to Morton early Saturday, scoring three runs in the first two innings. The 40-year-old Morton has had a tough time with Washington this year, yielding 12 earned runs over 10.2 innings in two starts against the Nats. His ERA now sits at 4.12 on the season with a 1.30 WHIP and 68:28 K:BB across 67.2 innings. Morton will look to get back on track in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week at home versus Tampa Bay.

Gore (5-5) earned the win Saturday over Atlanta, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out seven.

Gore delivered four shutout innings before he was ultimately charged with a run in each of the fifth and sixth innings. While he failed to make it through six innings for a third straight outing, it was a solid rebound effort from Gore after he was tagged for six runs in just 4.1 innings in his last start against the Mets. Overall, the 25-year-old southpaw sports a 3.57 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP and 81:22 K:BB across 68 innings this year. Gore's currently scheduled to face the Marlins at home in his next start.

Castillo (5-7) took the loss to the Royals on Saturday, allowing five runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four over five innings.

Castillo had a tough outing as he gave up a season-high five runs in his seventh loss of the season. His offense gave him the lead two separate times Saturday, but he gave it back each time as he snapped a streak of 10 straight starts allowing two earned runs or fewer. Castillo remains one of the more consistent and durable starters in baseball; he's gone at least five innings in all of his 14 starts and will take a 3.35 ERA into his next outing.

Kershaw (shoulder) will throw a three-inning simulated game next week and then start a rehab assignment, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports Saturday.

Kershaw completed a two-inning sim game Friday -- his second simulated game of June -- and will throw another one next week before being sent off to a rehab assignment. The veteran lefty touched 90 mph Friday and is ahead of schedule in his recovery from November shoulder surgery. Still, Kershaw will likely require a handful of rehab starts before rejoining the big-league roster, making a July return feasible.

Manaea (3-3) took the loss Saturday against the Phillies in London, allowing six runs on seven hits and a walk over 3.2 innings. He struck out three.

Manaea got off to a good start Saturday, holding the Phillies to just one hit through his first three scoreless innings. However, Bryce Harper launched a home run with one out in the fourth before Philadelphia rallied for five runs with two outs in the frame, forcing Manaea from the game. The left-hander's now allowed 11 earned runs over 9.1 innings in his last two starts after pitching to a 2.70 ERA over his previous seven outings. Overall, Manaea sports a 4.30 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP and 60:25 K:BB across 60.2 innings this year. He'll look to get back on track in his next start, currently scheduled for next week at home versus the Padres.

The Diamondbacks optioned Castellanos to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Castellanos was selected to the active roster Thursday, and he will now head back to the minors after giving up five earned runs in 2.1 innings during Friday's loss. He'll remain on the 40-man roster as he heads back to Triple-A, but the Diamondbacks may be hesitant to call him back up to the majors given his poor performance. Scott McGough will come up from Reno to fill the open bullpen spot.

Matz (back) will start Tuesday for Double-A Springfield, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Matz was able to get through two shutout innings on 24 pitches during his first rehab start at Triple-A on Thursday. Manager Oli Marmol said Saturday that the 33-year-old southpaw will build up to 40 pitches in his upcoming start, and the team will aim to get him up to about 75-80 pitches before returning him to the big-league rotation, making it likely he'll require at least one more rehab start after Tuesday.