MLB Player News

Oritz allowed three earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five across 3.2 innings Friday against the Reds. He didn't factor into the decision in the Pirates' 7-5 win.

After serving as a traditional starter for his last three turns through the rotation, Ortiz worked in bulk relief Friday. The results weren't impressive after he entered the game in the second inning, and he also worked inefficiently, needing 81 pitches to get 11 outs. Since rejoining the big-league club Aug 23., Ortiz has a 5.14 ERA and 1.171 WHIP with only a 21:20 K:BB across 28 frames. He'll likely make one more appearance prior to the close of the regular season, though his exact role remains unclear.

Stone (1-1) took the loss Friday as the Dodgers fell 5-1 to the Giants, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.1 innings of relief.

He worked behind opener Caleb Ferguson, who pitched a scoreless inning. Stone ended up getting tagged for home runs by Mike Yastrzemski and Thairo Estrada, accounting for all three runs on his line. Friday marked the third time in Stone's last four outings that he has given up multiple home runs. He's now sitting on a 9.00 ERA, 1.90 WHIP and 22:13 K:BB through 31 innings over eight appearances (four starts) for the season.

Liberatore (3-6) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Friday versus the Padres.

The young lefty surrendered a two-run home run to Manny Machado in the eighth inning, ending Liberatore's eight-inning scoreless streak. He has a 5.52 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 44:24 K:BB through 58.2 innings across 19 outings (11 starts) this season.

Hudson allowed two runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out two over six innings in a no-decision versus the Padres.

Hudson threw 52 of 84 pitches for strikes and uncorked two wild pitches, but he avoided significant damage despite the heavy traffic he put on the bases. He's posted quality starts in two of his five outings in September and has given up just two home runs over 27.1 innings on the month. For the season, Hudson has a 4.95 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 42:31 K:BB through 76.1 innings over 17 appearances (11 starts). He's lined up for a road outing in Milwaukee next week to wrap up his season.

Waldron allowed a run on three hits and two walks while striking out nine over 5.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Friday.

Waldron, who's gone at least five innings in three straight starts, was impressive but didn't get enough run support to pick up the win. His lone mistake resulted in a solo home run by Masyn Winn in the sixth inning. Waldron now has a 4.58 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 29:10 K:BB through 35.1 innings across seven appearances (five starts). The right-hander is lined up for a road outing in San Francisco next week, which would likely be his last of the season.

Gipson-Long allowed a run on four hits and three walks while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision versus the Athletics on Friday.

Gipson-Long kept the scoring down but didn't have dominant stuff Friday, throwing 52 of 89 pitches for strikes. He's maintained a 2.40 ERA through 15 innings over three starts while adding a 20:6 K:BB. He's tentatively due for one more start in 2023, which is expected to come at home versus the Royals.

Waldichuk (4-8) allowed two runs on four hits and struck out seven without walking a batter over six innings to earn the win over the Tigers on Friday.

Waldichuk has two quality starts over four outings in September, and he also pitched six no-hit innings as a bulk reliever versus the Astros on Sept. 11. He's found some consistency with strong performances this month, lowering his ERA for the year to 5.29 with a 1.54 WHIP and 129:68 K:BB through 136 innings over 34 outings (21 starts). Waldichuk is likely set for one more appearance this season, which is tentatively scheduled to come on the road in Minnesota.

Walker did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over six innings against the Mets. He struck out four.

Walker pitched well enough Friday night to earn his 11th quality start. The outing was a solid return to form after he had allowed three or more runs over his four previous starts. Walker has a 4.35 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 135:65 K:BB over 165.2 innings in his first season with the Phillies. He is currently slated to make his final start of the regular season next week against the Pirates.

Megill did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk over six innings against the Phillies. He struck out six.

Megill was cruising through five scoreless innings before running out of steam in the sixth, and his potential scoreless outing was undone by a J.T. Realmuto three-run homer. The 28-year-old righty has struggled to the tune of a 4.92 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 98:56 K:BB over 119 innings this season. Megill, who has gone at least five innings in five straight starts but has just one win in that span to show for it, is currently scheduled to make his last start of the year against the Phillies at home.

Valdez (12-11) allowed seven runs (six earned) on four hits and three walks over 5.1 innings Friday, striking out 10 and taking a loss against Kansas City.

The Royals pounced on Valdez with a four-run first inning and set the tone for the rest of the game. He held them off until the sixth inning, when he was charged with three more runs. Despite the rough performance, he reached double-digit strikeouts for the fourth time this year and the second time this month. Valdez owns a 3.57 ERA in 10 starts since the beginning of August despite allowing at least six runs on three occasions during that span. He'll carry a 3.39 ERA into his final regular-season appearance, which is lined up to come in Seattle next week.