MLB Player News

According to the Houston Chronicle, Astros relievers Darin Downs and Josh Fields are both nursing oblique injuries. Because Downs aggravated a previous injury, he could possibly miss the rest of the season.

Downs last pitched in a game Friday. Fields, who was beginning to earn some save opportunities, hasn't pitched since Sept. 9.

Despite allowing more runs than he had in any start since July 27, Collin McHugh pitched well in the Astros' 8-3 win over the Mariners on Sunday. McHugh yielded three runs over his six innings, and it marked the first time in 10 starts that he allowed more than two runs.

Only five batters reached base against McHugh, and of the four hits he allowed, only Michael Saunders' two-run homer was for extra bases. In addition to issuing only one walk, McHugh struck out six Mariners.

McHugh is set to make one more start this season, which will come next weekend at the Mets. He is now 11-9 with a 2.73 ERA.

Joe Kelly tied his career high of seven innings in a start, as he gained the win in the Red Sox's 3-2 victory over the Orioles on Sunday. Kelly held the Orioles to two runs on three hits and three walks, while striking out five.

Kelly is now 5-4 on the season with a 4.15 ERA. His next -- and final -- start of the season will come on Saturday against the Yankees.

WEEI.com reports that Brandon Workman and Rubby De La Rosa have been removed from the Red Sox's rotation for the final week of the season. Clay Buchholz, Anthony Ranaudo and Allen Webster are set to make starts against the Rays, and then Joe Kelly and Buchholz will start the last two games of the team's season-ending series against the Yankees.

Friday's starter in the series opener against the Yankees is still to be named, but Steven Wright is a candidate to get the nod. Wright has posted a 3.38 ERA in five relief appearances this season.

Collin McHugh was listed as the Astros' starting pitcher for Sunday's series finale against the Mariners. He left his most recent start, which was on Monday against the Indians, after sustaining a contusion to his left forearm.

Twins pitcher Trevor May got knocked around Saturday against the Indians.

May allowed seven runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked two during the outing. May opened the game with a scoreless inning, but quickly got himself in trouble in the second. With two outs, and two men on base, May gave up a two-run triple against Mike Aviles. Michael Bourn would plate Aviles on a single. May would give up another run in the third on another run-scoring single. The fifth proved to be problematic as well. With two outs, and two men on base, May gave up a three-run shot to Yan Gomes. He was pulled from the game at that point. 

With the loss, May dropped to 3-5. He’ll take on the Tigers in his next start.

Red Sox starter Rubby De La Rosa turned in a rough start Saturday against the Orioles.

De La Rosa allowed four runs on six hits over four innings. He struck out four and walked two during the outing. De La Rosa was solid to open things up, tossing two scoreless frames to open the game, but got himself in trouble in the third. After a Delmon Young single, Adam Jones launched a two-run shot out to right center. Christian Walker struck the next inning, hitting a solo shot. Another run came in on a sac fly during the inning. 

With the loss, De La Rosa dropped to 4-8. He’ll take on the Yankees in his next start. 

Athletics pitcher Drew Pomeranz turned in a scoreless start Saturday against the Phillies.

Pomeranz allowed one hit over five scoreless innings. He struck out six and walked two during the outing. Pomeranz was masterful, giving up his only hit in the first inning. He actually loaded the bases during the frame after walking and hitting a batter with a pitch, but was able to get out of it. Pomeranz would settle in at that point, tossing three perfect innings. He allowed a walk in the fifth, but got out of it without giving up any runs. Pomeranz was pulled after throwing 86 pitches.

Pomeranz earned the no-decision for his performance. He’ll take on the Rangers if he gets another start.

Rays pitcher Brad Boxberger is expected back Sunday, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

Boxberger has missed the past couple games after his wife had a child Thursday. He's expected to be ready to go Sunday.

The Royals recalled pitcher Tim Collins from Triple-A Omaha Friday.

Collins worked the final inning of a blowout loss in his return to major-league action Friday, needing just five pitches to complete a 1-2-3 inning and make him the most effective Royals pitcher in the 10-1 defeat. Including his time with the team over the first half of the season, he owns a 3.93 ERA and 10:10 K:BB ratio in 18 1/3 innings.