MLB Player News

Painter’s struggles continued here. Even as the Phillies tried to take some pressure off him by having him follow an opener, he still wasn’t even close to being effective. After mixing up his repertoire a good bit over his last few outings, he refocused on his fastball and slider and threw them a combined 77% of the time. Last time out, they combined for just 39% of his total pitches and hung around 50% for the two prior. An adjustment is something, but it didn’t lead to better results and mostly seemed due to the fact that he struggled to command anything else. Sadly, the former top prospect and his 6.43 ERA should not be trusted in any league at this time.

PCA’s fifth homer in June got things off to a great start against Trevor McDonald, and the Cubs never looked back. Crow-Armstrong is now up to .263/.341/.462 for the year. He was hitting .236/.306/.369 on this date a month ago.

Brown allowed seven hits and walked three, which usually amounts to more than one run, but the Giants never managed a hit with RISP tonight. Brown moved to 3-2 with a 1.74 ERA. He’ll unfortunately miss the home series against the Rockies next week and likely make his next start Friday against the Blue Jays.

McDonald allowed six hits, including a leadoff homer from Pete Crow-Armstrong, and walked three before being pulled. He fell to 2-4 with a 4.64 ERA, and he might soon return to the minors if Tyler Mahle’s rehab progresses as hoped. For the moment, he’s in line to start against the Marlins next week.

Ramírez’s homer was a 414-footer off Reiver Sanmartin in the fifth inning. The rookie was making his seventh start in 21 games since the Cubs called him up on May 23. He’ll likely return to Triple-A at some point now that Matt Shaw is back, but he’d be interesting if the team had a starting job available for him.

Ian Seymour also figures to play a significant role after throwing four scoreless innings in his start Monday against the Red Sox, but that’s not something the Rays are currently willing to confirm. Assuming Seymour has the bulk role, he’ll be a better bet for a win than a bunch of starters in action on Sunday.

Soriano departed after just 76 pitches. He doesn’t expect tonight’s issue to be a problem going forward, so we’ll still pencil him in to face the A’s in Sacramento next week.

Gelof started in right field tonight with Max Muncy back, but he finished up at third base. He’s hit a solid .271/.316/.475 in 195 plate appearances since being recalled by the A’s, but he might lose some playing time against right-handers while the A’s figure things out in their infield. It shouldn’t turn into a significant issue until Brent Rooker comes off the IL.

Estes got the start tonight in his first appearance since being recalled Tuesday and managed to sort of outpitch Kyle Freeland in what turned into a win for the A’s. Estes didn’t qualify for the win, of course, so he’s still 7-12 with a 5.59 ERA as a major leaguer. With Aaron Civale expected back on Wednesday, Estes might be in line to return to Triple-A.

Alvarado struck out Kyle Karros and Brett Sullivan before getting Sterlin Thompson to ground out to end the game. He’s earned both of his saves in the eight days since the A’s recalled him from Triple-A. He should remain in the mix going forward, but Hogan Harris, who notched a save Friday, still seems like the best bet in the A’s pen for now.

Freeland dropped to 1-7 with a 7.98 ERA. He’s given up 84 hits in 58 2/3 innings. Still, it’s not like the Rockies are going to stop running him out there. Expect him to face the Pirates at Coors Field on Friday.