MLB Player News

Bradford allowed three hits and a walk while striking out three over 4.1 scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Red Sox on Thursday.

Bradford did his part in bulk relief, but the bullpen let him down, costing him a chance at his first win of the season. This was his second scoreless outing in eight appearances (seven starts). He has pitched to a 4.19 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB through 38.2 innings so far this season. It's unclear if Bradford will get another turn through the rotation, though the Rangers will have a hole to fill next week if MacKenzie Gore (shoulder) isn't good to go at home against the Mets. Nathan Eovaldi and Bradford would be the candidates to fill that gap, if necessary.

Gray allowed three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out six over 6.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Rangers on Thursday.

Gray put together a quality start, but he wasn't able to get the win since the Red Sox's offense didn't show up until the late innings. This was a third straight quality start for Gray, who has allowed six runs over 19.1 frames in September. He has pitched to a 2.82 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 146:45 K:BB through 163 innings over 28 starts this year. He is projected to make his next start at home versus the Guardians.

Valdez (10-11) allowed three runs on three hits and four walks while striking out eight over five innings to take the loss versus the White Sox on Thursday.

Valdez picked up his most strikeouts in a start in the second half, but an early home run by Munetaka Murakami was the difference in the game. Over his last four outings, Valdez has given up six earned runs across 24 innings to end the season in good form. Overall, the southpaw has a 4.06 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 129:64 K:BB through 168.2 innings over 30 starts. Valdez is lined up to make one more start in the regular season, tentatively scheduled to be at home versus the Nationals.

McLean (11-10) took the loss Thursday against the Phillies, striking out five while giving up one run on seven hits and three walks in six innings.

McLean was outstanding in a losing effort, spinning six innings of one-run ball Thursday. The right-hander has been excellent for the most part recently, firing at least six innings while allowing two earned runs or fewer in 12 of his last 14 starts. He's set to take a 3.18 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 189:69 K:BB over 172.2 innings into his next and likely final appearance of the year in Texas.

Nola (7-10) tallied the win Thursday against the Mets, striking out four while allowing three hits and three walks in seven scoreless innings.

Nola carried a no-hit bid into the sixth inning, inducing 10 groundouts while scattering three hits on the evening. The veteran right-hander is finding his peak form ahead of the postseason for the Phillies, conceding two earned runs or fewer in eight straight starts to produce a 1.86 ERA during that stretch following an abysmal start to the year. He'll take a 4.49 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 169:58 K:BB over 168.1 innings this season into his next scheduled outing versus the Brewers.

Lugo (7-9) took the loss Thursday against Houston, striking out five while allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk in five innings.

Lugo was burned badly by the long ball Thursday, serving up a whopping four homers on the evening. The veteran right-hander hasn't been particularly effective of late, giving up at least three runs in seven of his last nine starts while tossing at least six innings just twice during that span. He'll carry a 5.06 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 131:54 K:BB over 169 innings into his next scheduled outing against the White Sox, which is likely to be his last of the campaign.

Pecko didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Royals, striking out four while allowing one run on three hits and no walks in 5.2 innings. He picked up his first hold of the season.

Working in long relief for the Astros on Thursday, Pecko delivered a strong performance out of the bullpen. The rookie right-hander has been a serviceable addition to the Houston pitching staff since being promoted to the major leagues in mid-August, giving up one run while working at least 4.1 innings in three consecutive outings. He should have some streaming appeal in fantasy leagues still in play for next week's scheduled appearance at pitcher-friendly Seattle, where he'll bring a 3.77 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 19:12 K:BB over 28.2 innings.

King (12-9) tallied the win Thursday against the Rockies, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out six.

King bookended his outing in shaky fashion, yielding one run in his first and final innings of work, but it was a strong start overall. The right-hander has been a model of consistency for both the Padres and fantasy managers alike, reeling off eight consecutive quality starts and 12 in his last 14 outings. He's set to bring a workmanlike 3.03 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 154:68 K:BB over 181 innings into his next and likely final appearance of the regular season against the Dodgers.

White Sox manager Will Venable said Thursday that Castillo has been moved to the bullpen, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Since being acquired from the Mariners on Aug. 2, Castillo hasn't provided the boost to the rotation that the White Sox had anticipated. Over his seven appearances (six starts) with Chicago, Castillo has labored to a 1-2 record, 7.76 ERA and 1.79 WHIP. In light of his struggles, the veteran right-hander looks like he could be limited to a low-leverage role out of the bullpen the rest of the way. Castillo had been lined up to start Friday versus the Tigers, but rookie David Sandlin is now on track to take over Castillo's spot in the rotation.

Springs (4-14) took the loss Thursday against the Rays, allowing six runs on five hits and two walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out four.

Things started off well for Springs, who held Tampa Bay scoreless through three innings. The fourth frame was a different story, however, as the left-hander gave up six runs on four hits, two walks and a hit batter while recording just one out. Coming into the day, Springs had allowed only two runs over 12 innings across his prior two outings. His ERA now sits at 6.18 across 28 starts (138.1 innings) this season with a 1.47 WHIP and 109:56 K:BB. He's currently in line to face the Angels at home his next time out.