MacKenzie Gore: Everything you need to know

Gore did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Royals, allowing two runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out six over five innings Gore spent much of the afternoon pitching with traffic on the bases, allowing multiple baserunners in all but one inning. The left-hander easily could have been tagged for a much worse line, but he repeatedly worked out of trouble and stranded four runners in scoring position across his five innings of work. While the run prevention was solid, the amount of contact remains a concern, as Gore has now allowed 17 hits total in his last 9.2 innings. The 27-year-old has pitched well overall since May 12, posting a 2.90 ERA during that stretch. Gore now owns a 4.18 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 76:33 K:BB across 71 innings and is lined up to face the Twins at home in his next start.

Gore (4-5) was tagged with the loss Wednesday against the Cardinals after allowing four runs on nine hits and three walks across 4.2 innings. He struck out five. Gore was coming off back-to-back quality starts against the Angels and Royals, allowing just one run over 12.1 innings in that span, but he couldn't keep that streak going and didn't even finish the fifth inning this time. The four runs allowed were the most Gore had allowed in a game since May 7, when he gave up five runs in a loss to the Yankees. Owning a 2.77 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over his last five starts, Gore will aim to bounce back in his next outing, scheduled for next week on the road against the Royals.

Gore (4-4) earned the win Friday against the Royals after tossing 6.1 scoreless innings. He allowed four hits and a walk while striking out three. Gore's strikeout numbers are trending in the wrong direction, as he's fanned three or fewer in four of his last six starts, but he has the stuff to improve in that regard as the season goes on. Gore has been on a tear of late and has given up one run or fewer while pitching at least six frames in three of his last four outings. In six May appearances, Gore owns a 3.56 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP across 30.1 innings. He should make his next start against the Cardinals on the road next week.