MLB Player News

Gausman did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over eight innings during an 8-3 loss to the Orioles in extras. He struck out four.

Gausman surrendered two runs in the third but was otherwise sharp while tying his season high with eight completed frames. The strong outing lowered his ERA from 3.27 to 3.14, and he sports an outstanding 81:11 K:BB through 63 innings despite tying his season low with four strikeouts Sunday. Aside from two terrible outings, Gausman has been extremely sharp this year and will look to keep up his strong play next time out, which is tentatively scheduled for the opener of a three-game set in Minnesota.

Bibee didn't factor in the decision in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Mets. He allowed two runs on seven hits with four walks and three strikeouts across six innings.

The 23-year-old threw 62 of his 99 pitches for strikes and struggled to find the zone at times with four free passes, but he was able to limit the damage to two runs. It's the second time in five starts Bibee has walked four batters, but he hasn't issued a single walk in his other three outings. He's off to a strong start in his first taste of the big leagues with a 3.18 ERA and 25:8 K:BB over 28.1 frames.

Gray (4-5) earned the win Sunday, allowing one run on three hits and six walks over five innings during a 6-4 win over Detroit. He struck out two.

Gray had allowed multiple walks in seven of his first nine starts this year, but his six free passes Sunday were a season high. He tied his season low with five completed innings but still earned the win thanks to an early lead. Gray's ERA has dropped to 2.65, but his 47:28 K:BB over 57.2 innings is trending in the wrong direction. Still, the right-hander remains locked in at the top of the Nationals' rotation and is projected to pitch again in Kansas City next weekend.

Wentz (1-4) took the loss Sunday, allowing six runs on 10 hits over two innings during a 6-4 loss to Washington. He struck out one and didn't issue a walk.

Wentz was pulled in the third for a second consecutive start and has allowed nine runs on 16 hits during that stretch. Sunday's outing marked the fourth time the 25-year-old has allowed at least five runs this season, and he currently holds a 7.45 ERA over 38.2 innings. He was much better in limited work last year, posting a 3.03 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across seven starts (32.2 innings), but he's yet to find a groove in 2023.

Shuster (1-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing one run on one hit and one walk over six innings in a 3-2 win over the Mariners. He struck out seven.

The only hit Shuster allowed through a career-high six innings was a solo home run to Jarred Kelenic in the second. It was by far the rookie's best start of his short career, as he lowered his ERA from 7.24 to 5.49 and recorded a season-high seven strikeouts. Shuster figures to see plenty of work at the big-league level with Kyle Wright (shoulder) and Max Fried (forearm) not expected back from the injured list until July, especially if he continues to pitch like he did Sunday. The 2020 first-round pick's next start is scheduled during a four-game set versus the Phillies.

Webb has some lingering soreness in his back Sunday, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The right-hander was pulled from Saturday's start against the Marlins after six innings with lower-back tightness, and he's experiencing some soreness a day later. Webb has yet to be sent for an MRI, and manager Gabe Kapler said "we're just not sure yet" if the imaging is necessary. The 26-year-old's availability for his next turn through the rotation remains up in the air as he continues to be evaluated.

Kirby (5-3) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk over seven innings during a 3-2 loss to Atlanta. He struck out six.

Kirby allowed a run in the first, third and sixth en route to taking the loss but still completed at least seven innings for the fourth time over his past five outings. He also extended his quality-start streak to eight consecutive contests and currently holds a 2.62 ERA and 47:5 K:BB over 58.1 innings. Kirby will look to stay sharp during his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for the first contest of a three-game weekend set versus Pittsburgh.

Blackburn (finger), who allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits and a walk while recording one strikeout over 3.2 innings in his most recent rehab start for Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, will toe the rubber for the Aviators again Wednesday, the team's official site reports.

Blackburn hasn't inspired any confidence during his time down on the farm, as he's pitched to a 9.69 ERA across 13 innings over five starts between Single-A Stockton and Las Vegas. The right-hander, a 2022 All-Star selection, did come out of Friday's start without any finger-related issues, but it seems fairly clear the Athletics are more concerned about his string of poor performances at the moment and therefore are affording him at least one more opportunity work out the kinks.

General manager Ben Cherington said Sunday the Pirates have yet to decide if Velasquez (elbow) will require a second minor-league rehab start, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander made his first rehab outing with Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday and threw 63 pitches across 4.2 scoreless innings. Velasquez has been on the shelf with elbow inflammation since May 5, and Pittsburgh could want to see another start in the minors in order to further build up his workload before re-inserting him into the big-league rotation.

Manager Alex Cora said Sunday "there's a good chance" Whitlock (elbow) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Saturday against the Diamondbacks, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 26-year-old made his second rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday and threw 79 pitches across 4.2 scoreless frames, lining him up to rejoin the big-league rotation next weekend in Arizona. Whitlock is nearly built up to a full starter's workload, so any limitations in his first start back with the Red Sox should be minor.