MLB Player News

Williams (5-4) earned the win Sunday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over five innings against Philadelphia. He struck out one.

It was a rough start for Williams, who allowed three runs on a pair of homers in the first inning. However, he'd settle down to pitch four scoreless innings as the Nationals rallied to a 5-4 victory. The 31-year-old Williams has made it through six innings just once in his last eight outings. He now sports a 4.34 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP and 63:27 K:BB across 17 starts (85 innings) this season. Williams currently lines up for a tough home matchup with the Rangers in his next outing.

Hill (7-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks over five innings against the Brewers. He struck out eight.

All the damage against Hill came on William Contreras' three-run homer in the third inning. The 43-year-old southpaw has struggled a bit over his last four starts, pitching to a 5.48 ERA in that span. Hill now sports a 4.50 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP and 88:35 K:BB across 17 starts (94 innings) this season. Hill is currently lined up for a road matchup with the Diamondbacks in his next outing.

Painter (elbow) is expected to throw live batting practice Tuesday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The right-hander has been building up his arm in bullpen sessions over the past few weeks and has now been cleared to face live hitters. Painter could soon progress to a simulated game or a minor-league rehab assignment if all goes well during Tuesday's session.

Rea (5-4) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over 6.2 innings against the Pirates. He struck out three.

Rea was sharp Sunday, holding Pittsburgh to a pair of runs on Nick Gonzales' two-run homer in the second inning. The 33-year-old Rea has won back-to-back starts, allowing just two runs on eight hits over 13 innings in that span. His ERA is down to 4.40 with a 1.19 WHIP and 60:25 K:BB across 14 starts (75.2 innings). Rea is currently lined up for a home matchup with the Reds in his next outing.

Manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw (shoulder) made some progress during Sunday's throwing session, though a decision has yet to be made about whether the left-hander will start Monday versus the Pirates, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers have been hesitant to place Kershaw on the injured list as he manages left shoulder inflammation, but that transaction could be forced if he's unable to start on turn Monday. The beginning of the All-Star break is just one week away, which is sure to be a factor as Los Angeles makes its decision.

Irvin did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing one run on six hits and three walks over five innings against Minnesota. He struck out one.

Irvin has pitched better since he was recalled from Triple-A, working to a 3.44 ERA over his last 18.1 innings. The lone run against him Sunday came on Willi Castro's two-out double in the fifth inning. The 29-year-old Irvin is 1-3 with a 6.32 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 28:13 K:BB across 31.1 innings this season. He's currently in line for a rematch with the Twins in his next outing.

Gray did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing just two hits and three walks over six scoreless innings against the Orioles. He struck out seven.

Gray was excellent Sunday, holding the Orioles off the board for six innings. However, he'd fail to earn a win when Baltimore rallied for two runs in the eighth to hand Minnesota a 2-1 loss. After starting the year 4-0, Gray has failed to pick up a win in his last 11 starts despite pitching to a respectable 3.55 ERA in that span. Overall, Gray is 4-2 with a 2.50 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 96:36 K:BB through 17 starts (93.2 innings) this season. He's lined up for a rematch with the Orioles at home in his next outing.

Muller was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

Muller was recalled from Las Vegas on Saturday for his first big-league start in five weeks, and he'll return to the affiliate after he gave up three earned runs over five innings. The left-hander has a 7.79 ERA over 11 starts in the majors and a 6.59 ERA in six starts at Triple-A this season, so he shouldn't be on the fantasy radar even if he rejoins Oakland's rotation later this summer.

Cortes (shoulder) felt good during a bullpen session Friday and is slated to toss another one Monday, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

Cortes tossed 20 pitches, most of which were fastballs and cutters, in Friday's session, which was his first since he went on the injured list June 8. The veteran hurler is trying to work his way back from a left rotator cuff strain. If Cortes continues to progress well, he could return to the Yankees rotation during the second half of July.

Whitlock was removed after one inning during his start Sunday against the Blue Jays due to right elbow tightness, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. He struck out a batter and gave up a solo home run before departing the contest.

The Red Sox will likely put Whitlock through a number of tests -- and possibly an MRI -- to confirm the severity of his injury, but given the nature of his initial diagnosis, the right-hander may face an uphill battle to make his final turn through the rotation before the All-Star break. With Tanner Houck (face) and Chris Sale (shoulder) both likely to be sidelined until August, Whitlock's injury only further depletes Boston's starting pitching depth.