MLB Player News

Valdez didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Atlanta, allowing two runs on six hits and no walks over six innings. He struck out eight.

It was a strong bounce-back effort from Valdez, who didn't issue any free passes after walking a season-high eight batters in his last outing, which came against the Reds. Valdez has held opponents to two runs or fewer in six of his first seven starts with the Tigers. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.35 with a 1.26 WHIP and 32:14 K:BB across 40.1 innings. Valdez is currently lined up to face the Red Sox at home his next time out.

Altuve isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against Baltimore, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

After going 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored during Game 1, Altuve will catch a breather during the nightcap while Brice Matthews starts at the keystone. Daniel Johnson will fill the resulting void in center field and bat eighth.

Harris could need a trip to the 10-day injured list if he doesn't experience improvement with his tight left quadriceps, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Harris had to miss a game last week after his quad tightened up on him, and it appears the leg issue was the reason for his absence from Thursday's lineup versus the Tigers, as well. Atlanta hopes to be able to use Harris as its designated hitter during its nine-game road trip that begins Friday, but the club might opt to IL him instead if he's not feeling better. If Harris has to miss time, Eli White would be in line for regular reps in center field.

Lowe went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double, a walk and an additional run scored in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Rockies.

The 30-year-old first baseman is on a tear at the plate, going deep five times in his past seven games. With Eugenio Suarez (oblique) sidelined, Lowe is set to serve as the Reds' primary designated hitter in the interim. On the year, Lowe is batting .288 with nine extra-base hits, 12 RBI and seven walks over 52 at-bats.

Mayo isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against Houston, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Mayo will grab a seat on the bench to begin Game 2 after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the earlier game. Weston Wilson will start at third base and bat eighth in Mayo's absence.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said Thursday that Murphy (hip) will likely rejoin the club for its series early next week in Seattle, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Murphy got a late start to the season after having hip surgery last September, but he's nearly ready to break back into the Atlanta lineup. The veteran catcher has yet to get rolling offensively on his rehab assignment, going 5-for-32 with a 2:8 BB:K. He feels healthy, though, and is slated to catch all nine innings in back-to-back games with Triple-A Gwinnett before being activated. Murphy should handle the lion's share of starts at designated hitter for Atlanta and will also be worked in behind the plate as the team's No. 2 catcher.

Rutschman isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Astros, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Rutschman went 2-for-4 with a grand slam and an additional run scored during Baltimore's 10-3 win in Game 1, and he'll get a chance to rest his legs during the second half of Thursday's festivities. Samuel Basallo will do the catching instead for starter Brandon Young.

Lorenzen (2-3) took the loss Thursday against the Reds, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

The 34-year-old right-hander had a hard time finding his pitch location Thursday. Lorenzen served up two home runs, walked a season-high three batters and threw only 49 of his 85 pitches for strikes, but he was able to last at least five innings in his third consecutive start. He has a poor 6.09 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB over 34 frames, making Lorenzen a fantasy option to avoid during his next scheduled outing back in Colorado against the Mets.

Abbott (1-2) earned the win Thursday against the Rockies, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.

Abbott turned in one of his best performances of the year so far, matching a season high in innings and punchouts. Thursday was only his second quality start and his first since his season debut, and it was also just the third time that the 26-year-old left-hander gave up fewer than three runs. Abbott still has work to do in order to improve upon his 5.97 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 24:15 K:BB (34.2 innings), and he could have his work cut out against the Cubs in his next scheduled outing at Wrigley Field.

Woodruff was removed from Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks with an apparent injury, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Woodruff didn't give up a run during his start Thursday, but he managed to record just four outs while averaging 85 mph with his fastball -- a significant decrease from his 92.6-mph season average. The veteran righty battled problems with his lat coming into the season and missed time last year with shoulder, ankle and elbow injuries, though it's currently unknown what was troubling him Thursday.