MLB Player News

Ashcraft (4-3) allowed five runs on eight hits and a walk over 5.1 innings Friday, striking out three and earning a win over the Dodgers.

It wasn't a very sharp outing, but Cincinnati's offense did enough to lift Ashcraft to a victory. Most of the damage came during a four-run second inning before Will Smith belted a solo shot in the fifth. Ashcraft has allowed at least three runs while going fewer than six innings in four straight starts, resulting in a 6.52 ERA during that span. His season ERA is up to 4.67 with a 43:19 K:BB through 10 starts. He's currently in line for a road start against the Cubs next week.

Maeda (2-1) earned the win Friday over the Blue Jays, allowing four hits over five scoreless innings. He struck out one.

It was a strong effort from Maeda, who last pitched May 7 before going on the IL with an illness -- he was tagged for seven runs in just two innings in that start. The 36-year-old Maeda lowered his ERA to 5.80 with a 1.32 WHIP and 24:10 K:BB over eight starts (35.2 innings) this season. He's currently lined up for a road matchup with the Red Sox in his next outing.

Atlanta optioned Vines to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Vines was recalled from Triple-A on Monday to give Atlanta additional bullpen depth, and he will now head back to the minors after allowing six earned runs in three innings during Friday's loss to the Pirates. The 26-year-old righty owns a 7.82 ERA through 12.2 big-league innings but could still provide depth for the big-league staff later in the year.

Kirby (4-5) took the loss Friday against the Nationals, allowing five runs on six hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out three.

Kirby was hurt by the home-run ball Friday, with all five runs coming on a pair of long balls. The 26-year-old Kirby's hit a rough patch recently, allowing four or more runs in three of his last four outings. His ERA is up to 4.33 despite a solid 1.03 WHIP and 57:6 K:BB over 11 starts (62.1 innings). Kirby will look to get back on track in his next outing, currently lined up for next week at home against the Astros.

Mikolas and the Cardinals won't play the Cubs on Friday due to inclement weather, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The Cubs and Cardinals will make up Friday's game as part of a doubleheader July 13. Meanwhile, Mikolas' next start will be pushed back to Saturday, per Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat.

Gore (3-4) earned the win Friday over Seattle, allowing one run on four hits and one walk over seven innings. He struck out eight.

After allowing a home run to J.P. Crawford to lead off the game, Gore rebounded to blank the Mariners over his final six frames. It's the third straight quality start for Gore and the first time he's made it through seven innings this season. The 25-year-old southpaw lowered his ERA to 3.04 with a 1.29 WHIP and 62:17 K:BB over 53.1 innings. Gore will look to stay hot in his next start, currently slated for a tough road matchup in Atlanta.

Imanaga and the Cubs won't play the Cardinals on Friday due to inclement weather, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Thursday's contest will be made up as part of a doubleheader July 13, and Imanaga's next outing will be pushed back to Chicago's upcoming series in Milwaukee early next week, per Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Falter (3-2) earned the win Friday over Atlanta, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk over 7.1 innings. He struck out four.

Ronald Acuna broke up Falter's shutout bid with a three-run homer in the eighth. The southpaw has pitched into the eighth inning in back-to-back outings while delivering three straight quality starts, lowering his ERA to 3.55 with a 0.98 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB across 10 starts (58.1 innings) this season. Falter's currently lined up for a road matchup with the Blue Jays in his next outing.

Urquidy (forearm) was removed from his rehab start at Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday with an apparent injury, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Urquidy was only able to lob a warm-up pitch after receiving a visit from a trainer, causing him to be taken out of the game after 56 pitches. He appeared to be flexing his hand as he walked toward the dugout, though the Astros should offer more information on what is bothering him in the near future.

Cole (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session Saturday, Chris Kirschner of The Athleticreports.

It will be the second time Cole has faced live hitters, with his first session taking place Tuesday when he threw about 20 pitches. While Cole is eligible to return from the 60-day IL at the end of May, he'll need multiple rehab starts before joining the Yankees' rotation.