MLB Player News

Sears (2-2) earned the win Friday against the Marlins, allowing four hits and one walk over 6.1 shutout innings. He struck out six.

Sears took care of business Friday night against a weakened Marlins squad, scattering two singles, a double and a triple in his 95-pitch performance. The 28-year-old lefty also produced his third straight start with six or more strikeouts, lowering his season ERA to 3.89. Sears is scheduled to face the Rangers at home in his next start.

Manager Scott Servais said Friday that Kirby has been dealing with a right knee issue, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Servais added that Kirby's knee isn't considered a major problem, but it was the reason why he was pulled from his start Friday after throwing just 88 pitches through six innings. The Mariners will keep an eye on the right-hander's condition, but at the moment it appears Kirby should still be able to make his next start -- tentatively scheduled for Thursday against Minnesota.

Blanco allowed three runs on five hits and two walks over six innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out six during a win over Seattle.

All the damage against Blanco came via the long ball, with Jorge Polanco going deep in the third inning followed by Dylan Moore in the fifth. Entering Friday's start, Blanco had given up just two homers through 32.2 frames. It was the first time this season he's allowed more than two runs in an outing but he still produced his fifth quality start. Blanco owns a terrific 2.09 ERA with a 36:16 K:BB. His next start is lined up to come on the road against the Yankees.

Bernardino will serve as Boston's opening pitcher for Saturday's game versus the Twins, Jahmai Webster of NESN reports.

Bernardino has started the season strong, allowing only one earned run across 12.1 innings. His start Saturday will likely only last an inning or two before the Red Sox's next bullpen arm steps in.

Kirby allowed a run on four hits over six innings during a no-decision Friday. He struck out three during a loss to Houston.

Kirby was in line for the win before Seattle's bullpen coughed up the lead. The lone run against him came on a Jeremy Pena RBI groundout in the sixth inning. Kirby was efficient Friday, throwing 60 of 88 pitches for strikes. He's allowed just one run while producing a stellar 22:2 K:BB over his last 18 frames. Of his seven starts this year, Kirby allowed two or fewer runs in five of them. However, he coughed up 13 combined runs in the other two. Kirby is currently projected to start in Minnesota next week.

Garcia was unavailable for Friday's game against the Nationals due to back soreness, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Garcia reportedly started having issues with his back after his previous appearance Wednesday. Manager John Schneider said after Friday's contest that Garcia is considered day-to-day, so it's unlikely the right-hander will need to spend any time on the injured list.

Kimbrel earned the save in Friday's 3-0 win over Cincinnati, striking out three in a perfect ninth inning.

It was Kimbrel's first appearance in five days, as the veteran right-hander had been sidelined by back soreness. He certainly didn't show any signs of rust Friday, striking out the side to close out a shutout victory for his eighth save this season. Kimbrel had blown consecutive save chances before he was shut down, allowing three runs in just a third of an inning. He now sports a 2.92 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and 20:6 K:BB across 12.1 innings this season.

Hader issued a walk over a scoreless frame Friday. He struck out two and earned a save over the Mariners.

Hader needed 22 pitches (13 strikes) to finish off the 5-3 win, coming away with his third save as an Astro. It was his first save since April 19 and he's converted three of his four opportunities so far. He's produced an impressive 23:7 K:BB despite an unsightly 5.93 ERA through 13.2 frames. Hader has punched out seven batters while not allowing an earned run over his last four innings.

Irvin (3-1) earned the win Friday over the Reds, allowing just two hits while striking out four over 6.1 scoreless innings.

Irvin continued a dominant run in which he's won three consecutive starts while extending his scoreless streak to 20.2 innings. The 30-year-old left-hander's ERA is down to 2.86 with a 1.07 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB across six starts (34.2 innings) this season. Irvin will look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week against Arizona.

DeLuca went 1-for-4 with a run scored, three RBI and a stolen base in Friday's 10-8 win over the Mets.

Getting the start in center field against lefty Jose Quintana and batting eighth in his 2024 debut, DeLuca made a big impact in his return from a hand injury. The 25-year-old figures to handle a short-side platoon role in a Tampa Bay outfield that remains in flux due to Josh Lowe's hamstring strain, and poor starts at the plate for Jose Siri (thigh/suspension) and Randy Arozarena.