MLB Player News

Megill didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 7-3 win over the Angels, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over 3.1 innings. He struck out four.

While his limited pitch count in his return from a month-long absence due to a biceps strain prevented Megill from lasting long enough to collect a win, he certainly appeared healthy as his first fastball clocked at 97.8 mph, and he topped out at 99.2 mph. The right-hander fired 64 pitches, 39 for strikes, before exiting and should get stretched out to something close to a regular workload in his next outing. Megill's 4.50 ERA on the year is somewhat deceptive -- toss out the start in which he got hurt, and he sports a 2.70 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 40:9 K:BB through 36.2 innings.

McKenzie did not factor into the decision against Oakland on Friday after going six innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six and walking two.

Although McKenzie did not factor into the decision, he still picked up a quality start, his sixth of the year. He may not be striking out batters at the same rate as last season (7.7 K/9 this year, 10.2 K/9 in 2021), but the righty has made other adjustments as his ERA this season sits at 3.09 through 64 innings compared to a 4.95 mark in 120 innings last year.

Blackburn did not factor into the decision after pitching eight innings against the Guardians on Friday, allowing zero runs on four hits while striking out three and walking one.

Blackburn was dominant for eight innings, throwing 65 of 101 pitches for strikes and picking up a quality start. He was pulled after leaving the eighth inning with a two-run lead, but reliever Dany Jimenez cost the team and Blackburn a win. The righty will take a 2.31 ERA into his next appearance, which is projected for next week in Boston.

Garcia (3-5) took the loss Friday as the Astros were downed 7-4 by the Marlins, coughing up five runs on five hits -- including three home runs -- and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out seven.

The whiffs helped salvage some fantasy value, but this was still Garcia's worst start of the year and his fourth loss in his last five outings. The 25-year-old has a 4.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB through 26.1 innings over that stretch, but his biggest issue has been keeping the ball in the yard -- he's served up six homers in those five starts for a 2.1 HR/9.

Gibson (4-2) went six innings in Friday's win against Arizona, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out four and walking three.

Gibson bounced back after a three-inning, five-run outing against the Angels last weekend with a quality start against the Diamondbacks. He threw 64 of 100 pitches for strikes. The victory was his first since May 8.

Rasmussen (5-3) took the loss Friday, coughing up seven runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks over 4.1 innings as the Rays fell 9-4 to the Twins. He struck out three.

Byron Buxton was his biggest nemesis on the night, launching homers off Rasmussen in the first and fifth innings, but the right-hander didn't have much success against the rest of the Minnesota lineup either. Rasmussen has had his two worst performances of the season in his last three trips to the mound, but he'll still carry a 3.41 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 49:16 K:BB through 58 innings into his next start, which is projected to be a road start versus the Yankees next week.

Gallen (4-2) lasted just 1.2 innings in a loss to the Phillies on Friday, allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits, while striking out two and walking one.

This was a rough outing for Gallen, surrendering multiple runs for the fourth game in a row. He was pulled in the second inning after throwing 66 pitches. Although his season ERA sits at 2.95, Gallen's ERA in June is 7.04. The righty will have to make some adjustments to bounce back in his next appearance -- he lines up to face the Reds at home next week.

Sale (ribs) will throw to live batters for the first time Monday in Fort Myers (Fla.), Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Sale completed a bullpen session Friday and is ready for the next challenge in his return to the major-league roster. It is presumed Sale will need a few live-batter sessions before heading out on a rehab assignment.

Eovaldi returned to Boston to have his hip checked out, though manager Alex Cora insists the right-hander will make his next start Tuesday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Eovaldi is dealing with right hip tightness that likely caused a drop in velocity during his most recent start against the Angels on Wednesday. "We flew him there just to see our doctors," Cora said. "He's still expected to make his next start on Tuesday." Cora has acted like the hip is not a big deal, but it apparently remains a concern heading into Evoladi's projected start Tuesday against the Athletics at Fenway Park.

Seabold (pectoral) was activated off the injured list and started Thursday for Triple-A Worcester. He allowed two hits and three walks while striking out two over three scoreless innings.

With Garrett Whitlock (hip) added to the injured list, there could be an opening for Seabold, who started one game for Boston in 2021. Whitlock was scheduled to start Sunday, which would be too soon for Seabold after he threw Thursday, but he's one option should Whitlock miss multiple turns.