Jacob Irvin: Everything you need to know

Irvin didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Twins, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out two. The 29-year-old right-hander struggled Thursday, fanning a season-low two and tying a season worst in hits allowed. On a positive note, Irvin has now pitched at least five innings in six consecutive starts and seven of his eight appearances on the year. He'll take a lackluster 5.22 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 41:16 K:BB across 39.2 innings into his next outing, which is slated to come versus the Reds at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.

Irvin (1-4) took the loss against the Brewers on Friday, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and four walks with five strikeouts over five innings. Irvin allowed runs in the first, third and fifth innings, throwing 60 of 98 pitches for strikes while generating only seven whiffs. While it was a disappointing follow-up to a nine-strikeout effort Saturday, the 29-year-old has gone at least five frames while yielding three earned runs or fewer in six of seven outings this season. He'll carry a 4.93 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 39:15 K:BB across 34.2 innings into a home matchup against the Twins next week.

Irvin took a no-decision Saturday against the White Sox, allowing no runs on four hits and no walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out nine. The 29-year-old right-hander had his entire pitch mix working, registering 16 whiffs en route to fanning a season-high nine in his first scoreless start of the year. Interestingly, a passed ball and subsequent throwing error by Keibert Ruiz in the sixth inning enabled Irvin to strike out four in a single frame Saturday. Irvin is still searching for more consistent run prevention, as evidenced by his 4.85 ERA through 29.2 innings, but he does have a strong 1.18 WHIP and 34:11 K:BB ahead of his next scheduled outing versus the Brewers.