MLB Player News

Mengden (3-4) allowed two runs (one earned) on eight hits over six innings Tuesday against the Red Sox. He struck out three and was credited with the win.

Mengden entered the month of May with a 4.68 ERA to his name but has been able to cut that figure down to a respectable 3.75 mark after holding the potent Astros' and Red Sox' lineups to a combined three earned runs over 12.2 total innings in his last two starts. Despite his recent run suppression, Mengden is averaging just four strikeouts per start which severely limits any potential fantasy upside. He's scheduled to take on the Blue Jays on Sunday.

Banda allowed three runs on six hits while striking out one over five innings in Tuesday's win over the Royals. He did not factor into the decision.

Banda wasn't particularly deceptive with just four swings and misses, but he was very efficient with no walks and just the one strikeout allowing him to cruise through five innings on just 52 pitches. Through seven starts at Triple-A Durham prior to Tuesday's call-up, the lefty had a 3.50 ERA and 11.0 K/9. Manager Kevin Cash reported after the game that Banda would remain with the team and pitch this weekend in Anaheim, though he was noncommittal when asked about him starting Sunday, which would be his next scheduled turn in the rotation, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Castro will not make his scheduled start against the Phillies on Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Castro was set to make a spot start for the Orioles on Wednesday, but Andrew Cashner will get the nod instead following Tuesday's postponement. Castro's role going forward remains unclear with Chris Tillman (back) on the disabled list, as both Castro and David Hess are candidates to step into the starting rotation.

Lopez (0-3) allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks over two-plus innings in Tuesday's loss to the Pirates. He did not record a strikeout.

Lopez was hit early and often in Tuesday's disastrous outing. He served up a leadoff homer to Adam Frazier and was tagged for four more hits and three more runs in the first inning. He gave up another pair of runs in the second and was yanked in the third frame after plunking Francisco Cervelli and walking Colin Moran to begin the inning. Lopez's sloppy outing ballooned his ERA over a full point, from 2.44 to 3.50. He'll take on the Rangers this Sunday.

The Rangers currently plan on Moore making his next scheduled start against the White Sox on Saturday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Moore (1-5) has been one of the worst starting pitchers in the league this season, with a 7.82 WHIP and 2.00 WHIP and only 28 strikeouts over 38 innings. Opposing hitters have a .349/.418/.554 slash line against the 28-year-old this season, but the Rangers seem to have limited options in term of replacements, keeping Moore in the rotation for the time being.

Smith was placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday with a right shoulder subluxation, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

According to Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston, Smith injured his arm after throwing his glove in the dugout following his outing against the Athletics on Monday. He remains without a timetable for his return, but it sounds like the Red Sox are gearing up for an extended absence, as President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said "its got the potential of being a major injury." Smith is headed for a second opinion on the injury and should be considered out indefinitely for the time being. Bobby Poyner was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket in a corresponding move and will take his spot in the bullpen.

Merritt (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

This move opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for Neil Ramirez, who had his contract purchased in a corresponding move. Merritt has been sidelined all season and was recently shut down from throwing due to shoulder inflammation. While a concrete timetable for his return remains unclear, he'll now be sidelined at least until the end of May.

Castro will start Wednesday against the Phillies, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

With Chris Tillman (back) on the shelf, the Orioles will turn to Castro to make a spot start in his place. The 23-year-old has held his own as a long reliever so far this season, compiling a 3.55 ERA across 25.1 innings (15 appearances). He's made one major-league start in his career, allowing three runs on six hits across 3.1 innings last season. It's unclear if Castro or David Hess, who started one of the team's doubleheader games over the weekend, will stick in the rotation while Tillman is sidelined, but that could depend on how Castro fares in Wednesday's outing.

Graveman was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

While he held his own in a spot start last week, Graveman is no longer needed in the big-league rotation with Trevor Cahill (elbow) expected to return from the disabled list Wednesday. The 27-year-old has proven he can be an effective major-league starter in the past, so Graveman could find his way back in the big-league rotation if he pitches well with the Sounds and Brett Anderson and Andrew Triggs continue to struggle for the A's.

Santiago is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Pirates, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Santiago will get the ball for Wednesday's series finale after having his previous turn in the rotation skipped. The 30-year-old has worked as a starter and long reliever this season, compiling a 5.60 ERA and 25:16 K:BB across 27.1 innings (11 appearances, two starts). With Santiago rejoining the rotation Wednesday, Carson Fulmer will have his start pushed to Friday.