MLB Player News

Waldichuk, who was originally slated for a conventional start Sunday against the Padres, will now serve as the primary pitcher behind opener Joe Boyle, who is expected to be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas, MLB.com reports.

Waldichuk served as a bulk reliever in his most recent appearance last Sunday against the Astros and turned in a gem, spinning a six-inning no-hit effort. The left-hander hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in an appearance of any kind since Aug. 1, generating a 1-0 record and 1.91 ERA over the 37.2 innings covering his subsequent seven outings. Given that Waldichuk is fully stretched out for a starter's workload, he could end up getting 5-to-6 innings Sunday, depending on how long Boyle stays in the game.

Boyle is expected to be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday to serve as the Athletics' opening pitcher in the series finale against the Padres, MLB.com reports.

Boyle was a fifth-round pick of the Reds in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft and ultimately made his way to Oakland at the trade deadline via a three-team deal that sent Jace Peterson to the Diamondbacks and Sam Moll to Cincinnati. The towering right-hander has impressed since arriving in the Athletics organization, making three starts apiece for Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas and posting a 2.16 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 46 strikeouts across 33.1 innings. However, control has been an issue at times, as Boyle has also issued 18 walks over that span. The 24-year-old most recently covered six innings for Las Vegas on Sept. 10 and could be able to offer more length than the typical opener, though he's still not expected to stay in the game long enough to qualify for the win. Ken Waldichuk, who had originally been slated to serve as a conventional starter Sunday, will now operate as a primary pitcher behind Boyle.

Shuster did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks over three innings against Miami. He struck out two.

It was a disastrous beginning for Shuster as the rookie surrendered a home run to Luis Arraez to lead off the bottom of the first followed by a three-run homer to Yuli Gurriel just three batters later. The lefty would then go 1-2-3 through the second inning before allowing a fifth run in the third, though only four of the runs were earned. In his first start since being recalled to the majors, Shuster saw his command issues resurface, and he's now allowed four earned runs in each of his last three big-league outings. He's also given up two home runs in two of his last three starts.

Miller (0-1) took the loss as the opener against the Padres on Saturday, allowing two earned runs on two hits and three walks over one inning. He struck out two.

As his final line implies, Miller's one frame had a bit of everything, and the rookie struggled with his location plenty while firing only 17 of his 33 pitches in for strikes. Miller's ERA rose to 3.42 with the rocky outing, which saw him allow three of the first four hitters he faced to reach base before he somewhat steadied with a pair of strikeouts, although those came around two walks. Miller had posted four scoreless innings with a 6:1 K:BB across his first two appearances after returning from a long stint on the injured list, so Saturday's forgettable performance may prove to be an outlier. The right-hander is expected to log several more opener assignments, at minimum, before the conclusion of the season.

Waldron (1-3) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk over 5.1 innings against the Athletics while striking out five.

Waldron allowed at least one man to reach base in all six innings in which he appeared but was mostly able to pitch his way out of trouble and keep the Padres in the game. The rookie right-hander matched his season high with five strikeouts in the contest en route to recording his first career win. He has, however, allowed at least one home run in all six of his starts this season.

Stroman struck out one and allowed a hit and an unearned run over an inning of relief in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Diamondbacks in 13 innings.

Stroman worked out of the bullpen for the second straight day, giving the righty three total innings of relief work after not pitching in a game since the end of July. Stroman was arguably the team's best starter earlier in the season, but at this point, the Cubs seem content using him as a reliever as he builds back up following the absence. He could give the rotation a boost if the team makes the playoffs, though fantasy managers may not be able to take advantage.

Ashcraft will undergo season-ending surgery on his right big toe Tuesday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Ashcraft landed on the injured list earlier this month and hoped to pitch again, but surgery obviates a return in 2023. The Reds move forward with just one pitcher from the Opening Day rotation -- Hunter Greene -- and three rookies. Ben Lively, who battled through a pectoral injury and recently returned from the COVID-19-related injured list, is also projected to start games.

Megill (8-8) took the loss Saturday as the Mets fell 3-2 to the Reds, giving up three runs (two earned) on nine hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out two.

The right-hander came one out short of his fifth quality start of the season, tossing 56 of 97 pitches for strikes in a solid effort, but New York wasn't able to supply Megill with much run support. He's allowed three runs or less in six straight starts with a 3.13 ERA, but his 1.55 WHIP and 28:15 K:BB through 31.2 innings over that stretch suggest he still has some work to do to lock down a rotation spot for 2024. Megill's next outing lines up for a road series next weekend in Philadelphia.

Bassitt did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over seven innings against Boston. He struck out five.

Bassitt got off to a strong start, retiring the first 11 batters he faced, but the Blue Jays failed to back him with any run support. The only two runs against him came via the long ball off the bat of Rafael Devers in the top of the sixth after the right-hander issued a walk to Wilyer Abreu to open the frame. Bassitt has now gone at least seven innings in three of his last four starts, posting an 18:7 K:BB over that stretch. However, he's also issued three walks in each of his last two outings.

Sale did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over six innings against Toronto. He struck out 10.

Sale shut down the Blue Jays for most of the afternoon and didn't allow a run until Vladimir Guerrero took him deep for a solo shot to lead off the bottom of the seventh. It was the lefty's first start since May 20 in which he went at least six innings, and it marked his third time this season with 10 or more strikeouts. Sale has now given up two or fewer runs in eight of his last 11 starts and has surrendered only two hits in two of his last three. On the downside, he's also issued two walks in four consecutive outings.