Ross Stripling was lifted after allowing three runs -- two earned -- in five innings Thursday against the Phillies.

Stripling's first three starts after two months in the bullpen weren't really any good, but he's been better his last two times out and he was in line for a win today before the bullpen struggled. He's a solid play in mixed leagues.

Ross Stripling allowed four runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings in Sunday's loss to the Padres.

Stripling fell victim to the long ball, and a little bit of bad luck, in this one, with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manuel Margot hitting solo homers in the first and second innings, respectively. In the fifth inning, things got hairy after a Margot single and an Austin Hedges double that Max Muncy lost in the sun. Stripling was allowed to strike out the pitcher but was replaced by Pedro Baez after that, and Baez promptly gave up a three-run homer to Tatis to charge Stripling with two more runs. His first half ends with a 3.79 ERA and 1.26 WHIP.