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DJ Herz was hit hard in a losing effort against the Padres on Wednesday afternoon, surrendering four runs on six hits in just 3 1/3 innings of work.

Advice: The left-hander also issued a pair of free passes while recording only one strikeout in the ballgame. Kyle Higashioka tagged him for a two-run blast to open the scoring in the second inning, then the Padres scratched out another pair of runs while chasing Herz in the fourth inning. The 23-year-old hurler got three swings and misses on 66 pitches on the day, posting an uninspiring CSW of 23 percent. He’ll try to improve upon his 5.48 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 27/7 K/BB ratio (21 1/3 innings) when he takes on the Mets at home on Tuesday. Rotoworld Today, 3:43 pm

Ashcraft (4-4) took the loss Wednesday as the Reds were downed 6-1 by the Pirates, surrendering six runs on nine hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out three.

Advice: Making his first start in the big leagues since June 5, Ashcraft served up a solo shot to Rowdy Tellez in the fourth inning and a two-run blast to Andrew McCutchen in the fifth. The right-hander has been touched up for 11 long balls in 67.2 innings with Cincinnati this season, helping to fuel his 5.45 ERA. It's not clear how long Nick Lodolo will be sidelined with a blister, but the Reds don't seem to have a better option for his rotation spot. Assuming he gets another start, Ashcraft's homer issues will make him a very risky fantasy play in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road early next week in Yankee Stadium. Rotowire.com Today, 3:34 pm

Ortiz (4-2) picked up the win in Wednesday's 6-1 victory over the Reds, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. He struck out seven without walking a batter.

Advice: The seven Ks tied the right-hander's career high, set back in Sept. 2022 in his third career MLB start. Ortiz was making his first start of 2024 after spending the first part of the season in a long relief role, and he generated an impressive 19 swinging strikes among his season-high 85 pitches. Martin Perez (groin) is expected to come off the IL this weekend, but Ortiz made a solid case to return to the rotation later in the campaign should a spot open up. Through 53 innings this year, he sports a 3.23 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 43:18 K:BB. Rotowire.com Today, 3:15 pm

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Wednesday that Clevinger (elbow) will make another rehab start with Triple-A Charlotte, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.comreports.

Advice: The veteran right-hander threw 71 pitchers over 4.2 innings during his third rehab outing Sunday, and he'll continue building up his workload at Triple-A. Assuming that next outing goes well, Clevinger could step into Chicago's rotation during the first week of July. Rotowire.com Today, 3:00 pm

Gibson (5-3) allowed four runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four over four innings to take the loss versus Atlanta in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Advice: Gibson made his first start since June 14 -- a stint on the bereavement list, a bout of back tightness and a rainout combined to keep him out of game action for 12 days. He wasn't sharp, throwing 50 of 87 pitches for strikes Wednesday, with the five walks being a season high. This was his first loss since April 13 and the first time he's given up more than three runs since May 17. Gibson has a 3.70 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 77:36 K:BB over 87.2 innings across 15 starts this season. He's projected to make his next start at Pittsburgh. Rotowire.com Today, 2:54 pm