MLB Player News

Phillips was pressed into action Thursday against the Cubs after Rhett Lowder (shoulder) left in the fourth inning and proceeded to allow five runs on four hits and a walk in one inning.

It's tempting to give Phillips a little bit of grace given the circumstances of his entry into the game and because of a mental mistake made by catcher Tyler Stephenson that allowed the inning to continue; however, this isn't his first recent disaster outing, as he walked all four batters that he faced in an appearance last weekend. For the season he's issued 21 walks in 20 innings and thus can't be a serious candidate for saves even with closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) sidelined.

Povich exited Thursday's contest against the Marlins in the fourth inning with left forearm discomfort, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Povich pitched three innings, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one batter before he was forced to exit the game prior to taking the mound in the bottom of the fourth frame. The left-hander was making his second start with the big-league club since being called up from Triple-A on May 1. Povich finished his day having thrown just 43 pitches, and more information on his status will likely be provided in the near future as he continues to be evaluated.

Quintana did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Mets, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out two.

The Mets scratched across a pair of runs against Quintana in the second inning, but the left-hander would hold them there in an eventual 6-2 Rockies victory. Quintana has given up just four runs over 16 innings in his last three starts after struggling to a 6.23 ERA in his first three outings this year. Quintana will carry a 3.90 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP and 14:13 K:BB into his next start, which is currently scheduled to come on the road against the Pirates.

Scott didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Colorado, allowing a run on three hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out six.

After issuing five walks in just 1.1 frames in his major-league start of the year, Scott has given up only three earned runs over 9.2 innings with a 14:2 K:BB in his last two outings. The young right-hander figures to get an extended run in the Mets' rotation with Kodai Senga (back) sidelined, especially given his improved recent form. Scott is tentatively lined up to face the Tigers at home in his next start.

Brown is slated to start Friday's series opener against the Rangers in Arlington, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Brown will be stepping into the rotation spot vacated by Matthew Boyd (knee) after the latter was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. The right-hander has operated exclusively as a bullpen arm this season, posting a 2.10 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 24 strikeouts over 25.2 innings. Brown has yet to exceed 50 pitches in any of his 12 appearances to date, so he'll likely have some limitations from a workload standpoint as he makes his first start since July 27, 2025. Over his 15 starts with the Cubs last season, Brown turned in a 6.30 ERA and 1.52 WHIP across 75.2 innings.

Smith secured the save Thursday against the Royals, throwing a clean ninth inning. He struck out two.

The 26-year-old right-hander threw just half of his 18 offerings for strikes Thursday, but the Royals were unable to muster a baserunner. Through 17.1 innings this year, Smith has a 3.12 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB while converting 10 of his 12 save opportunities. Smith has allowed just one earned run over his last 11 outings, and he's now tied with David Bednar and Lucas Erceg for the American League lead in saves.

Cecconi (2-4) notched the win Thursday against the Royals, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out three.

The outing was a mixed bag for Cecconi but a positive one overall. Although the right-hander threw only 45 of his 82 pitches for strikes and walked multiple batters for the third time in his past five starts, he pitched at least five frames while yielding two runs or fewer for only the second time this year and also managed to keep the ball in the yard. Cecconi still has a shaky 6.15 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB across 41 innings, so he shapes up as a risky fantasy option versus the Angels his next time out.

Imanaga (4-2) earned the win Thursday over the Reds, allowing a run on six hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out 10.

It was another strong showing from Imanaga, who logged double-digit strikeouts for the second time this season while holding Cincinnati scoreless until Sal Stewart led off the sixth inning with a homer. Imanaga has allowed just one run over 13 innings in his last two starts, lowering his ERA to 2.28 on the year with a 0.93 WHIP and 53 strikeouts across eight outings (47.1 innings). Imanaga is currently in line to face Atlanta on the road his next time out.

Lugo (1-2) took the loss Thursday against the Guardians, allowing four runs on seven hits and four walks in four innings. He struck out five.

The Guardians ambushed Lugo with three runs in the opening frame, but the hurler was at least able to settle down a bit afterward for a 102-pitch outing. The 36-year-old right-hander walked four batters for the third time already this year, and he's now given up at least seven hits in three consecutive starts after not yielding more than five in any of his first five appearances. Lugo has maintained a decent 3.21 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 42:17 K:BB across 47.2 innings despite the recent shakiness, and he's next set for a favorable matchup against the division-rival White Sox.

Crow-Armstrong went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base, an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 8-3 win over the Reds.

A day after hitting a key home run in a Chicago win, Crow-Armstrong showed off the speed element in his game as he stole his eighth base of the season in 11 attempts. The talented young outfielder is now riding a five-game hitting streak, which has pushed his overall slash line up to .248/.316/.390. Coming off a 30-30 campaign in 2025, Crow-Armstrong remains a dynamic fantasy asset who is capable of producing elite stats the rest of the way after a relatively slow start to the year.