MLB Player News

Munch fractured his finger on Apr. 13, though since it wasn’t known at the time, he played through the injury for a couple of weeks. One imagines he’ll spend at least another two weeks on the IL.

Well, that was unexpected. Fantasy managers can at least take solace in the fact that three of the runs were unearned, as McLean’s defense didn’t do him any favors, but either way it’s the most runs he’s allowed in a start in his brief major league career. The big blow as an inside-the-park grand slam from James Wood in the second inning. McLean gave up eight hits in all — including two homers — while walking two, hitting two batters, and striking out five. The rookie right-hander just didn’t have his usual command in this one and the velocity on his four-seamer was down a tick as well. He’ll attempt to rebound this weekend against the Marlins in Miami.

Now that’s more like it. Bichette had just two homers across his first 46 games this season, but he’s now put up three homers over the past two days. That’s baseball for you. Bichette clearly hasn’t been the best version of himself this season, and learning a new position probably hasn’t helped, but he’s too talented and has too much of a track record to suggest that he wouldn’t snap out of it at the plate. It’s probably also helped to play shortstop with Francisco Lindor sidelined.

Alexander wasn’t even scheduled to start this game, but was thrust into the role when Lance McCullers was scratched with shoulder inflammation. Alexander responded by throwing 63 percent strikes with an 11 percent swinging strike rate. He faced mainly left-handed hitters in this one, getting ahead early with the four-seamer and then using the changeup down for whiffs. It remains to be seen if he will stick in the rotation, but it seems likely that McCullers will head to the injured list, which would free up a spot for Alexander.

Soto launched a 434-foot blast to right-center field in the seventh inning, but the Mets were unable to get any closer against the Nationals’ bullpen. The 27-year-old has hit safely in six straight games while going 10-for-24 (.417) with three home runs, six RBI, three steals, and seven runs scored. It’s almost like he’s one of the game’s elite hitters or something.

Bazzana’s second big-league homer came off Keider Montero in the fourth inning. He’s up to .299/.427/.400 with as many walks as strikeouts (13) in 19 games since his callup. The Guardians don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but he’d seem to belong in the leadoff spot against righties. He’s yet to bat higher than fifth to date.

The two earned runs came on a walk and a Spencer Torkelson homer in the second. The other run occurred when Austin Hedges tried to pick a runner off first with two on in the fourth. He would have had the runner, but the throw got past Kyle Manzardo, allowing Riley Greene to score from second. Messick escaped the jam from there and eventually left a 3-3 game. If not for the attempted pickoff, there’s a good he would have earned the win, as the Guardians eventually prevailed 4-3. Instead, Messick remains 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA ahead of a start Sunday against the Phillies.

Matt Vierling and Kevin McGonigle singled off him, but the Tigers couldn’t complete the rally from there. Smith has a 17/1 K/BB while allowing one run in 8 2/3 innings this month. His last 10 appearances have all concluded with saves.

Montero allowed just two hits, but he issued four walks, a couple of which played roles in scoring runs. In the second, he allowed a run on a leadoff single, a walk, a sac bunt and a sac fly. In the fourth, he gave up a two-run homer to Travis Bazzana after walking Kyle Manzardo. Montero’s ERA now stands at 3.83 through nine starts. He’s due to take on the Orioles in Baltimore on Sunday.

Torkelson’s homer off Parker Messick accounted for two-thirds of the Tigers’ runs tonight. It was his first homer against a lefty in 36 at-bats this season. He’s batting .194 against both lefties and righties, though he does have a far better OBP (.370 to .289) with the platoon advantage.

Doyle appeared to be shaken up after diving to attempt to take a double away from Ezequiel Duran in the first inning. He was replaced by Tyler Freeman with Jake McCarthy moving over the center field. There should be an update on his status following the game.