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Kirby (5-5) got the win over the Athletics on Tuesday, recording nine strikeouts while allowing two earned runs on six hits and a walk over five-plus innings.

Advice: The right-hander had his swing-and-miss stuff in prime form for the second consecutive start, one-upping his eight-strikeout tally against the Astros last Wednesday. The two runs on Kirby's ledger came about through relatively innocuous means, with Abraham Toro getting to him with an RBI single in the third and Austin Voth conceding an RBI groundout to inherited runner Shea Langeliers upon entering for Kirby in the sixth. Kirby's last two strikeout-heavy outings have come on the heels of back-to-back starts where he gave up five runs apiece to the Nationals and Orioles, giving him some momentum heading into a projected tussle with the improved Royals at home on Sunday. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 7:40 am

Wheeler (7-3) earned the win Monday against Milwaukee, allowing one earned run on five hits and three walks over seven innings. He struck out six.

Advice: Wheeler nearly pitched seven shutout innings, but he surrendered a solo home run to former teammate Rhys Hoskins with two outs in the seventh inning. Wheeler turned in his fourth consecutive quality start Monday, bringing his season total to 10. Wheeler has pitched to a 2.23 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 91 strikeouts in 80.2 innings this season, all of which rank top 10 in the league. He will look to keep rolling in his next start, tentatively scheduled for next Tuesday in Boston. Rotowire.com Monday, 7:10 pm

Bello did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks over 6.1 innings. He struck out five.

Advice: Bello cruised through the first four in allowing only two baserunners and finished the sixth inning in line for a quality start and the win. For the first time all year, Bello was called upon to go back out for the seventh, but after recording one out, he allowed the next two runners to reach base prior to being pulled, with both runners eventually coming around to score, adversely impacting his final line. It was only the second time this year that Bello has not been involved in the decision. His next opportunity to take the hill will likely come next weekend when Boston travels to Chicago to take on the White Sox. Rotowire.com Sunday, 6:06 pm

Houck (5-5) picked up the win Friday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over seven innings in a 7-3 victory over the Tigers. He struck out six.

Advice: The 27-year-old right-hander generated 30 called or swinging strikes among his 95 pitches as he delivered his third straight quality start and 10th in 12 trips to the mound this season. Houck is having a breakout campaign, and he'll take a 1.85 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 75:15 K:BB through 78 innings into his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next week against the White Sox. Rotowire.com Saturday, 5:54 am

Ronel Blanco took his first loss Friday after giving up four runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Twins.

Advice: Blanco walked three and gave up a two-run homer to Trevor Larnach. Apart from the time he was ejected for his sticky stuff, this is the first time this year that Blanco has failed to complete five innings. He’s still playable in mixed leagues for now, particularly since he’s about to face the Royals and White Sox in two starts next week. Rotoworld Friday, 11:40 pm