MLB Player News

Keller (1-9) took the loss Tuesday, giving up three runs on eight hits over six innings as the Pirates were downed 3-2 by the Marlins. He struck out four without walking a batter.

The right-hander fired 73 of 97 pitches for strikes and piled up an impressive 39 called or swinging strikes en route to his 10th quality start of the season, but Pittsburgh once again failed to give Keller much run support. He's lasted at least six innings in seven straight trips to the mound, posting a 3.95 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 36:8 K:BB through 43.1 innings over that stretch, but he carries a miserable 0-6 record in that span despite that consistency. Keller faces a tough test in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road this weekend against the Cubs.

Faucher gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his fifth save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Pirates.

The right-hander leads the Marlins in saves, one ahead of Jesus Tinoco (forearm), and it's been over two weeks since a Miami reliever other than Faucher picked up a save -- Ronny Henriquez collected one May 25. Faucher's earned his spot with some stingy work that has seen him get scored upon only once in his last eight appearances, a stretch in which he's posted a 1.17 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 5:1 K:BB in 7.2 innings.

Alcantara (3-7) picked up the win in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over the Pirates, allowing three hits and a walk over six scoreless innings. He struck out six.

The right-hander only ran into trouble in the third inning after a leadoff double by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, but Alcantara escaped the jam and retired the last 10 batters he faced before leaving the mound. It was the best outing of the season for the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner as he delivered his second straight quality start, and the win was his first since April 12. Alcantara will look to keep building momentum and chip away at his 7.14 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in his next start, which is scheduled to come at home early next week against the Phillies.

Kepler went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's loss to the Cubs.

Kepler got the Phillies on the board in the second with a two-run shot to right for his first home run since May 24 and his first hit since June 3. Over his last 14 games, Kepler is batting a miserable .105/.190/.211 while continuing to work in a strong-side platoon role in left field with Weston Wilson.

Abel allowed three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three in four innings Tuesday against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

Abel showcased some shaky command Tuesday after two strong starts to begin his major-league career. He gave up solo home runs to Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ and Michael Busch -- all on pitches left up in the zone. Abel finished his day on a strong note, however, by striking out Kyle Tucker with the bases loaded and a full count. The team announced Tuesday that Aaron Nola (ribs) could be out through the All-Star break, so Abel should be able to stick around through the summer as long as he doesn't completely implode. He's currently lined up to face the Marlins on the road next week.

Encarnacion-Strand started at third base and went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Cleveland.

This was the first time in five games that Encarnacion-Strand failed to reach base safely since coming off the IL; he'd gone 8-for-17 with a double, three home runs and seven RBI over the first four contests. This marked the third time in those five games that he's started at third base. Reds manager Terry Francona needs to find time for both Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer, and it appears Santiago Espinal's regular run at third base has ended.

Busch went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Phillies.

Busch took Mick Abel deep to center in the fourth to push the Cubs in front 3-2. Busch now has four homers in nine games during June and has at least a hit in 11 of his last 12 games, slashing .325/.400/.725 over that span. Despite being hot at the plate, Busch has not received many plate appearances versus left-handed pitching and may find himself on the bench the next two days with the Cubs set to face Jesus Luzardo and Andrew Heaney.

Benson started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Guardians.

Benson doubled in the fifth inning and came home one batter later for the lone offense in this pitchers' duel. He's found a home in left field, but that could end soon. Austin Hays (foot) ran the bases Tuesday as part of a test and could be activated in the coming days if he feels OK afterwards. Since homering five times in nine games upon his latest call-up to the big leagues, Benson's batted .173 (9-for-52) with one home run, five RBI and a .500 OPS over the last 18 contests.

Rea allowed four runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out five in 4.1 innings Tuesday against the Phillies. He did not factor into the decision.

Only two of the seven hits allowed by Rea went for extra bases -- one being a two-run shot by Max Kepler in the second inning and the other a leadoff double in the fifth by Brandon Marsh. Following the leadoff knock, Rea found himself with runners on second and third with one out before being replaced by Ryan Brasier, who allowed both inherited runners to score. Tuesday was Rea's first time not making it to five innings since April 18. He's tentatively set to complete a two-start week at home against the Pirates this weekend.

Perdomo went 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's 10-3 win over the Mariners.

Perdomo pushed across another two runs with teammates in scoring position and has 45 RBI this season, while batting .302 with RISP through 66 games. He's two RBI shy of the career best he posted over 144 games in 2023. Perdomo's production has waned this month -- he's slashing .152/.250/.303 over nine June contests -- but overall he's been a good fantasy value at shortstop and sports a career-high .786.