MLB Player News

Velasquez allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five over 3.1 innings in Wednesday's 10-1 loss to the Twins.

Starter Davis Martin was pulled from the game early due to biceps tightness after surrendering seven runs over 1.2 innings, and Velasquez was called upon to relieve him. Velasquez allowed two inherited runners to score but settled in after that, allowing just one earned run over 3.1 innings. Over 75.1 innings working mostly out of the bullpen this season, Velasquez owned a 4.78 ERA with 69 strikeouts.

Civale (5-6) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over six innings with nine strikeouts against the Royals.

Civale was sharp against Kansas City on Wednesday, with the only damage coming from two solo home runs. The quality start was his second in a row, and the nine strikeouts on the day were his second-highest total of the season. In 43 innings in the second half, Civale managed a 3.35 ERA with 46 strikeouts, painting a much better story than his season-long 4.92 ERA and 5-6 record would indicate.

Martin was removed from Wednesday's start against the Twins in the top of the second inning due to right biceps soreness.

Martin struggled mightily to begin Wednesday's matchup, giving up nine runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out one in 1.2 innings prior to his departure. It's possible that his injury contributed to his struggles, although it's not yet clear whether the issue will impact his offseason program. The right-hander made 14 appearances (nine starts) in the majors this year and posted a 4.83 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 63.1 innings.

The Red Sox claimed McGee off waivers from the Rays on Wednesday.

Boston didn't formally activate McGee prior to Wednesday's contest, so he won't be available out of the bullpen while the Red Sox close out their regular season Wednesday against the right-hander's former Rays organization. McGee made his big-league debut Sunday in Houston, giving up an unearned run in three innings out of the bullpen.

Gray didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees, giving up three runs on four hits over six innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.

The right-hander battled injuries in his first season with Texas and tossed only 127.1 innings, but Gray was effective when he was on the mound. Tuesday's quality start was his eighth of the year, and he'll head into the winter with a 3.96 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 134:39 K:BB. Finally free of Coors Field, the 30-year-old flashed his upside this season, and he'll look to put together a healthier campaign in 2023.

Cole (13-8) took the loss in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rangers, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits over six innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter.

The right-hander delivered his second straight quality start and 21st of the year in his final regular-season start, but Cole didn't get enough run support to turn it into a win. He managed only a 4.50 ERA through 36 innings since the beginning of September, but it comes with a sharp 1.03 WHIP and 53:10 K:BB, and Cole topped 250 strikeouts on the season for the third time in his career.

Taillon didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rangers, giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out five.

The 30-year-old exited the game after 97 pitches (62 strikes) and in line for his sixth loss, but the Yankees rallied to get him off the hook. Taillon posted a 3.68 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 34:8 K:BB through 36.2 innings in September/October, giving him plenty of momentum headed into the playoffs.

Manoah will start Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Mariners on Friday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

The Blue Jays opted against using Manoah as a starter on the final day of the regular season Wednesday, and the right-hander will instead take the mound for the Blue Jays' first postseason game of the year. Manoah was dominant over six starts in September, posting a 0.88 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 41 innings.

Lorenzen allowed three hits and three walks while striking out seven over six scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Athletics on Tuesday.

Lorenzen wasn't able to complete six innings in any of his four September starts after returning from a shoulder strain. He got to that mark with one of his best performances of the year Tuesday, as no Oakland hitter got past second base on his watch. Lorenzen worked as a starter full-time for the first season since 2015, posting a 4.24 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 85:44 K:BB over 97.2 innings in his 18 starts this year. He could remain in the Angels' rotation in 2023 if he signs a new contract with the team.

Lyles isn't scheduled to start either game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The 31-year-old's final turn through the rotation lined up for Wednesday, but Mike Baumann and Spenser Watkins will instead start the final two games of the campaign for Baltimore. Lyles has been a solid innings eater for the Orioles this year with a 4.42 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 144:52 K:BB across 179 innings (32 starts), and that's where his numbers will finish for 2022 barring an appearance out of the bullpen.