MLB Player News

Schmidt did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on eight hits over four innings in a 5-2 victory over the Royals. He struck out three without issuing any walks.

The 27-year-old hurler limited the damage to a run-scoring single by Nelson Velazquez in the first frame and a Salvador Perez solo homer in the third, but he was removed after just four innings for the second consecutive outing. Schmidt enjoyed a solid 14-start stretch between May 25 and Aug. 8, during which he posted a 6-2 record with a 3.09 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 56:15 K:BB across 70 innings. However, the right-hander faded down the stretch, accumulating a 5.73 ERA and 1.52 WHIP across his final nine starts (44 innings), and he will close out his 2023 campaign with a record of 9-9, a 4.64 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 149:46 K:BB in 159 innings.

McKenzie (0-3) took the loss Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against the Tigers. He struck out one.

McKenzie went 1-2-3 through the first two innings before giving up a leadoff single and a walk in the third, though he was able to pitch his way out of the jam. He would allow one run to come across in the next frame and would eventually be relieved by Nick Sandlin with one out in the fifth. The right-hander took the loss in his two starts after returning from the injured list (elbow), registering a 6.00 ERA and a dreadful 1:9 K:BB over that stretch.

Boyle (2-0) allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out six over seven innings to earn the win over the Angels on Saturday.

Boyle was sharp until the seventh inning, when he allowed all three runs and three of his four baserunners. He faced the minimum through six frames thanks to a double play. Boyle made three starts in a late-season audition, and he more than held his own to the tune of a 1.69 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 15:5 K:BB over 16 innings. The 24-year-old right-hander maintained a 3.84 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 168:93 K:BB over 117.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A this season. There are still flaws in his game, namely allowing too many baserunners, but he could be good enough for Oakland's rotation if he shows well in spring training for 2024.

Verlander (13-8) allowed two hits and three walks while striking out five over five shutout innings to earn the win Saturday over the Diamondbacks.

Verlander's three walks were his most in a start since he was traded from the Mets, but he still got the job done. The Astros' playoff spot was confirmed with their win and the Mariners' loss to Texas. Verlander has delivered three scoreless outings in his 11 starts with Houston, and he ends September having allowed 17 runs (16 earned) over 39 frames in six starts. He has a 3.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 144:45 K:BB in 162.1 innings over 27 starts this season. Verlander's next turn through the rotation tentatively lines up for Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series.

Clevinger (9-9) took the loss Saturday, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks over 1.2 innings against the Padres. He struck out two.

Clevinger hadn't allowed more than six hits or two earned runs in any of his previous four starts, but he yielded four runs in the first frame and two more in the second Saturday as he delivered his shortest outing of the season. The 32-year-old hurler had been on quite the run since returning from a bicep injury July 29, posting a 6-4 record with a 2.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 55:12 K:BB across 67 innings. However, Saturday's dud increased Clevinger's season-long ERA from 3.40 to 3.77 to go with a 1.23 WHIP and 110:40 K:BB across 131.1 innings - his biggest workload since 2018.

Castillo (14-9) took the loss Saturday, giving up four runs on five hits and five walks over 2.2 innings as the Mariners were downed 6-1 by the Rangers. He struck out four.

The right-hander picked the worst possible time to have his shortest outing of the season, as the loss eliminated the M's from postseason contention. Castillo got the hook after 86 pitches (52 strikes), and his control deserted him in September -- he issued multiple free passes in five of six starts on the month, leading to a 4.96 ERA and 38:18 K:BB through 32.2 innings. He also came up just short of his first 200-inning campaign, finishing with a career-high 197 innings over 33 starts. Castillo still has four years left on the $108 million contract extension he signed last September, and the 30-year-old should anchor the Seattle rotation once again in 2024.

Dunning will start Sunday's game against the Mariners, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The Rangers will call on Dunning to pitch on only three days of rest with an opportunity to clinch the division on the line. He tossed a gem in his last outing Wednesday against the Angels by firing seven scoreless innings on 87 pitches, so it's unclear as to how long he'll be able to go Saturday.

Heaney didn't factor into the decision Saturday as the Rangers won 6-1 over the Mariners, allowing five hits and a walk over 4.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

While the southpaw didn't record the win, he was a key part of Texas' playoff-clinching victory. Heaney tossed 85 pitches (51 strikes) in his first start since Sept. 4, and he extended his streak of appearances without giving up an earned run to five. The Rangers still need a win Sunday, or an Astros loss, to lock up the AL West crown and a first-round bye in the playoffs, but if they wind up with a wild-card spot, Heaney could play a big role in that series too with Jon Gray (forearm) and Max Scherzer (shoulder) both currently on the IL. On the season, Heaney has a 4.15 ERA and 151:60 K:BB through 147.1 innings.

France (personal) is back with the Astros and is available out of the bullpen, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

France was scratched from his scheduled start against Arizona on Friday due to a family emergency. While his absence lasted just one day, he won't get another chance to start.

The Rangers optioned Latz to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

In order to make room for Matt Bush, who was selected from Triple-A on Saturday, the Rangers will push Latz off the active roster and back to the minor leagues. The 27-year-old lefty has made three appearances for the Rangers this season and has yet to surrender a run through 6.1 frames.