MLB Player News

Mariners starter Brandon Maurer didn't have it from the beginning Tuesday against the Orioles. But he found it after the first inning.

Maurer gave up a solo homer to Nate McLouth on the fourth pitch he threw. He allowed four first-inning runs and ended up taking the loss to fall to 2-4 on the year.

But Maurerdidn't allow a run after the first. He gave up six hits and walked two over 79 pitches and four innings. He struck out two and his ERA is 6.07.

The 22-year-old seemed to improve as the game went on Tuesday but struggled after he'd gone 8 1/3 shutout innings for a win his last time out against the Angels.

Fernando Rodney is currently sporting a 4.32 ERA and 1.68 WHIP. This may seem alarming, as Rodney had a 0.60 ERA and 0.78 WHIP with 48 saves last year. However, in the five seasons prior to 2012, Rodney had a 4.42 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 266 2/3 innings. In a way, he is still a bit ahead of where he used to be. 

There are plenty of reasons to not like Rodney this year, but the most obvious is that, for five years, he had that ugly ERA and WHIP. His velocity is down slightly from last year, but, to his credit, it's still higher than it was in that '07-11 run. He turned 36 in March. The Rays aren't as good as they were last year, meaning a handful fewer save opportunities. 

If you're looking to trade Rodney, your best bet is to hold and hope he goes on a run that gives him "hot" status, at which point you can sell high and get out. 

Orioles reliever Pedro Strop could be used differently in the short-term, MLB.com reported Monday. Manager Buck Showalter said Strop is emotional at the moment, but healthy. 

Showalter also said his stuff is there and he just needs to worry about the results.

Strop took the loss on Sunday in Oakland and has only recorded one out in his last two appearances for the Orioles. His ERA is up to 7.88 and he's already blown two saves. 

The Astros have made a change to their starting rotation. Manager Bo Porter has removed Brad Peacock and sent him to the bullpen. The team hasn't decided who will replace him Thursday against Detroit, though CBS Sports Baseball Insider Danny Knobler has some thoughts on the matter. 

Houston's best possibility to replace Peacock comes in Jordan Lyles, who would be on normal rest for Thursday if called up. He is 2-2 with a 5.32 ERA over six games and five starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City. 

Jarred Cosart is another option. He has better numbers than Lyles. He is 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA over five appearances and four starts with the RedHawks, including 23 Ks over 22 innings. 

The last options could come from the bullpen in long men Paul Clemens or Jose Cisnero. Through 25 games, the Astros' starters have the highest ERA in the majors at 6.34 and have pitched the fewest number of innings per start at 4.6. 

Athletics reliever Jesse Chavez was optioned to the minors Monday.

With Dan Straily coming up to make a start, the A's had to make space on their roster. Chavez made three appearances with the major-league club, tossing 4 1/3 innings. He had a 6.23 ERA.

The Royals optioned pitcher Will Smith to Triple-A Omaha Monday. Smith was recalled from Omaha Sunday to start the second game of a doubleheader against the Indians.

Royals pitcher Will Smith was called up from the minors to start Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Indians. He allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits over four-plus innings of work in the 10-3 loss.

The left-hander was tagged with a two-spot in the first before surrendering a three-run homer to Mike Aviles in the third. He was charged with his final damage in the fourth and was pulled for Bruce Chen after walking the leadoff batter in the fifth.

Smith, who threw 77 pitches, also struck out five in the defeat.

The Rays asked closer Fernando Rodney to pitch the ninth inning in Chicago Sunday with an 8-3 lead in a non-save situation. Rodney walked a batter but recorded three outs to end the game. 

Rodney struck out two batters over 17 pitches, 10 strikes. His ERA is now at 4.32 on the year. Rodney has made two straight scoreless appearances since allowing a run against the Yankees on April 23. 

White Sox pitcher Hector Santiago threw 86 pitches Friday against the Rays, so he should be stretched out and well-rested when he makes his first start of the season Friday against the Royals. What should we expect from him as he replaces Gavin Floyd in the rotation?

Santiago has a 2.51 ERA in 14 1/3 innings to open the season, but he has mostly worked in long and middle relief, a completely different animal than starting. Santiago has limited experience as a starter at the major-league level, but the early returns have been promising. He has a 1.86 ERA in 19 1/3 innings, with 26 strikeouts and 11 walks.

Santiago was a late convert to a starting role, but he posting a 3.60 ERA in his lone full season as a starter in the minors. At the very least, he should be able to hold his own, but he could struggle getting deep into games due to fatigue. Santiago might be worth a look in AL-only Fantasy formats for Week 5 (April 29-May 5), against a Royals team that ranks 13th in the American League in runs scored. 

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said after Saturday's game against the Rays that Hector Santiago will replace Gavin Floyd in the rotation. Floyd will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a flexor muscle strain in his right elbow.

His first start is scheduled for Friday against the Royals.

Santiago came on for the injured Floyd Saturday night in the third inning and allowed four runs on 10 hits over 3 2/3 innings. The left-hander also struck out four and did not walk a batter.

Santiago has a 2.51 ERA through seven relief appearances. He went 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA in four starts last season.