MLB Player News

Civale (5-3) allowed six runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out two over three-plus innings to take the loss versus the Pirates on Wednesday.

Civale missed about three weeks due to right shoulder tendinitis before rejoining the rotation Wednesday. He threw 46 of 71 pitches for strikes in his return, but his early exit was likely performance related rather than a workload consideration. He's allowed 18 runs over 12 innings across his last three starts in the majors. Civale now has a 4.91 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 41:19 K:BB over 58.2 innings through 12 outings this season. His next start is projected to be on the road in San Francisco, which is about as favorable a matchup as a struggling pitcher can ask for, though Civale's recent performance means he'll still carry some risk.

Ashcraft (6-3) allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win over the Athletics on Wednesday.

Ashcraft had his best start of June in this outing, throwing 58 of 93 pitches for strikes while issuing his most free passes since late April. This was his ninth quality start in 15 games this season. He has a 3.18 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 97:22 K:BB through 90.2 innings on the year. Ashcraft has largely taken care of business in easy matchups, giving him a reliable floor in fantasy. His next start is projected to come at home versus the Mariners.

Kirby (5-7) allowed three runs on eight hits and struck out five without walking a batter over six innings to take the loss versus the Orioles on Wednesday.

Kirby gave up just two extra-base hits, but they were critical. Gunnar Henderson tagged him for a two-run home run in the third inning and Leody Taveras added an RBI triple in the sixth. This was Kirby's second quality start in a row, but he's allowed at least three runs in six straight outings, going 0-5 in that span. He's now at a 4.10 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 79:21 K:BB in 90 innings through 15 starts. Kirby will look to shake off the funk in his next start, which is tentatively projected to be on the road in Pittsburgh.

Bradish (4-7) allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out 12 over 7.2 innings to earn the win over the Mariners on Wednesday.

Bradish set season highs in innings pitched and strikeouts during this dominant performance. It was a big bounce-back effort after he allowed five runs in each of his previous two starts. The right-hander now has a 4.00 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP and 85:41 K:BB across 81 innings through 15 starts this season. He has issued multiple free passes in seven straight outings and in 13 of his 15 games this year, which continues to limit his overall effectiveness. Bradish is lined up for a favorable road start early next week against the Angels.

Sullivan (0-1) allowed eight runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out two over four innings to take the loss versus the Cubs on Wednesday.

Sullivan threw 56 of 82 pitches for strikes, but the Cubs had no trouble getting to him. The southpaw threw three scoreless innings against the Athletics last week before his major-league debut was cut short by an illness. Sullivan pitched to a 5.76 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 50:10 K:BB over 54.2 innings with Triple-A Albuquerque prior to his call-up, and given his tough home park, he's a risky option at best in fantasy. If Tanner Gordon (hip) remains out next week, Sullivan is tentatively projected to make a home start versus the Red Sox.

Ritchie (1-2) was tagged with the loss Wednesday in the 7-5 defeat to the Giants after he allowed five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four in five innings.

Ritchie was tagged for five runs early as he gave up three home runs in the first two innings Wednesday. This was Ritchie's first start since being recalled from the minors last week. The 22-year-old was also a bit wild in the game, throwing strikes on only 54 of his 90 pitches and issuing at least three free passes for a fourth time in seven MLB outings. Spencer Strider's (elbow) presence on the injured list should allow Ritchie to pick up another start next week in San Diego.

Espino recorded two strikeouts over one perfect inning against the Brewers on Wednesday.

Espino came in to relieve Gavin Williams in the sixth inning and struck out Garrett Mitchell and Cooper Pratt before inducing a flyout for a clean MLB debut. The 2019 first-round pick, who was once one of the top prospects in baseball before injuries took a toll, had a 5.30 ERA and a 29:15 K:BB in 22 appearances (18.2 innings) for Triple-A Columbus this year prior to being promoted last week.

Manager Pat Murphy said after Wednesday's win over Cleveland that Sproat's hamstring cramps are minor and won't impact his next scheduled start, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Sproat's hamstring began to give him trouble during the fourth inning of Wednesday's contest, forcing him out of the game after he'd given up four earned runs in 3.2 innings. He won't have to worry about missing any additional starts, however, which puts him on track to take the mound next week on the road against the Reds.

Bennett (1-3) took the loss Wednesday against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on three hits and no walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

Bennett fared well Wednesday, keeping the ball in the yard while firing 55 of his 79 pitches for strikes. The 25-year-old left-hander also gave up a season-low three knocks, fanned a season-high five and even issued no free passes for the first time in four starts this year. Bennett has a 4.79 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB over 20.2 innings and should maintain a rotation spot while Garrett Crochet (shoulder/lat) is sidelined, but a difficult assignment in Colorado awaits Bennett in his next scheduled outing.

Kay (6-2) took the loss Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk in four innings. He struck out two.

The Yankees immediately jumped Kay on Wednesday, tagging the hurler for a pair of runs in both the first and second innings. The 31-year-old left-hander continues to struggle to find the plate consistently -- he's now issued at least one walk in all 15 of his appearances and has also hit at least one batter in five of his last seven starts. Kay has an uninspiring 4.61 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 55:28 K:BB over 70.1 innings, but he's next set to face a Cleveland lineup that will be without star third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand).