MLB Player News

Plesac (1-0) earned the win in Monday's 5-3 victory over Milwaukee, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one batter over six innings.

Plesac was called upon for an emergency start after projected starter Jose Soriano was unable to pitch due to an abdominal issue. Plesac did quite well considering the circumstances, squeaking by with a quality start and a victory in his first game as an Angel. He gave up two home runs and notched just one punchout, with the latter number serving as a reminder of one of Plesac's biggest flaws -- he's never never posted higher than a 6.8 K/9 in a full big-league season. If Soriano misses additional time, Plesac could get at least one more turn in the rotation, though he isn't likely to be a popular waiver-wire target in fantasy circles.

Gray (2-3) allowed nine runs on 11 hits in three-plus innings Monday, striking out two and taking a loss against the Mets.

Gray never found his footing Monday and the Mets took advantage. Most of the damage came during a six-run second inning and his night was finished after allowing a two-run shot to Brandon Nimmo in the fourth. Gray had allowed nine earned runs over his previous 50 innings before Monday's brutal outing. His season ERA shot up from 2.17 to 3.31 as a result. Gray's next outing is projected to be in Milwaukee.

Kikuchi (4-6) allowed five runs on seven hits over four innings Monday, striking out seven and taking a loss against Boston.

Kikuchi was cursed by the long ball Monday, coughing up four solo shots in the first three innings. Tyler O'Neill accounted for two of them, including in the first inning when he went back-to-back with Rafael Devers. Kikuchi had allowed just four home runs over his previous six starts entering Monday and had not given up multiple long balls in any start this season. He's registered a 6.17 ERA over his last five starts, bumping his season ERA to 3.65 through 81.1 frames. Kikuchi's next start is projected to be in Cleveland.

Pivetta (4-4) allowed three runs on nine hits and a walk over seven innings Monday, striking out four and earning a win over Toronto.

Pivetta gave up one run through five frames before allowing solo homers to Justin Turner and Davis Schneider in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively. Pivetta is 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA in three starts this month after posting a disappointing 5.55 ERA in May. For the season, he owns a 3.88 ERA alongside a 59:14 K:BB through 10 starts. Pivetta's next start is projected to be in Cincinnati.

Jansen recorded one out to earn a save over the Blue Jays on Monday.

Jansen entered the ninth inning with two runners on base and two outs. He forced a Davis Schneider popout to close out the 7-3 win and pick up the save. Jansen has converted eight straight save chances since his last blown opportunity April 16. His season ERA sits at 2.70 with a 30:11 K:BB.

Turner went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double, two runs scored and a walk in Monday's loss to Boston.

Turner scored Toronto's first run after drawing a walk in the second inning. He later ripped a solo shot in the sixth inning for his fifth home run of the year. He snapped a 33-game homerless drought, during which he slashed .155/.250/.191. Turner now owns a .691 OPS with 18 extra-base hits and 24 runs scored through 233 plate appearances.

O'Neill went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs and a walk in Monday's win over Toronto.

O'Neill hit two of Boston's four home runs for his first multi-homer game since April 5. He's up to 14 long balls this season, but just six of those have come since the start of May. The slugging outfielder is slashing .258/.354/.534 with 25 RBI through 206 plate appearances. O'Neill has gone 11-for-30 (.367) with five multi-hit performances in eight games this month.

Greene went 1-for-2 with two walks and an RBI in Monday's 2-1 loss to Atlanta.

Greene didn't get much support from the rest of the lineup but it was still a good day for the young outfielder. He's been locked in this month with a .305 batting average across 15 games, and that's pushed his overall average to .254. Greene is a dynamic talent who can really take off if he keeps making consistent contact at the plate like he's done recently.

Butler is expected to be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Butler looks to be set to return to the major-league roster after being sent down in mid-May. With J.D. Davis being designated for assignment Monday, Butler will likely slot in as his replacement with Oakland. Butler has produced a .255 average with four home runs, nine RBI, 10 runs scored and seven stolen bases over 110 at-bats in 27 contests with Las Vegas since being demoted.

Miller (4-5) retired three batters with a strikeout but allowed a solo home run to take the loss in Monday's 2-1 defeat against Atlanta.

Ozzie Albies took Miller deep with two outs in the eighth, and then the righty got stuck with the loss when the Tigers couldn't muster any more offense. The veteran has now been scored upon in his last two outings, pushing his season ERA up to 4.03. Despite the recent struggles, Miller should hold onto a high-leverage bullpen role due to his track record the past few years.