MLB Player News

Lowder served up a solo homer to Corbin Carroll in the first inning. He then settled in nicely, scattering four more hits and two walks as he pitched into the sixth without allowing another run. He’d depart with two outs in the sixth with six strikeouts. The 24-year-old right-hander will carry a 4.60 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and a 37/25 K/BB ratio across 47 innings into a start against the Yankees in New York on Friday.

Vásquez allowed one hit and two walks on the afternoon, taking advantage of a favorable matchup as the Pirates’ hitters have struggled badly lately. The right-hander got off to a strong start in 2026 before he was hit by regression and then dealt with an ankle injury. His recent stretch is the best he’s thrown since April. The Padres entered this series having won 21 of 28 before dropping the first two, but they avoided the sweep. Vásquez’s next start lines up in hitter-friendly Cincinnati.

Chandler struck out three in the outing as Pittsburgh couldn’t pull off the sweep. Their rotation has been up-and-down throughout 2026, but by most metrics, Chandler has been their best starter in the second half. He combines one of the group’s lowest walk rates with a favorable ground-ball rate. Still just 23 years old, he’ll draw the Giants at home next time out.

Merrill doubled off Bubba Chandler in the bottom of the second before coming around to score on a Luis Rengifo RBI. He tripled in the fourth, driving in Manny Machado to give San Diego a 2-0 lead. Merrill’s season-long batting line is still below league average despite a recent hot streak. His 11 second-half homers are tied for the third-most in the majors. What has helped his fantasy line is an aggressive stolen base approach. He’s 24 for 27 on the bases after finishing 1 for 3 a season ago. There’s still plenty of talent to dream on in the 23-year-old.

There hasn’t really been any indication from Chicago that they’re going to rush Shaw back to the majors with Pedro Ramírez handling second base on an everyday basis. He’s been on a rehab assignment since mid-August after missing time with a hand strain that put him on the injured list back in late June.

Gonsolin struck out three and didn’t hand out a free pass during the 40-pitch outing. The 32-year-old ex-Dodgers starter signed a one-year pact with Kansas City earlier this month as he continues working his way back from last year’s elbow surgery. There’s a strong possibility he’s up with the Royals at some point in September.

Ouch. May was struck in the upper back near his right shoulder by a 106-mph line drive from Mets rookie A.J. Ewing on his very first pitch of the game. He was immediately replaced by lefty Robert Gasser. He’ll undergo further evaluation and likely imaging to determine whether he suffered a serious injury. There should be an update on his status after the game.

Mize has been given the green light after making it through Wednesday’s bullpen session without any issues. The 29-year-old suffered a sprained right ankle during his last outing against the Twins over the weekend. He’s given up 14 runs over 18 innings across four starts since arriving in San Diego at the trade deadline.

Cantillo only struck out one while issuing a career-high seven walks. That won’t help his ERA indicators, but he managed to get the job done in a favorable matchup. This outing started out ugly with three walks, a hit-by-pitch, and an error through the first two innings. The Guardians went on to rally in the top of the ninth for a comeback victory, their seventh straight. Cantillo’s next start lines up at home against Toronto.

Rodriguez struck out four and walked one. He’s now allowed one earned run over his past two starts, spanning 12 2/3 innings. Rodriguez had an obscene 8.54 ERA through his first nine outings of 2026, but it’s down to 6.03 following Wednesday’s performance. His ERA, K-BB%, and other peripheral stats have all improved meaningfully in August. He’ll look to keep it going next time out against the Yankees.

Cleveland trailed by one heading into the top of the ninth before taking a one-run lead. That gave Sabrowski the chance to slam the door, which he did. Cade Smith had 35 of the club’s 39 saves entering Wednesday, but he was unavailable after pitching three of the past four days. Sabrowski is a valuable reliever to roster in saves-plus-holds formats, but he won’t have standalone 5x5 value while Smith is healthy.