MLB Player News

Mikolas did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks over 5.2 innings in a 5-4 extra-inning win over the Pirates. He struck out four.

Mikolas surrendered runs in each of the first two innings before shutting down the Pirates over the next three frames. He found himself in some trouble again in the sixth and was pulled with two outs and runners on first and third, just robbing him of his first quality start of the year. The Pirates tacked on a third run off a fielding error, but Mikolas was able to avoid a loss after the Cardinals came back to win. The seven hits and two earned runs were both season-low marks for the 34-year-old, who has gotten knocked around early on in the campaign. He now sports an 8.10 ERA and a 19:5 K:BB over 20 innings and will look to build off this outing with a tentative start against the Mariners next weekend.

Alcantara (1-2) took the loss Sunday against Arizona, allowing five runs on seven hits through six innings. He struck out nine.

Alcantara put on an impressive performance on the mound with what is easily a season-high strikeout total despite significantly worsening his earned run average since his previous outing, Alcantara couldn't work his way to a win, as the Marlins' offense was stifled by opposing pitcher Zac Gallen. With a 5.84 ERA and a 20:6 K:BB ratio over 24.2 innings pitched, the 27-year-old right-hander will look to bounce back in his next start, tentatively scheduled for the upcoming series against Cleveland.

Gallen (2-1) earned the win Sunday, allowing zero runs on two hits through 6.2 innings in a 5-0 victory over the Marlins. He struck out seven.

Gallen impressed again, looking untouchable for a second consecutive game. The 27-year-old quickly retired the first 13 Marlins batters he faced and did not allow a run throughout his 6.2 innings of work. Following this performance, Gallen has gone 13.2 innings without yielding a run and has racked up 18 strikeouts while allowing a single walk during that span. He holds a 3.33 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over 24.1 innings pitched and will look to continue this scoreless streak in his next start, tentatively scheduled this week for Arizona's upcoming series with San Diego.

Heaney allowed two hits and three walks over five shutout frames during Sunday's win over Houston. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Heaney didn't face much trouble during his five scoreless innings. He didn't allow an extra-base hit but forced just four whiffs on 88 pitches. The 31-year-old southpaw was locked into a pitcher's duel with Framber Valdez and didn't get the win because the scoreless tie wasn't broken until the seventh inning. Heaney will carry a 4.97 ERA into his next start, which is projected to be late this week at home against the Athletics.

Valdez (1-2) allowed five runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks over six innings Sunday. He struck out seven and took a loss against the Rangers.

Valdez faced little resistance from the Rangers through six shutout innings. He then allowed five straight batters to reach base in the seventh without recording an out, including one via error. He was eventually charged with five total runs after Hector Neris allowed a grand slam to Marcus Semien. Valdez forced 13 whiffs, including seven with the curveball, and improved his season K:BB to 25:8 through four outings. He's projected to start in Atlanta next week.

Greinke allowed four runs on four hits while striking out six with one walk over six innings Sunday against the Royals, but he didn't factor into the decision.

Greinke pitched six efficient innings and held the potent Atlanta offense to only four hits; however, he was tagged for three runs in the third inning and didn't factor into the decision. Despite having a solid 4.03 ERA and 17:4 K:BB over 22.1 innings pitched, the 39-year-old veteran is still winless with an 0-3 record in 2023. With the Royals ranking at the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, it may be difficult for their starting rotation to earn wins regularly. Still, Greinke will aim to achieve his first win in his next start, scheduled tentatively for the upcoming series with the Angels.

Wright did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits with three walks over 6.2 innings in the victory over the Royals. He struck out six.

Wright showcased significant improvement in his second start, limiting the Royals to two runs before exiting the game in the sixth inning. However, a two-run homer by Vinnie Pasquantino tied the game in the seventh, denying the 27-year-old his first win of the year. The right-hander's performance was an encouraging sign for the Atlanta starting rotation as he looks to return to the dominant form he displayed during the 2022 season. Wright will bring a 6.23 ERA and 1.73 WHIP into his next start, tentatively scheduled for the end of this week against Houston.

Nola (1-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks in six innings during a 14-3 victory over the Reds. He struck out four.

Nola was handed a nine-run lead after the top of the first, and the veteran right-hander took advantage by limiting damage while cruising through six innings, notching his first win and second quality start. Through four outings (21.1 innings), Nola's ERA sits at 5.91, but he has a strong 19:6 K:BB. His next start is tentatively scheduled for Philadelphia's upcoming four-game set versus Colorado.

Smyly (1-1) allowed one run on four hits and two walks over 5.2 innings Sunday, striking out three and earning a win over the Dodgers.

The only damage against Smyly on Sunday was Chris Taylor's solo shot in the third inning. After coughing up seven runs in his first outing, Smyly has allowed just two runs through 10.2 frames over his last two appearances. His ERA dropped to 4.70 with a 13:5 K:BB through his first three starts. Smyly is lined up for a rematch with the Dodgers at home next week.

Urias (3-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits and a walk over 5.2 innings Sunday against the Cubs. He struck out six and took a loss.

Urias kept the Cubs scoreless through four innings before they plated an unearned run in the fifth frame. He then unraveled in the sixth, coughing up back-to-back homers to Patrick Wisdom and Cody Bellinger. Urias had allowed just one long ball in 18 innings prior to Sunday's contest. Still, he improved his season K:BB to 26:3 with a 1.90 ERA across 23.2 frames. Urias is lined up for a rematch with the Cubs in Chicago next week.