MLB Player News

Giolito did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over seven innings against Minnesota. He struck out seven.

Giolito tossed a gem Thursday, allowing just two hits over seven frames. His only blemish came from a Carlos Correa solo home run in the sixth inning, which broke a streak of 13 consecutive batters retired for Giolito. Thought he handed the ball off to Reynaldo Lopez with a 2-1 lead in the eighth, Byron Buxton evened up the score with a solo homer of his own, which ultimately led to Giolito's no-decision and a White Sox defeat in extra innings. Through seven starts Giolito holds a measly 1-2 record, however, he has put up solid numbers with a 3.67 ERA and a 41:9 K/BB in 41.2 innings. Giolito has only one win on the season, but he has struck out at least five hitters in six of his seven starts.

Luzardo (2-2) allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 5.2 innings, taking the loss versus Atlanta on Thursday.

Luzardo turned in another decent effort, though the five strikeouts matched his season low. The southpaw threw 106 pitches (68 strikes), but Atlanta's offense proved to be a bit too much. His 3.66 ERA is fine, but a 1.40 WHIP and 43:14 K:BB through 39.1 innings doesn't suggest significant room for improvement unless he can start limiting baserunners better. Luzardo projects for a road start in Arizona next week.

Eflin (4-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing three hits over seven scoreless innings against the Pirates. He struck out 10.

Eflin improved on his impressive start to 2023, picking up his fourth win in five starts and blanking the Pirates. The 29-year-old went over six innings for the first time in this year and set a season high with 10 punchouts. Through 28.0 innings, Eflin holds a 2.25 ERA with a 31:3 K/BB. Though his strong start to 2023 has been unexpected given his 4.40 career ERA, it wouldn't be surprising for Eflin's success to continue considering the Rays' knack for getting the best out of pitchers.

Musgrove is having his next start pushed back from Friday to Sunday after he developed a blister on his foot, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Musgrove struggled in his previous outing and lasted only 3.1 innings, though it's unclear if that was caused by the injury. The positive news is that the issue doesn't seem likely to force him to the injured list or to miss a full turn through the rotation. Yu Darvish will now start Friday, followed by Blake Snell on Saturday.

Verlander (0-1) took the loss Thursday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over five innings against Detroit. He struck out five.

Verlander made his first start of 2023 after being held out for the first five weeks of action with a strained right shoulder. The 40-year-old struggled to get through the first inning, giving up back-to-back solo home runs to Riley Greene and Javier Baez. Outside of the two long balls, Verlander exited Thursday's outing relatively unscathed, giving up just three other hits and no additional runs. Though he managed to make it through five innings, Verlander was yanked at just 79 pitches. He'll likely continue to face some workload limitations for his next couple starts as he builds up.

Dodd (2-1) allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out one over six innings, earning the win over Miami on Thursday.

Jorge Soler accounted for the damage on Dodd's line, tagging him for a two-run home run in the first inning and an RBI double in the fifth. It was a solid outing for Dodd, who replaced Kyle Wright (shoulder) in Atlanta's rotation for this game. He owns a 6.46 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB over 15.1 innings across three starts this season, but it was confirmed that he was only used for a spot start Thursday, per Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Dodd will likely be a candidate to pitch May 16 against the Rangers, the next time Atlanta will need a fifth starter.

Rucinski (0-2) allowed five runs on four hits and five walks while striking out three over 3.2 innings, taking the loss Thursday versus the Mariners.

Rucinski opened with a pair of scoreless innings, but Taylor Trammell hit a two-run home run off the right-hander in the third. Rucinski then created a mess and allowed three runs in the fourth. The 34-year-old had a hamstring injury to start the season, and he hasn't shown much in his first two starts with a 7.71 ERA, 2.25 WHIP and 4:6 K:BB through 9.1 innings. If he gets another turn in the rotation, he's tentatively projected for a road start versus the Yankees next week.

Rodriguez (3-2) earned the win Thursday, allowing two hits and one walk over eight scoreless innings against the Mets. He struck out nine.

Rodriguez picked up his third win in his last four starts, fanning nine over eight scoreless innings. The 30-year-old has been off to a blazing start to 2023, holding a 1.81 ERA through six outings after finishing the last two seasons with a 4.05 and 4.74 ERA, respectively. Rodriguez has filled the role of Detroit's top arm thus far and has allowed just two runs over his last five starts (34.2 innings) while striking out 33 batters. The southpaw has also logged quality starts in four of his last five appearances and should remain a strong fantasy option until he shows otherwise.

Kirby (3-2) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out two over seven innings to earn the win Thursday over the Athletics.

It was a fifth straight quality start for Kirby, who bounced back from a tough-luck loss in his last outing versus the Phillies. While it was a solid performance, the two strikeouts were a season low for the right-hander. He's at a solid 3.11 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 26:3 K:BB across 37.2 innings over six starts, again displaying excellent control. Kirby's next start is projected to be at home versus the Rangers next week.

Teheran signed a minor-league contract Thursday with the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Teheran opted out of a previous minor-league agreement with the Padres on Tuesday, but he's back with the organization 48 hours later and could stay right on his normal rotation turn at Triple-A El Paso. The 32-year-old has struggled to a 6.84 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB through 25 innings (five starts) this season in the Pacific Coast League.