MLB Player News

Holmes didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Twins after allowing two runs on five hits and a walk across seven innings. He struck out three.

Holmes didn't look dominant by any means, as he tossed just 56 of his 88 pitches for strikes and only struck out three, but he got the job done en route to posting his second quality start of the campaign. Holmes has done a good job of limiting the damage every time he's on the mound, as he's allowed two or fewer earned runs while pitching at least five frames in each of his five starts in 2026. That translates to a strong 2.10 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP, although his 5.7 K/9 is below average. Holmes is in line to make his next start at home against the Nationals next week.

Atlanta placed Dodd on the 15-day injured list Thursday with left thoracic spine inflammation.

Atlanta has not provided a timetable for Dodd's return, but the nature of the injury suggests it could be a longer than minimum stay on the IL for the lefty. Dodd has been effective in two relief outings with the big club this season, allowing one run with a 4:1 K:BB over four innings.

Atlanta selected Carrasco's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

Carrasco has been excellent so far this season with Gwinnett, putting up a 1.71 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with an 18:5 K:BB through 21 innings. The 39-year-old is slated to serve in a long-relief role for Atlanta.

Atlanta optioned Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

Fuentes was shaky in a spot start Wednesday versus the Nationals, striking out seven but permitting four earned runs on seven hits and a walk over three frames. The 20-year-old should get another opportunity in the Atlanta rotation later this summer, but for now he will continue to hone his craft at Gwinnett, where he's posted a 2.16 ERA and 20:6 K:BB in 16.2 innings.

Atlanta selected Ritchie's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

Ritchie is set to make his major-league debut Thursday versus the Nationals. The 22-year-old has had a dominant run at Gwinnett to begin the 2026 campaign, collecting a 0.99 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 28:13 K:BB through 27.1 innings spanning five starts. It's likely to be just a spot start for Ritchie, as Spencer Strider (oblique) is due to rejoin the Atlanta rotation next week.

Boyd didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five across 4.2 innings.

The Cubs activated Boyd (biceps) from the 15-day injured list right before Wednesday's start, and the veteran delivered a solid outing before making way for Ben Brown, who earned the win after tossing 2.1 scoreless frames. Boyd couldn't complete five innings and exited after tossing 84 pitches, though he should be ready for a bigger workload in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for next week on the road against the Padres. Boyd has given up four runs (three earned) on 10.1 innings over his last two outings, which is a clear improvement from an Opening Day start in which he gave up six runs on 3.2 frames against the Nationals.

Brown (1-0) earned the win in relief Wednesday against the Phillies after tossing 2.1 scoreless innings, giving up three hits but striking out five.

Brown tossed 28 of his 37 pitches for strikes, and even though he gave up a double to Trea Turner in his first at-bat, he immediately retired Bryce Harper to close out the fifth inning. Brown also allowed baserunners in the following two innings, but he got the job done after striking out five of the final seven batters he faced. This was Brown's fourth consecutive scoreless outing, a stretch in which he's posted a 9:2 K:BB while allowing seven hits through 8.1 innings.

Pena had to be taken to the hospital after collapsing in the dugout when he became overheated during Wednesday's game with High-A Wisconsin, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The game was called in the eighth inning following the scary incident, but Pena was administered IV fluids at the hospital and is feeling better. Consider him day-to-day. The 19-year-old top prospect is off to a blazing-hot start for the Timber Rattlers, slashing .372/.462/.512 with one home run, six stolen bases and an 8:10 BB:K.

Backhus allowed one run on two hits across one inning of work as an opener Wednesday against the Cubs. He struck out one.

Backhus needed 15 pitches (12 strikes) to get the job done in the first inning, but the Cubs, who have boasted one of the best offenses in the majors over the last 10 days, still found a way to score against him. Backhus should return to his regular role in the bullpen moving forward and has been pitching well of late, tossing four scoreless outings over six appearances this month, with a 2.45 ERA across 7.1 innings.

Walker (1-4) was tagged with the loss Wednesday against the Cubs, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits and a walk across four innings. He struck out one.

Walker pitched in bulk relief after Wednesday's opener, Kyle Backhus, allowed a run on two hits in his lone inning of work. Walker has failed to pitch more than four innings in his last two starts, taking losses to Atlanta and the Cubs while allowing a combined 12 runs (11 earned) on 15 hits and a 5:4 K:BB through eight frames. Walker's next turn in the rotation should come against the Giants at home next week, but it's hard to trust him right now. He's allowed at least four earned runs in four of his five appearances this season while sporting an inflated 9.13 ERA with a 2.07 WHIP through 22.2 innings.