MLB Player News

Morton pitched 5.2 innings Sunday, allowing six runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out eight batters in a 9-7 win over Miami. He did not factor into the decision.

Morton pitched three innings of one-run ball before he surrendered five more runs over the next 2.2 innings. The right-hander has now put together back-to-back disappointing outings, giving up 10 runs on 12 hits and six walks over 11.1 innings. The 40-year-old has pitched exactly 5.2 innings in each of his first three outings in 2024, a mark that he'll look to surpass when he returns to the mound for his next projected start Saturday at home versus the Rangers.

Encarnacion-Strand went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and four RBI during Sunday's win over the White Sox.

Encarnacion-Strand's two-run shot came in the third inning and opened the scoring for the Reds. He later added a two-run single to close out a four-run seventh. The homer marked Encarnacion-Strand's second of the season and first since March 31 as he broke an eight-game string without an extra-base hit. He's hitting a paltry .185 on the season and has tallied just one walk, though he's accumulated six hits among three multi-hit games over his last five as he's showing signs of breaking out of his early-season funk.

Snell (0-2) yielded seven runs on six hits and two walks over four innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against Tampa Bay.

Snell struggled out of the gate Sunday, coughing up three runs in the first inning. He later allowed a three-run homer to Rene Pinto that would be the deciding factor in the loss. Snell has been hammered for 10 runs over seven innings as he looks to shake off the rust after signing with the Giants late in spring training. The 31-year-old southpaw forced 12 whiffs Sunday, including five with his changeup. Snell is currently in line to make his next start in a home matchup against the Diamondbacks.

Butto yielded two hits and one walk over six scoreless innings in a no-decision in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Royals. He struck out nine.

Butto was promoted Sunday and made the most of his opportunity with a terrific outing. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said afterward that Butto is "not going anywhere," per David Adler of MLB.com, implying the right-hander will remain in the starting rotation. Butto gave up a pair of doubles but ultimately never found himself in much danger Saturday, and he now has a 15:4 K:BB with just one run allowed over 12 innings at the MLB level this season. He should be picked up in most fantasy leagues, though managers may want to proceed with caution this upcoming week with a tough road matchup against the Dodgers on the schedule.

Assad (2-0) allowed two runs on four hits across 5.2 innings to earn the win in Sunday's 3-2 victory over the Mariners. He walked one and struck out six.

Assad continues to pitch well, as he's now allowed two runs or fewer in all three of his outings this season. That's left the righty with a solid 2.16 ERA, and he's also struck out 18 batters in just 16.2 innings so far. While Jameson Taillon (back) is expected back in the rotation next week, the team may elect to keep Assad in the rotation as well based on how good he's been. If nothing else, he could be a high-end long reliever, though fantasy managers would prefer that Assad sticks as a starter. For now, his next start remains penciled in for Saturday against the Marlins, but that is subject to change once Taillon returns.

Fraley went 2-for-3 with two walks, three runs and three steals during Sunday's 11-4 win over the White Sox.

Fraley had a great day on the bases, scoring from second on an infield hit in the fourth, then swiping two bags in the fifth prior to coming home on a dinger by Nick Martini. Fraley added one more steal and run scored in the seventh to cap off a big day. Sunday marked Fraley's sixth multi-hit game in just eight starts on the young season. He's hitting .424 in 33 at-bats with 11 runs scored and four steals.

Alzolay worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless inning and record the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Mariners. He struck out two.

Alzolay allowed a run and blew a save in his first appearance of the season, but he's been pretty locked in since then, recording a 1.35 ERA and striking out nine across 6.2 innings. He's also converted three saves in that time, and the righty should stay slotted in as Chicago's closer, with Hector Neris working in a setup role.

Busch went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Mariners.

Busch has been on quite the surge, as he now has a home run in four straight games, giving him five total for the season. The power display has boosted his OPS to a robust 1.087. Busch should remain a strong fantasy asset while he's this locked in at the plate, though he figures to keep sitting against southpaws moving forward.

Diaz allowed a run on one hit while striking out one batter Sunday. He picked up a save over the Royals in one inning of work.

Diaz was tasked with protecting a 2-0 lead and closed the door despite coughing up a two-out solo shot to Vinnie Pasquantino. Through six innings, Diaz owns an impressive 9:1 K:BB while giving up just one earned run and converting all three of his save chances. The homer he allowed Sunday was the first hit against him since his season debut March 30.

Ashcraft (2-1) earned the win Sunday over the White Sox, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out eight.

After needing 99 pitches to complete 5.2 inning during his last start, Ashcraft needed 104 to complete 5.2 innings Sunday, though this performance was far more effective than his last outing that resulted in five runs allowed. The eight strikeouts were a season high for the righty, who earned his second win of the season. Through 17.1 innings, Ashcraft has accumulated 19 strikeouts against just four walks for a K/BB of 4.8, more than doubling last year's rate of 2.1 when he struck out 111 and walked 52 over 145.2 innings. He's tentatively scheduled to toe the rubber during a weekend set at home next week against the Angels.