MLB Player News

Blanco (1-1) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven over five innings to earn the win over the Angels on Friday.

The Astros' offense was a little quiet early on before erupting for a six-run fifth inning. Blanco had allowed a solo home run to Mike Trout in the fourth and an RBI single to Jo Adell in the fifth to account for the two runs on his line. This was Blanco's first win in three starts, and he threw of 52 of 84 pitches for strikes. He's struggled with walks at times this year -- he has a 16:7 K:BB over 11.2 innings while adding a 6.94 ERA and 1.63 WHIP. However, the Trout homer was the first long ball Blanco's given up, and he should be able to find a decent amount of success if he keeps the ball down. The right-hander's next start is projected to be on the road versus the Cardinals next week.

Newcomb (0-2) allowed six runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out six over four innings to take the loss against the White Sox on Friday.

The Red Sox's defense committed five errors, but the mostly cost one came as part of the White Sox's four-run fourth inning. This got Newcomb's pitch count up to 94 (60 strikes), and the offense didn't bail him out. He's now failed to complete five innings in all three of his starts this season, posting a 4.97 ERA, 2.13 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB over 12.2 innings, and he'll continue to struggle as long as he's dealing with that much traffic on the bases. Newcomb is tentatively projected to remain in the rotation for one more turn, as Brayan Bello (shoulder) and Lucas Giolito (hamstring) could need one additional rehab start each. With that, Newcomb's next start is projected to be on the road versus the Rays.

Baldwin went 2-for-5 with one RBI, a stolen base and one run scored in Friday's 11-1 win over the Red Sox.

Baldwin had gone 0-for-11 over his previous four games before logging his first multi-hit effort of the season. The steal was also his first of the season, while the RBI he earned on an eighth-inning single was the first run he's knocked in since April 4. The utility player is batting .237 (9-for-38) with a home run, six RBI and two runs scored over 12 contests. He's carving out a decent share of playing time despite not focusing on a single position, but playing for the White Sox will likely prevent him from racking up significant counting stats.

Robert went 1-for-3 with one RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored in Friday's 11-1 win over the Red Sox.

Robert also reached base twice due to catcher interference. The outfielder hasn't had much going with the bat so far, but he's taken advantage of his chances on base lately, logging four steals on six attempts over his last four games. He's batting .167 (7-for-42) with five steals, two RBI and five runs scored over 12 contests, but he's yet to hit a home run this season. Robert slashed .224/.278/.379 over 100 games in 2024, the worst of his first five years in the majors, but the biggest challenge for the 27-year-old will be staying healthy. Despite the injury risks, he's played in center field most of the times he's been in the lineup to begin 2025.

Stroman reported problems with his left knee after leaving his start Friday against the Giants, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Stroman's knee injury may help explain his ugly performance Friday, as he was chased out of the game after giving up five earned runs on four hits and three walks in just two-thirds of an inning. He received X-rays shortly after his removal, and more will be known regarding his immediate availability once the results come back.

Taylor went 3-for-5 with a double, a stolen base and three runs scored in Friday's 11-1 win over the Red Sox.

Taylor's playing time could be in line for a boost after Mike Tauchman (hamstring) landed on the injured list Thursday. Taylor started in center field Thursday and moved to left for Friday's game with Luis Robert coming back into the lineup after a day off. Taylor's glove is good enough to keep him in the lineup, and he'll add a bit of speed when he plays as well. He's already got two steals over 10 contests this season while batting .250 (6-for-24) with a home run, two RBI and six runs scored across 26 plate appearances.

Martin (1-1) earned the win Friday over the Red Sox, allowing one run on six hits and a walk while striking out six over six-plus innings.

The White Sox's offense erupted early in this contest, giving Martin plenty of support. He also pitched well, throwing 63 of 89 pitches for strikes to earn his second quality start in three outings this season. He's now at a 4.24 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB over 17 innings across three starts. The right-hander will likely struggle for wins while pitching for a poor team, and he hasn't historically displayed much strikeout upside at the major-league level. His next start is projected to be at home versus the Athletics next week.

Fairbanks earned the save in Friday's 6-3 win over Atlanta, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Fairbanks tossed 17 pitches (12 strikes) and was able to overcome a Drake Baldwin double to earn his third save of the year. Fairbanks has posted a 1.50 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB across six innings to start the season and has converted all three of his save opportunities.

Morel went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and another run scored in Friday's 6-3 win over Atlanta.

Morel registered his first moonshot of the season when he took Bryce Elder deep for a 387-foot solo homer to left field in the sixth frame to give the Rays a three-run lead. It was Morel's second multi-hit game of the year, and he's logged a hit in five of his last seven outings, during which he's gone 7-for-23 with four runs scored, two walks, one home run and two RBI.

Jansen went 3-for-4 with one home run and four RBI in Friday's 6-3 win over Atlanta.

Jansen gave the Rays the lead in the fourth inning when he took Bryce Elder deep for a 358-foot, two-run home run to left field. Jansen drove in additional runs in the sixth and eighth frames, and his four RBI on Friday were his most in a game since May 20, 2024 against the White Sox (five). It was a bounce-back performance for the veteran catcher, who started the season 1-for-26 with five walks and six strikeouts prior to Friday's contest.