MLB Player News

Esmil Rogers' return to the starting rotation has been a success so far, with his last two starts in particular attracting the attention of Fantasy owners, but judging by his numbers with the Rockies earlier in his career, it has to be smoke and mirrors, right?

I wouldn't be so sure. Any pitcher who throws 95-plus miles per hour and commands the strike zone has a chance to be successful, but the aspect of Rogers' arsenal that intrigues me the most is the same one " data-canon="Toronto Blue Jays" data-type="SPORTS_OBJECT_TEAM" id="shortcode0"> players and coaches keep raving about: the sink on his fastball.

Everyone knows batted balls travel farther in the thin air of Coors Field, but that's not the only reason it's a hitter's haven. The high altitude also reduces the movement on pitches, making sinking fastballs straight and hittable. Mike Hampton tried changing his arm slot to compensate for his loss of movement after signing with the Rockies in 2001, and we all know how that turned out.

Who's to say Rogers didn't get in some bad habits of his own while pitching for the Rockies? His stuff suggests he's better than his numbers. I'm not saying I'm ready to shove him in my lineup or anything, but I'm intrigued.

Rays pitcher Alex Colome will make a spot start Saturday against the Yankees in New York, according to MLB.com.

Colome is 4-6 with a 3.07 ERA in 14 starts at Triple-A Durham. He threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings in his first start of the season May 30 against the Marlins.

"He pitched really well down in Miami," manager Joe Maddon said. "He's a wonderful young man. He's got great stuff. He made his debut in Miami, which is great. So Yankee Stadium is going to be a little bit difficult. However, I think he's going to be OK. He's kind of a cool customer. And I think he will enjoy the moment."

Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore threw five scoreless innings before allowing three runs in the sixth but held on for his ninth win Thursday night against the Yankees.

Moore (9-3) surrendered three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four in 6 1/3 innings of an 8-3 win. He has allowed 22 runs over his last four starts (18 2/3 innings).

He's scheduled to start Tuesday at home against the Blue Jays. He allowed two runs over five innings in his previous outing against the Blue Jays May 8.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Esmil Rogers continued his transformation Tuesday against the Rockies, winning a second straight start. Rogers is 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in four starts since making the transition from reliever to starter.

Rogers had a 4.23 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 23 relief outings.

"His sinker is the biggest difference," catcher J.P. Arencibia said, per the National Post. "Earlier, guys could jump on his fastball. He had a pretty straight fastball, and now he’s sinking it so you really have to respect that. He can sink a right-hander in, and then they have to respect that ball in, and now he’s throwing 96-mile-an-hour fastballs down and away, late, to strike them out."

Rogers isn't short on confidence either.

"I have unbelievable confidence right now," he said. "I can throw any pitch in any count that I want. I know I got ability. If they’re going to hit, they’re going to hit my pitches."

Blue Jays starter Esmil Rogers flirted with a no-hitter for several innings Tuesday night at home against the Rockies. Rogers came a bit undone before leaving the game in the seventh inning, but he still earned the victory.

Rogers improved to 3-2 on the season, as he was dominant over the first six innings. Making just his fourth start, Rogers gave up three runs -- two earned -- all in the seventh inning before leaving with two outs. He allowed four hits and walked one over 6 2/3 innings in the win. He struck out five over 89 pitches.

Rogers lowered his ERA to 3.14 and has allowed just four earned runs over his last three starts, spanning 17 2/3 innings with 11 Ks. He's 2-0 over that span and has really emerged as a solid starter. He's scheduled to make his next appearance Monday at Tampa Bay.

With Clay Buchholz going on the disabled list, the Red Sox need a starter for Saturday at Detroit, the Boston Globe reports. The two names associated with the spot start have been Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster. 

Webster seems the more likely option because De La Rosa would have to replace a player going on the disabled list if he gets the call. 

Rays starter Alex Colome will likely make a spot start this weekend, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

After losing Alex Cobb, the Rays will adjust their rotation. Matt Moore and Roberto Hernandez will pitch the first two games of the Yankees series, and then the team will likely call on Alex Colome to start Saturday. Colome has already made one start with the team, going 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He has a 3.07 ERA in 14 starts in the minors. 

If Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz can't make his next start, the team will consider using either Rubby De La Rosa or Allen Webster for a spot start, according to CSNNE.com. 

De La Rosa has been rehabbing in the minors, and hasn't started in the majors since 2011. He was part of the team's mega-deal with the Dodgers last year. He has a 2.89 ERA in 43 2/3 innings in Triple-A.

Webster has started two games with the team this year. He has an 11.74 ERA in 7 2/3 innings in the majors. He's been much better in Triple-A, posting a 2.98 ERA in 51 1/3 innings. 

Blue Jays pitcher Esmil Rogers has made a seamless transition from the bullpen to the rotation, heading into his fourth start Tuesday against the Rockies with a 1-0 record, 1.26 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in three starts. He had a 4.23 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 23 relief appearances.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons likes what he sees from the right-handed hurler.

"I've seen better command than he's had coming out of the bullpen. It's a different approach for him. That might be a part of that. He's breaking out his curveball and some changeups, which he doesn't do as a reliever," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said, per MLB.com. "He's strong and durable. He's turned into more of a pitcher. You have to be when you're in that role. Just not coming in there and airing it out like he was coming out of the bullpen."

Rays starting pitcher Alex Colome is considered the leading candidate to replace Alex Cobb (concussion) in the rotation and start Friday against the Yankees, according to The Tampa Tribune. Colome was optioned back to Triple-A Durham following a win in his major-league debut May 30 against the Marlins.