MLB Player News

Williamson (shoulder) allowed two hits and one walk while striking out two over two innings Tuesday in a rehab start for Triple-A Louisville.

Williamson got up to 31 pitches before rain came and spelled an early end to his night. The Reds were targeting 60 pitches for the left-hander, who eventually completed two up-and-downs in the bullpen to reach 65 pitches, per MLB.com. Williamson is in line to make at least one more rehab appearance for Louisville on Sunday.

Imai did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Giants, allowing three hits and two walks over three scoreless innings. He struck out three.

Making his second appearance in relief for the Astros, Imai managed to work his way through danger -- including a bases-loaded jam in the second inning -- ultimately holding San Francisco scoreless. Imai has now delivered back-to-back scoreless outings out of the bullpen, allowing just three hits while striking out eight over six innings in that span. Overall, his ERA sits at 5.29 this season with a 1.47 WHIP and 80:42 K:BB across 64.2 innings.

Klassen (1-1) allowed two runs on five hits, one walk and one hit batsman while striking out five over six innings to earn the win over the Rangers on Wednesday.

Klassen has looked much sharper during his second stint in the majors, allowing just three runs over 10 innings across two starts, though he has an 8:5 K:BB in that span. The right-hander could have a chance to start regularly down the stretch if he can build off his first career quality start, though he'll have to compete with Ryan Johnson for the last spot in the rotation when Yusei Kikuchi (shoulder) is activated. Klassen is at a 5.52 ERA, 2.11 WHIP and 14:15 K:BB through 14.2 innings across four starts, but his numbers are still skewed by his two poor outings in April. He's tentatively lined up for a road start in Houston next week.

Lauer (7-6) allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out six over 6.1 innings to earn the win over the Royals on Wednesday.

Lauer was pummeled for six runs over four innings against the Cubs in his last start, but he bounced back with his third quality start in five outings since the beginning of July. The left-hander was able to contain the damage to the early frames, giving up one run in both the second and third innings before settling down in this 112-pitch (73 strikes) outing. For the year, Lauer has a 4.67 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 63:31 K:BB over 98.1 innings through 19 games (16 starts) between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays., but he's maintained a 3.48 ERA over his 62 innings with Los Angeles. His next start is projected to be at Colorado.

Junk (6-7) earned the win Wednesday against Pittsburgh, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out two over six innings.

Wednesday marked Junk's longest start since returning from a shin injury that cost him over a month earlier in the summer. Having worked only three innings due to a rain delay in his prior outing, Junk's arm was lively Wednesday, and he fired 56 of his 81 pitches for strikes. The right-hander now has a 3.83 ERA at home compared to a 5.35 road figure, and he lines up to make his next start against the Phillies next week.

Assad secured the save against the Nationals on Wednesday, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk in four innings. He struck out three.

After the Cubs built a 9-5 lead in the sixth inning, Assad closed it out for Chicago on Wednesday to help give other members of the bullpen a respite. The right-hander has a quality 3.59 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 53:21 K:BB with two saves in as many chances over 80.1 innings this season (10 starts), and he should remain a swingman as opposed to a consistent high-leverage option.

Miller took a no-decision against the Yankees on Wednesday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out five.

Staked to an early 3-0 lead, Miller wasn't able to keep the Yankees in check Wednesday while surrendered a staggering six extra-base hits. The right-hander has struggled mightily over his past six starts, during which he has a 6.12 ERA and 1.52 WHIP covering 32.1 innings. Despite that rough patch, Miller is still maintaining an impressive 3.39 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 84:16 K:BB across 85 innings for the year ahead of his next scheduled appearance in Milwaukee.

Rasmussen (12-5) picked up the win in Wednesday's 8-4 victory over the A's, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out three.

A two-run third inning by the home side put the only blemish on Rasmussen's line and snapped his scoreless streak at 22.2 innings, and the right-hander left the mound after 84 pitches (57 strikes) with his team comfortably ahead. Rasmussen has reeled off five straight wins since the All-Star break, posting a 1.20 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 35:6 K:BB over 30 innings during that stretch. He'll look to stay locked in for his next outing, which is set to come at home early next week against the Blue Jays.

Valdez (7-8) took the loss versus the Guardians Wednesday, allowing four runs on six hits and five walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out three.

Valdez struggled to find the zone consistently Wednesday, with 64 of his 102 pitches going for strikes. The five walks were also the most given up by Valdez since April 24, and the uneven outing came after back-to-back seven inning quality starts. The 32-year-old is slated to face the Pirates in his next start early next week.

Leahy (9-4) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits over five innings in a 7-1 victory over the Phillies. He struck out six without walking a batter.

The right-hander tossed 57 of 81 pitches for strikes as he outlasted opposing starter Zack Wheeler, who fell apart in the fifth inning. Leahy has given up two runs or fewer in an impressive nine straight starts, going 4-0 over that stretch while delivering a 1.52 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 46:9 K:BB over 47.1 innings. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road early next week in Cincinnati.