MLB Player News

Williams came away with a no-decision in Friday's 3-1 win over the Marlins, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out only one.

The veteran right-hander continues to be used very judiciously by the Nationals, but it's hard to argue with the results. Williams threw 80 pitches (46 strikes) Friday and got lifted before most Miami hitters got a third look at him, and he's completed six innings only once in his first five starts this season. Despite those limits, as well as a poor 18.8 percent strikeout rate, he's delivered a 2.70 ERA and 1.05 WHIP through 26.2 innings. He faces a tougher test in his next outing, however, which lines up for a road start next week against the Rangers.

Gil surrendered five earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six batters across five innings during Friday's loss to Milwaukee. He didn't factor into the decision.

Though he was able to limit his struggles with walking batters, Gil's five runs and six hits allowed represented season highs for the 25-year-old, who now owns a 4.01 ERA and 1.34 WHIP through five starts. He's lined up to face another high-octane offense in Baltimore on Wednesday, and he could be at risk of getting hit around again if his command doesn't improve.

Rea gave up five earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four batters across six innings during Milwaukee's win over the Yankees on Friday. He did not factor into the decision.

All five of the Yankees' runs against Rea came via the long ball, as Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo both hit solo shots in the first two innings, and Trent Grisham blasted a three-run homer in the fourth. Rea still boasts a 3.25 ERA through 27.2 innings despite his poor showing Friday, though his fantasy value could take a significant hit if he's unable to bounce back in his next start -- tentatively scheduled for Wednesday against the Rays.

Butto (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Mets fell, 4-2, to the Cardinals, giving up four runs on four hits and three walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out four.

Homers by Alec Burleson in the second inning and Willson Contreras in the third accounted for all the damage off Butto, and were the first long balls he's served up this season. The right-hander tossed 94 pitches (56 strikes) before exiting, and while his 2.86 ERA and 1.09 WHIP through 22 innings look sharp, he's walking a tightrope with his control and command -- Butto has issued at least three walks in three of his four starts, and he's hit a batter with a pitch in three straight. The 26-year-old will look for his first win of 2024 when he takes the mound next week at home against the Cubs.

Eovaldi didn't factor into the decision during Friday's victory over Cincinnati, giving up one earned run on three hits and five walks while striking out eight batters across six innings.

Coming off back-to-back losses, the 34-year-old righty found himself working from behind early after Elly De La Cruz walked and later stole home to score the first run of the game in the first inning. Eovaldi was able to regroup quickly and stifle the Reds' bats for the next five frames, though his struggles with limiting walks carried over from his previous start. He now owns a 3.00 ERA and 1.12 WHIP alongside a 36:17 K:BB through 36 innings in six games, and he'll look to pick up his second win of the season Thursday against the Nationals.

Ashcraft allowed one earned run on seven hits and no walks while striking out three batters across 6.1 innings during Friday's loss against Texas. He didn't factor into the decision.

Ashcraft needed to bounce back nicely Friday after giving up five runs to the Angels in five innings during his last start. He managed to do just that, as his lone blemish came in the second inning via an Evan Carter solo home run. A lack of production from the Reds' offense forced Ashcraft to settle for a no-decision, and he will carry a 4.40 ERA and 1.29 WHIP into his next start -- currently projected to come Wednesday in San Diego.

Eflin (1-3) took the loss Friday after surrendering five runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks while striking out four batters in six innings.

Facing a White Sox offense that sports an MLB-worst .575 OPS, Eflin had a golden opportunity to pick up his second win of the season. Instead, he gave up two runs in the first five innings before surrendering a three-run homer to Martin Maldonado in the sixth that would ensure Chicago remained in the lead for the rest of the game. Eflin now holds a 4.08 ERA and 1.19 WHIP after his rough outing and projects to make his next start Wednesday against a strong Milwaukee lineup.

Flexen (1-3) earned the win Friday against the Rays after throwing five scoreless innings while giving up two hits and three walks while striking out two batters.

Flexen's day got off to a questionable start after Yandy Diaz drove a double into center field to begin the game, but the 29-year-old pitcher then turned in his best performance of the year to secure his first win of the young season. Flexen still carries a gaudy 5.11 ERA and 1.34 WHIP on the year, but he's given up just one earned run across 11.1 frames over his last three outings. He'll have plenty of momentum on his side during his next start -- tentatively scheduled for Wednesday against the Twins.

Mikolas (2-3) picked up the win Friday, giving up two runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings in a 4-2 victory over the Mets. He struck out five without walking a batter.

The right-hander fell just short of his third quality start of the season, getting the hook in the sixth inning after 85 pitches (65 strikes) following doubles by Francisco Lindor and J.D. Martinez. Mikolas also served up a homer to light-hitting catcher Tomas Nido, the fourth long ball he's allowed in his last two starts, Mikolas will carry a 5.91 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 25:7 K:BB through 32 innings into his next outing, scheduled to come on the road next week in Detroit.

Priester struck out six and gave up three hits and one walk over six scoreless innings during Friday's 3-0 loss in San Francisco. He didn't factor in the decision.

Priester and Giants starter Kyle Harrison each delivered six shutout frames, and the game remained a scoreless tie until Patrick Bailey's walk-off homer in the ninth. Priester surrendered three homers in his season debut versus Boston last week, but he looked much better Friday with 14 whiffs on 84 pitches (58 strikes). The strong performance should give the 23-year-old another turn through the rotation while Marco Gonzales remains sidelined by a forearm injury.