MLB Player News

The Blue Jays will open the second half of the season with Esmil Rogers on the mound against Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Times reports Sunday. Rogers will be followed by Mark Buehrle on Saturday and R.A. Dickey on Sunday. 

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said that either John Danks or Hector Santiago will open the second half of the season on the mound Friday against Atlanta, the Chicago Tribune reports. 

That duo will in some order begin the season in the first two rotation spots for Ventura. The rest of the rotation is to be determined. Chris Sale will be available to pitch in the All-Star Game. 

White Sox starter Hector Santiago was not backed by enough run support as he failed to factor in the decision in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Phillies.

Santiago allowed a solo home run to John Mayberry in the seventh for his only damage of the night. The left-hander yielded one run on three hits and one walk while striking out nine over 7 1/3 innings.

Santiago has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last six starts. He is 3-5 with a 3.30 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP through his first 23 appearances (12 starts).

Rays closer Fernando Rodney threw a perfect inning for his 13th straight save in a 4-3 win over the Astros Saturday.

Rodney struck out two and got a groundball out to retire the side in order on 11 pitches. He has 22 saves in 27 chances. Rodney has a 3.79 ERA with 56 strike outs in 40 1/3 innings.  

The Twins optioned reliever Michael Tonkin to Triple-A Rochester Saturday. Tonkin goes down with Caleb Thielbar being reinstated from the bereavement list.

The Tampa Bay Rays and manager Joe Maddon have outlined the starting rotation coming out of the All-Star break, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

David Price will start Friday at Toronto to begin a three-game series. He will be followed by Jeremy Hellickson and Chris Archer. Matt Moore and Roberto Hernandez will start the first two games at Boston.

Rays pitcher Matt Moore tossed 7 1/3 strong innings against the Twins Thursday.

Moore gave up three runs, but struck out 10 in the start. He allowed three hits and two walks. Moore has 13 wins and a 3.44 ERA.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney worked an inning during the 13-inning win over the Twins Wednesday night. Rodney pitched the ninth and kept the score 3-3. 

He gave up two hits, but struck out two batters over 16 pitches. His ERA is now at 3.89 and he did not factor into the decision. 

Rodney has given up four hits in his last two appearances but hasn't allowed a run since back on June 14. He's 21 for 26 in save situations. 

Blue Jays starter Esmil Rogers put together a fantastic performance Wednesday night during a start at Cleveland. Rogers gave up just one run over six solid innings, but the Toronto bullpen couldn't hold his 2-1 lead. He settled for the no-decision.

His record remains at 3-4 with a 3.64 ERA, as he gave up just the one earned run on four hits and three walks over six innings and 100 pitches. He struck out seven batters in the performance.

Rogers gave up seven runs in a loss his last time out and is riding a two-decision losing streak. There is a chance that Rogers could pitch during the first series following the All-Star break against Tampa Bay. Rogers will not make another start before the break.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney allowed two hits but struck out the side in the ninth for his 21st save Tuesday at home against the Twins. 

Rodney needed 24 pitches and his ERA is 3.99. He has not allowed a run over his last 10 appearances.