MLB Player News

Cruz (2-0) earned the win over the Astros on Saturday after not allowing a run over two-thirds of an inning, walking one and striking out two.

Cruz recorded the final two outs of the sixth inning. Even though he walked Jose Altuve as soon as he entered the game, he bounced back by striking out Christian Walker and Yainer Diaz. Cruz had given up at least one run in his previous two relief appearances, so this was a nice bounce-back performance for the right-hander. Still, given his recent inconsistencies and the role he's filling in the bullpen right now, his fantasy upside is limited.

Weathers didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Astros after allowing two runs on six hits across 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

Making his first start since returning from paternity leave earlier this week, Weathers picked things up where he left off after firing 7.1 scoreless innings in his previous outing. The left-hander fell just two outs away from recording his third quality start of the season, but he's still pitching well with two or fewer earned runs allowed in three of his last four starts. Now with a 3.21 ERA across 33.2 innings this year, Weathers should make his next start at home against the Orioles.

Perez went 3-for-5 with a home run, an additional RBI and an additional run scored in Saturday's win over the Angels.

Perez launched his fourth homer of the season with a solo shot to left field in the bottom of the second inning and later plated a run with an RBI single as he posted his second three-hit game of the year. Despite Saturday's strong outing, the backstop continues to have an underwhelming season with a .186 average and .555 OPS through 108 plate appearances.

Loftin went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs scored and a walk in Saturday's win over the Angels.

Loftin recorded his first RBI of the game on a single that scored Jac Caglianone in the bottom of the second inning, and he plated another run with a bases-loaded walk in the third. He would add two more RBI on a fielder's choice following a throwing error from Zach Neto in the seventh, giving the Royals a transitory 8-1 lead. Loftin continues to work in a utility role for the Royals, but he has recorded seven RBI over his last four appearances. He doesn't contribute much in other areas, however, and his limited playing time also conspires against his fantasy upside.

Ragans (1-4) earned the win Saturday against the Angels, striking out 11 and allowing one run on five hits and no walks over six innings

Ragans earned his first win of the season Saturday while posting his third quality start of the campaign, and he achieved this by punching out a season-high 11 batters. Ragans has a 5.00 ERA in 27 innings this year, although that ERA is inflated by his previous start, during which he allowed seven runs across 4.1 innings against the Yankees. Ragans will try to keep it rolling in his next start, which should be scheduled for next weekend on the road against the Mariners.

Urena (0-3) took the loss Saturday against the Royals after allowing four runs on six hits and five walks across 3.2 innings. He struck out three.

Urena looked impressive in his first start of the season April 19 against the Padres with six-plus innings of two-run ball and eight strikeouts, but he couldn't repeat that outing here. The right-hander failed to consistently find the strike zone Saturday, as he tossed just 44 of his 81 pitches for strikes and was lifted before completing four innings. It remains to be seen if Urena will get another turn in the rotation, but this outing increased his ERA to 4.76 and WHIP to 2.21. If Urena gets another start, he'd be tentatively lined up to face the Mets at home next weekend.

Montgomery went 0-for-3 with two runs scored Saturday against the Nationals.

Montgomery's seven-game hitting streak was snapped, but he still managed to make an impact in the contest. He was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning and came around to score, and he was once again driven in after beginning the 10th inning as the designated runner. Montgomery's recent stretch of success has boosted his season-long OPS to .847, as he's gone 11-for-31 (.355 average) with four homers, 10 RBI and seven runs scored across his last eight starts.

Meidroth went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk Saturday against the Nationals.

Meidroth tied the game at 2-2 with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, his first RBI since April 7. Despite the lack of production in that area, Meidroth has picked things up at the plate considerably in his last 10 games, going 14-for-38 (.368 average) with 10 runs scored and a stolen base. He's now hitting .266 on the season while maintaining a 101 wRC+.

Gore did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Athletics, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks with seven strikeouts over five innings.

Gore allowed three runs across the second and third innings, throwing 72 of a season-high 106 pitches for strikes with 14 whiffs. The 27-year-old has now yielded 10 earned runs across his past three starts, and he's failed to exceed five frames in four straight outings. He owns a 4.35 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 42:15 K:BB across 31 innings and lines up for a road matchup against the Tigers next weekend.

Schultz took a no-decision Saturday against the Nationals, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks in six innings. He struck out eight.

Despite matching a season high in walks allowed and tossing only 49 of his 85 pitches for strikes, the rookie left-hander still managed to deliver an efficient outing. Schultz fanned a season-best eight, also producing his longest start through his first three major-league outings. He's fared well in his first taste of big-league action, posting a 3.52 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 18:9 K:BB over 15.1 innings, but Schultz is set to face a tough test in San Diego in his next appearance.