MLB Player News

Kikuchi (3-6) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing two unearned runs on three hits and a walk over seven innings in a 5-2 victory over the Red Sox. He struck out 12.

The southpaw looked like he might be in for a rough afternoon when a Scott Kingery error helped lead to a two-run first inning for Boston and forced Kikuchi to burn through 31 pitches, but he locked in after that, giving up just a single the rest of the way. The dozen strikeouts were a season high for Kikuchi, and he remains absolutely dominant at Angel Stadium, delivering a 1.12 ERA through eight home starts this year with a 3-1 record, a 1.10 WHIP and a 51:17 K:BB over 48.1 innings. His next outing, however, is scheduled to come on the road next week in Atlanta, and Kikuchi has labored to a 4.47 ERA and 1.63 WHIP away from Anaheim.

Fitts came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Angels, giving up two runs on four hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out six.

Making his first major-league start since June 2, Fitts once again had issues keeping the ball in the park, serving up back-to-back solo shots to Jo Adell and Travis d'Arnaud in the fourth inning before getting the hook after 83 pitches (58 strikes), including 15 swinging strikes. The six Ks were a season high, but the right-hander has now been taken deep seven times in his first 25 MLB innings this season, leading to a 4.68 ERA. Fitts' time in the rotation will likely end when Tanner Houck (elbow) or Hunter Dobbins (elbow) are ready to return, but for now he lines up to make his next start at home early next week against the Reds.

Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Walls will hit the bench for the second time in three games as Jose Caballero gets the nod at shortstop. Though the Rays value Walls mainly for his defense and baserunning, he's maintained an .826 OPS so far in June, which should allow him to continue holding down at least a semi-regular role in the lineup.

Sosa went 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Wednesday's 7-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

The second baseman put the White Sox in the lead for good with his fifth long ball of the season in the fourth inning, a two-run homer off Zac Gallen, and he added a solo shot off Tayler Scott in the eighth. It was the first multi-homer game of Sosa's career, and the four RBI were also a personal best. Over nine games since returning from his latest IL stint, he's gone 9-for-30 (.300) with five of those hits going for extra bases (two doubles, a triple and two home runs.)

Mangum is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals.

With Mangum heading to the bench, the Rays will roll out a starting outfield of Christopher Morel, Chandler Simpson and Josh Lowe from left to right. Since getting activated from the 10-day injured list May 30, Mangum is hitting .286 and has chipped in one home run, two stolen bases, 17 RBI and eight runs over a stretch of 23 games.

MRI results on Neto's right shoulder came back negative Wednesday, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Neto was pulled from Tuesday's contest early after jamming his right shoulder during a stolen-base attempt in the eighth inning. However, he didn't suffer any structural damage and is currently being viewed as day-to-day. Scott Kingery filled in as Philadelphia's shortstop during Wednesday's game against the Red Sox and and may be in line for a few more starts until Neto is ready to return.

Burke (4-7) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing two unearned runs on five hits and two walks over five innings during a 7-3 victory over the Diamondbacks. He struck out seven.

The rookie right-hander tied his season high with seven strikeouts, a mark he set last Thursday against the Cardinals. Burke has given up two earned runs or fewer in eight of 10 starts since the beginning of May, posting a 3.33 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 48:26 K:BB over 54 innings during that span. He'll try to keep rolling in his next outing, which is scheduled to be a tough road matchup against the Dodgers next week.

Dubon is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies.

Dating back to June 15, Dubon has slashed .323/.382/.806 with four home runs and three walks over a stretch of nine games, but he may not be locked into an everyday role just yet. He'll take a seat Wednesday for the second time in four games, with his absence from the lineup opening up left field for Taylor Trammell while Jose Altuve covers the keystone.

McCullers (foot) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The veteran right-hander landed on the shelf June 16 due to a right foot sprain, and he was kept off the mound for only about a week. Assuming McCullers can continue ramping up his throwing program back up with no issues, he may not be looking at an extended absence.

Valdez didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Philadelphia, allowing four hits and four walks while striking out three over seven scoreless innings.

Valdez delivered his first scoreless outing since April 8, blanking the Phillies despite struggling with his control. The 31-year-old lefty has now walked at least four batters and struck out three in two consecutive starts. In his last four starts, Valdez has a 2.16 ERA and a 29:13 K:BB across 25 innings. He's tentatively scheduled to face the Cubs on Sunday in his next turn through the rotation.