MLB Player News

Erceg (4-3) took the loss Saturday, giving up two runs on two hits and three walks in an inning of relief as the Royals fell 3-1 to the Marlins. He struck out one.

Called in for the bottom of the eighth inning after Kansas City had tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the frame, Erceg handed the lead right back to Miami, although his line was somewhat misleading -- two of the walks he issued were intentional, and he threw 11 of 18 pitches for strikes. Carlos Estevez has blown three straight save chances, so the door could be open a crack for Erceg to work his way into the ninth-inning mix, but this performance won't encourage manager Matt Quatraro to switch things up. Through nine appearances in July, Erceg carries a 4.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 10:7 K:BB over nine innings.

Eovaldi has been scratched from his scheduled start Sunday versus Detroit due to tightness in his back, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Sunday was slated to be a marquee pitching matchup between Eovaldi and the Tigers' Tarik Skubal, but that duel won't happen. Instead, the Rangers have tabbed Jacob Latz to start opposite Detroit's ace. Eovaldi had an IL stint in June due to a triceps injury, and he has made four starts since being activated June 27. It's not yet clear if another trip to the injured list could be on the table for Eovaldi due to the back issue.

Wacha came away with a no-decision in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Marlins, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out one.

The veteran righty was actually in line for a 1-0 loss until the Royals pushed across the tying run in the top of the eighth inning. Wacha produced his ninth quality start of the season on 78 pitches (51 strikes), but he's struggled to provide much consistency since the beginning of June, posting a 4.78 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 35:16 K:BB over his last 43.1 innings, which has resulted in a 1-5 record. He'll try to get back in the win column in his next start, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Guardians.

Kikuchi did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 9-5 loss to the Phillies, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks with eight strikeouts over five innings.

Kikuchi allowed runs in the first and fifth innings before departing at 91 pitches. The southpaw allowed just three hard-hit balls and generated a whopping 19 whiffs, including 10 on his fastball, but he's now failed to deliver a quality start in any of his four July outings. He'll take a 3.13 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 123:52 K:BB across 118 innings into a home matchup with the Mariners next week.

Heineman went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and three RBI in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Giants.

The backup catcher took Ryan Walker deep in the eighth inning for a two-run shot, providing the Blue Jays with some insurance. It was Heineman's third homer of the season and first since June 7, and while the 34-year-old has cooled down significantly in recent weeks, he's still slashing .341/.396/.518 in 85 plate appearances on the season with 16 RBI and 19 runs -- both career highs.

Barger went 4-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Giants.

The knocks had exit velocities ranging from 98.7 mph on his sixth-inning double to 108.3 mph on a fourth-inning leadoff single, as Barger recorded his first career four-hit game. The 25-year-old continues to scorch the ball in a breakout campaign, and through 14 contests in July he's batting .347 (17-for-49) with four doubles, four homers, two steals, 10 runs and 14 RBI.

Hoffman gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 23rd save of the season in a 6-3 win over the Giants.

After striking out the side Friday in a perfect ninth inning in a non-save situation, Hoffman came back the next day and shut down San Francisco once again. The right-hander has been tagged with earned runs in only one of his last 12 appearances, posting a 2.38 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB over 11.1 innings during that stretch while converting six of seven save chances.

Lauer (5-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 6-3 victory over the Giants, allowing two runs on two hits over six innings. He struck out seven without walking a batter.

The southpaw continues to impress at the back of the Blue Jays' rotation. Lauer produced his second quality start of the season on 81 pitches (58 strikes), and he's given up more than two runs in only two of 15 appearances. He'll take a 2.80 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 65:16 K:BB through 61 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Detroit.

Fitts is scheduled to start Tuesday's road game in Philadelphia, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

After Hunter Dobbins (knee) was ruled out for the season due to a torn ACL, Fitts was called up from Triple-A Worchester on July 12 to fill his spot on the active roster. Fitts went unused out of the bullpen in Boston's final two games before the All-Star break, but he'll assume Dobbins' spot in the rotation to begin the second half. The right-hander could end up being in line for an extended stay in the rotation, as Tanner Houck (elbow) suffered a setback during his rehab assignment and now seemingly isn't a candidate to return from the injured list anytime soon.

Schultz isn't starting as scheduled for Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday due to right knee discomfort, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Schultz had been slated to start Saturday night, but he isn't going to be able to take the mound due to the knee issue. The lefty prospect was promoted to Charlotte on June 14 and has started three games for the affiliate, struggling to an 11.91 ERA, 2.34 WHIP and 13:8 K:BB over 11.1 innings. It's not yet clear how much time Schultz will need to miss.