MLB Player News

Irvin allowed the first three batters he faced to reach base, but it was the two-run homer by Ketel Marte that put him in a hole early. Irvin would go on to pitch two scoreless innings before surrendering two more runs in the fifth, which would be his final inning. It was just the second time this year that Irvin has allowed four or more runs in an outing, as he’s been one of the core members of a Nationals rotation that has surprised in the first half of the season. Irvin will look to get back on track in his next start, which is scheduled for Sunday against the Rockies.

Less than 24 hours after being named to the first All-Star Game roster of his career, Profar came back to haunt his former team with a sixth-inning solo shot off Rangers veteran starter Max Scherzer for his 12th round-tripper of the season. The 31-year-old corner outfielder’s unexpected late-career breakout continues as he’s batting .317 with 50 runs scored, 12 homers, 56 RBI and five steals through 89 games this season.

Langford made a pair of unbelievable highlight-reel worthy defensive plays and was responsible for plating the Rangers’ lone run of the contest with a run-scoring single off Padres starter Michael King in the sixth inning. The 22-year-old top prospect has been excellent over the last few weeks, batting .303 (33-for-109) with three homers and six steals over his last 30 games. He’s yet another textbook example of why fantasy managers should exercise patience with talented top prospects, even if they struggle initially upon reaching the majors.

Suarez came on to face the bottom of the Rangers’ lineup in the final frame with a two-run lead in hand and immediately got into trouble by issuing a leadoff walk to rookie sensation Wyatt Langford. Fortunately, he was able to get Leody Taveras to ground into a fielder’s choice before striking out Travis Jankowski and coaxing a game-ending ground out from Jonah Heim. He’s converted a staggering 22 of 23 save opportunities this season and figures to be named to the senior circuit’s All-Star Game roster in the coming days.

King generated 13 swinging strikes, although just a pair of them came on his four-seam fastball, as he finished with a robust 34 percent CSW. A sixth-inning single from Wyatt Langford was responsible for the lone tally against him in a low-scoring pitcher’s duel at Globe Life Field. The 29-year-old former reliever will bring a strong 3.51 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 120/41 K/BB ratio across 105 innings (19 appearances, 18 starts) into a home outing on Wednesday against the Mariners in his final outing prior to the Midsummer Classic.

Scherzer traded zeroes with his Padres counterpart Michael King early on in a throwback pitcher’s duel on the Fourth of July at Globe Life Field, but wound up fading late as runs he gave up in the sixth and seventh innings were enough to saddle him with a tough-luck loss. He struck out three and only issued one walk. The 39-year-old veteran workhorse has recorded a strong 2.70 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 11/3 K/BB ratio across 16 2/3 innings (three starts) since making his season debut a couple weeks ago. He’ll face off against the Angels on Tuesday in his final outing prior to the All-Star break.

Jacques rejoins Arizona’s bullpen for Thursday’s showdown against the Dodgers. The 29-year-old lefty has yet to make an appearance this season for the Diamondbacks.

Mena heads back to the minors after allowing four runs over three innings on Wednesday in his major-league debut against the Dodgers. The 21-year-old righty figures to get another look at some point later this summer.

Hoeing will be officially activated from the injured list to take the ball for Friday’s series opener against the White Sox. The 27-year-old righty has been out since early May recovering from a left hamstring strain.

One of Happ’s remaining hits was a double, giving him 11 total bases in four plate appearances. Unfortunately, he was on deck when the bottom of the eighth ended, denying him a chance to add on. Happ has seven homers in his last 18 games after totaling just six in his first 64. He’s added about 100 points of OPS in three weeks and is currently at .238/.351/.448 for the year.

Taillon struck out seven and walked none. He’s now 3-0 this year when he goes without a walk. He’s also 3-0 when he strikes out at least six. Really, he ought to try doing both things more often. Next up for him will be a tough one in Baltimore against the Orioles.