MLB Player News

Junis (5-2) allowed two runs on four hits and struck out two over six innings to earn the win Monday against Oakland.

Junis was fantastic in a spot start Aug. 6 against Seattle, an outing in which he lasted eight innings and gave up just one run with seven strikeouts. While he wasn't quite as dominant this time around, Junis was similarly sharp, needing just 83 pitches to complete six innings and throwing 18 first-pitch strikes to 24 hitters. What he lacked in swing-and-miss stuff he made up for with pristine control. Junis has thrown quality starts in three of his last four outings for the big club, and even with the Royals in the thick of the American League Wild Card race, the 24-year-old has earned a chance to show what he's got.

Andriese (hip) emerged from Sunday's rehab start without setbacks and will make his next start for High-A Charlotte on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The news gets better for the right-hander, who's been sidelined since June 10. Andriese is expected to keep ramping up his pitch count with each successive start, with the hope of bringing him back up to the big-league club for the final month of the campaign.

Loup pitched 1.2 hitless innings Monday, allowing just one walk while striking out three Rays en route to his fourth hold of the year.

Monday's performance was undoubtedly Loup's best in quite a while. Manager John Gibbons is has shown the willingness to extend Loup when the southpaw is on, but unfortunately the reliever's usage is too fickle to make the reliever worth much in fantasy league.

Fulmer (10-10) allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out just two batters through five innings during Monday's loss to Texas.

Fulmer was placed on the disabled list with right elbow neuritis Aug. 3, and this was his first start since July 31. After beginning the season with a 3.06 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through his first 18 outings of the season, it was disappointing to see him pitch poorly following his DL stint. He'll need to show more on the mound before regaining the matchup-proof status he warranted earlier this season. Fulmer lines up for a daunting home start against the Dodgers next, too.

Betances worked around a hit with one strikeout in a scoreless inning to earn his 16th save of the season Monday against the Mets.

Aroldis Chapman threw 26 pitches in a blown save Sunday, so Betances was called upon to give him a breather in the two-run victory. The former should be back in the saddle sooner rather than later, relegating Betances back to his setup duties in a deep New York bullpen.

Jankowski was designated for assignment by the Astros on Monday, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

With Brian McCann (knee) headed to the disabled list, a roster spot was need for Max Stassi, and Jankowski was the corresponding roster casualty. The 28-year-old owns an unsightly 12.46 ERA through 4.1 big-league innings this season, and his 5.13 ERA across 40.1 innings with Triple-A Fresno isn't much more appealing. He'll likely serve as an organizational depth piece wherever he ends up.

De Leon was placed on the minor-league disabled list Monday with elbow tendinitis, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This is another tough break for the Rays' prospect, as he's back on the disabled list for a third time this season. It's unclear how long his most recent ailment will keep him on the shelf, but the Rays will likely proceed cautiously with the oft-injured hurler.

Junis was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and will start Monday's game against the Athletics, Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City reports.

After tossing eight innings of one-run ball in his spot start Aug. 6 against the Mariners, Junis didn't have to wait long for another opportunity in the big-league rotation, with Trevor Cahill's (shoulder) recent placement on the disabled list opening up another spot for him. However, aside from the gem he tossed the last time out with the Royals, Junis has failed to replicate his success with Omaha in the majors, with the 24-year-old sporting a 4.70 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 44 innings. With Cahill having yet to resume throwing, Junis could be on tap for a two-start week with a second turn perhaps coming Sunday against the Indians, but fantasy owners in deeper mixed and AL-only settings may want to see more from him before entrusting him with a spot in their active lineups.

Fulmer (elbow) was activated from the 10-day disabled list ahead of his scheduled start Monday against the Rangers.

As expected, Fulmer missed only slightly more than the minimum amount of time after a bout with right elbow neuritis, with the Tigers ultimately clearing him to rejoin the rotation after he was able to complete a bullpen session over the weekend without incident. Assuming he makes it though Monday's turn no worse for the wear, Fulmer should pick up a second start this week Sunday against the Dodgers. Drew VerHagen will move back to the bullpen after making two starts in Fulmer's stead.

Smith cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

Smith compiled a 5.40 ERA and 1.60 WHIP through five major-league innings before being cast off the 40-man roster over the weekend. He'll head back to Buffalo -- where he owns a 4.26 ERA and 20:3 K:BB through 25.1 innings this season -- to continue to serve as organizational bullpen depth.