• Stunned by San Diego
    Pivetta (4-5) took the loss Friday, coughing up five runs on seven hits and a walk over four-plus innings in a 9-2 loss to the Padres. He struck out four.

    Advice: The right-hander was cruising through four innings, but San Diego erupted for all nine of its runs in the fifth before Boston's pitching staff was able to secure an out. Pivetta served up a two-run homer to Kyle Higashioka to begin that offensive outburst, and he's been taken deep five times in his last three starts, stumbling to a 6.46 ERA and 1.63 WHIP over that stretch despite a 13:3 K:BB in 15.1 innings. Pivetta will try to keep the ball in the park in his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Miami. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:14 pm
     
  • Nick Pivetta tagged for five runs by Padres
    Nick Pivetta surrendered five runs in four-plus innings Friday in a loss to the Padres.

    Advice: Pivetta pitched four scoreless innings, striking out four, before giving up four straight hits and a walk to begin the fifth. He was pulled at that point, and the Padres ended up scoring nine times in the frame. Pivetta has allowed 15 earned runs over 19 1/3 innings in his last four starts, taking his season ERA from 3.40 to 4.52. We would say he’s droppable in mixed leagues at this point, but since he faces the Marlins in Miami next time out, it’s probably worth giving him one more chance. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:22 pm
     
  • Blows second save
    Munoz was charged with a blown save Monday against Tampa Bay, allowing one hit and one walk with one strikeout in one-third of an inning.

    Advice: Munoz entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and runners on second and third. He walked Jose Caballero before allowing a two-run single to Yandy Diaz, giving the Rays a 4-3 lead. While Munoz blew the save, it is encouraging that he was called upon for the high-leverage situation over fellow closer Ryne Stanek, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning. The Mariners closer situation should still be considered a committee moving forward, with Munoz offering the most upside. Despite blowing the save, the 25-year-old has been dominant this season, compiling a 1.41 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP and a 43:11 K:BB over 32 innings, converting 13-of-15 save opportunities with six holds. Rotowire.com Monday, 9:01 pm
     
  • Allows three runs in 4.1 frames
    Pivetta took a no-decision Saturday against Cincinnati, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five batters over 4.1 innings.

    Advice: All three of the runs allowed by Pivetta came via the long ball -- Spencer Steer tagged him for a two-run homer in the first inning, and Elly De La Cruz launched a solo shot in the third. Pivetta didn't damage his ERA too dramatically, but he exited after 4.1 innings after racking up 96 pitches. It was the third time over his past six starts that he's failed to complete five frames, though the right-hander also has a pair of seven-inning quality starts during that span. Rotowire.com Saturday, 10:38 pm
     
  • Pivetta allows three in no-decision against Reds
    Nick Pivetta allowed three runs in 4 1/3 innings and got a no-decision against the Reds on Saturday.

    Advice: Pivetta gave up six hits, walked one and struck out five. He was on the hook for the loss before a late comeback by the Red Sox offense. It was another pedestrian start from Pivetta that might be becoming a trend. In his first eight starts of the year, he had 51 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings. In his last three starts, he’s had just 13 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old right-hander is set to face the Padres at home next weekend.

    Rotoworld Saturday, 4:25 pm