MLB Player News

Cueto (4-4) earned the win over Minnesota on Thursday, pitching six innings and allowing one run on seven hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

The outing got off to a rocky start for Cueto, as he left the bases loaded in the first inning and surrendered a run on three hits in the second. The veteran settled down from there, allowing just three more baserunners and ending the appearance with a flourish by striking out the side in the sixth frame. Cueto has now notched a quality start in nine of his 12 outings this season and in each of his last four. He's enjoying a resurgent campaign with a 2.80 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 58:20 K:BB over 74 innings.

Crawford pitched six-plus innings against Tampa Bay on Thursday, allowing three runs on six hits and no walks while striking out six batters. He did not factor in the decision.

Crawford was splendid through six frames, holding the Rays scoreless and giving up just three hits. He was asked to come back out for the seventh, and things took a turn for the worse when the first three batters he faced got a hit against him. All three came around to score, cutting Crawford off from a chance for a victory. Despite the disappointing finish, it was another impressive outing by the rookie, who completed six innings for the first time as a major-leaguer and notched his first career quality start. Crawford has given up just four runs and struck out 20 batters over 16.1 frames across his past three appearances. However, Nathan Eovaldi (back/hip) is slated to return from the injured list this weekend, and Rich Hill (knee) and Michael Wacha (shoulder) could be back soon after the All-Star break, so Crawford may not be keeping his spot in the rotation.

Rasmussen did not factor in the decision against Boston on Thursday, pitching six innings and allowing three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five batters.

Rasmussen got through three scoreless frames before Rafael Devers tagged him for a solo home run in the fourth. The right-hander gave up two more runs in the sixth but was able to complete the inning to notch his third quality start of the campaign. He departed in line for the loss, but a late Rays rally took him off the hook. Rasmussen notched a modest five strikeouts in the outing, but he racked up a more impressive 18 swinging strikes. He has made six starts since his last win, but he's allowed three or fewer runs in four of those appearances.

Lorenzen (shoulder) played catch Tuesday as the beginning of a throwing program, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Lorenzen went on the 15-day IL on July 7 due to a right shoulder strain. A subsequent MRI revealed no structural damage, and he's now been able to resume throwing. Lorenzen doesn't have a concrete timeline for a return, but he could be back soon after the All-Star break.

Rodon allowed a run on eight hits and three walks with seven strikeouts in five innings in a no-decision versus the Brewers on Thursday.

After a 112-pitch complete game his last time out, Rodon was significantly less efficient Thursday. He threw 68 of 99 pitches for strikes, but the 11 baserunners he allowed matched a season high. The southpaw was able to limit the damage to an Andrew McCutchen sacrifice fly in the fourth inning. Rodon has a 2.66 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 131:35 K:BB through 105 innings in 18 starts, and he'll be heading to the All-Star Game next week in Los Angeles.

Burnes allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out 10 in 7.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Giants on Thursday.

Since a pair of bad starts to begin June (six earned runs over eight frames), Burnes has bounced back by allowing only eight runs (seven earned) over his last 41 innings. The right-hander has racked up three double-digit strikeout games in that span and has seven such starts this year. He's pitched to a dominant 2.14 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 144:27 K:BB across 113.2 innings overall. He was named to the National League's All-Star roster, so it's likely the next time he takes the mound is Tuesday in Los Angeles during the Midsummer Classic.

Cortes allowed one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out four across seven innings Thursday against the Reds. He did not factor into the decision.

Cortes didn't have an impressive strikeout total, but he effectively limited hard contact and did not allow an extra-base hit. Entering Thursday's start, Cortes had allowed four earned runs in three of his last six starts and maintained a 5.34 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in that span, so the bounceback effort was a welcome sight. Despite his recent struggles, Cortes still features a 2.63 ERA and 99:22 K:BB across 95.2 frames on the season.

Freeland allowed five earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three across four innings Thursday against the Padres. He did not factor into the decision.

Freeland was given five runs of support, but he squandered the chance for a win. His recent struggles continued, and he's now allowed 15 earned runs across his last 16 innings and three starts -- two of which came on the road. For the season, Freeland has a 4.96 ERA and 69:32 K:BB across 101.2 frames.

Castillo allowed one earned run on two hits and four walks while striking out eight Thursday against the Yankees. He did not factor into the decision.

Castillo threw 114 pitches to complete seven innings for his third consecutive start. He's been excellent in that span, maintaining a 1.29 ERA with a 22:6 K:BB across 21 frames. Castillo now owns a 2.77 ERA with a 82:27 K:BB across 78 innings for the season and remains a prime trade candidate ahead of the Aug. 2 deadline.

Snell allowed five earned runs on four hits and six walks while striking out five across 3.2 innings Thursday against the Rockies. He did not factor into the decision.

Snell looked sharp in the first inning, retiring the side in order. However, that was the highlight of his outing as he proceeded to give up a season-high six walks and five earned runs. Coors Field does offer some excuse for the poor effort, particularly because Snell entered Thursday's start having allowed only two earned runs across his last 11 innings and two starts. However, he still has a 5.22 ERA and 66:31 K:BB across 50 innings on the season.