MLB Player News

Hancock has allowed just one earned run on seven hits and recorded 13 strikeouts over nine innings across his first two starts for Double-A Arkansas.

The talented right-hander got his season started with five scoreless innings against Corpus Christi during which he recorded seven strikeouts, and he followed it up by limiting Springfield to an earned run on four hits across four frames on Friday. Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports Hancock's fastball was consistently in the 93-95 mph range and generated plenty of swings and misses in his first start, indicating the 2020 first-round pick seems to be at full strength after struggling with a right shoulder impingement and strained lat muscle in 2021 and 2022, respectively. "Big time arrow up, trending right direction, whatever you want to call it from him," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "I thought the velocity was better than what I was expecting to see. He looked very healthy."

Davis was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque by the Rockies on Sunday, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Davis is being recalled from the Isotopes to make a start against the Mariners on Sunday with German Marquez (forearm) on the injured list. The Rockies sent down Nolan Jones in a corresponding move. Davis should be stretched out for the start, but his lack of swing-and-miss stuff makes him a poor fantasy option in the short- and long-term.

Manning (foot) told reporters Sunday that he expects to start throwing again as soon as next week and hopes to return to the mound in six weeks, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Woodbery notes that Manning was in the clubhouse prior to Sunday's game against the Giants while wearing a protective boot and using a Knee Rover scooter. The right-hander broke the fifth metatarsal on his right foot during Tuesday's start, but he won't require surgery and stands a good chance to return to the mound before the summer months if there are no setbacks.

The Royals placed Bubic on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a left flexor strain.

Bubic went five innings against Atlanta on Saturday, allowing five runs on 10 hits. The left-hander will miss at least two weeks while he recovers from the strain, and Josh Taylor has been recalled from Omaha in a corresponding move.

Ragans (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits while striking out three over four innings, picking up the loss in Saturday's game against the Astros.

Ragans was forced to enter the game when starter Jon Gray was removed following a comebacker off his elbow. That's never an easy situation for a pitcher, but the 25-year-old lefty filled up the zone (40 of 55 pitches for strikes) in an effort to get quick outs and eat up as many innings as possible. "Cole did a good job for us, gave us some much needed innings," Texas manager Bruce Bochy told Kenndi Landry of MLB.com. "He did a really nice job getting us some length to the seventh inning." Gray's injury appears to be a minor one, and he could make his next start, so Ragans may not be needed for a spot start. The lefty, who was a minor-league starter, has adjusted well to a bullpen role in 2023, giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out nine over nine innings (six outings). Of note, after issuing four free passes in his first 3.1 innings, Ragans is walk-free over the last 5.2 frames.

Minnesota optioned Varland to Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Varland pitched well in his start against the Yankees on Friday by allowing three runs over six innings. However, the right-hander was sent down to the minors to make room for Brent Headrick after Headrick received a call-up from the Saints in a corresponding transaction.

Brown (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two unearned runs on five hits and one walk over seven innings in a 8-2 win over Texas. He struck out five.

Brown gave manager Dusty Baker and the Astros a second consecutive excellent start. The 24-year-old righty has given up just three runs in his last 14 innings, but none of them have been earned. Look for the Detroit native to keep getting opportunities to prove himself as Houston looks to fill the void left by Justin Verlander in free agency.

Nelson did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and zero walks over six innings against the Marlins. He struck out four.

Nelson pitched a gem, showing why Arizona picked him in the second round of the 2019 draft. The 25-year-old showed the command of a seasoned veteran, as this was the first start of his career in which he did not allow a walk. The Nevada native's next assignment will be a major test, as he'll be facing the star-studded Padres lineup at home in a few days.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that Davies (oblique) has more than a Grade 1 strain is expected to miss "several weeks."

Grade 1 strains are the least severe, but the Diamondbacks will need to cover multiple starts while Davies mends. Drey Jameson filled in for Davies last Wednesday and is expected to retain that fill-in role for the time being.

Garrett did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and one walk over 5.2 innings against Arizona. He struck out five.

Garrett allowed minimal damage in his second start of the season. This performance was a steady improvement over the 25-year-old southpaw's start last week against the Mets, when he allowed nine hits in just 4.2 innings. The jury is still out on the Alabama native, as he needs to show consistent success in order to keep getting starting opportunities.