MLB Player News

Schmidt (5-4) took the loss Saturday against the Rays, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out two and walking none over 4.1 innings.

Despite allowing no walks and four hits, Schmidt picked up the loss thanks to a Yandy Diaz two-run single in the third inning that would turn out to be the winning runs for the Rays. This was Schmidt's third appearance this season as a starter, although he may be called upon to start more games with Nestor Cortes on the IL. Schmidt seems to have a short leash for the Yankees as a starter, which limits his fantasy upside.

Garcia didn't factor in the decision against the Angels on Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over seven innings.

Garcia and the Astros held a 1-0 lead over opposing starter Shohei Ohtani through six innings, but Los Angeles tied the score on a single, walk and sacrifice fly in the seventh. That was the only run Garcia gave up in the contest, but it was enough to prevent him from picking up his fourth straight win. Despite the no-decision, it was the right-hander's first quality start in over a month and the first time he's surrendered less than two runs since a July 12 outing against the Angels. Garcia has recorded a 3.99 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 139:42 K:BB over 135.1 innings on the campaign.

Bello (1-4) picked up the win Saturday, allowing three hits and one walk over six scoreless innings against the Rangers. He struck out five.

The 23-year-old earned his first career win in his eighth major-league appearance (sixth start). A top pitching prospect in the organization, Bello has endured his fair share of growing pains this season. He should be considered a volatile option, though Bello may finally be finding his footing at the big-league level.

Cease (13-6) pitched a complete-game shutout Saturday versus the Twins, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out seven in nine innings.

Cease came within an out of a no-hitter before Luis Arraez broke it up with a single. It was still an excellent performance and the second shutout of Cease's career as well as his best outing of 2022. The right-hander entered Saturday without a win in his last four starts. He was also fairly efficient in this gem, throwing 68 of 103 pitches for strikes while racking up 14 whiffs. He now has a 2.13 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 197:64 K:BB through 156 innings across 27 starts in what could be a Cy Young campaign. Cease is projected for a favorable road start in Oakland next week.

Mahle left Saturday's game against the White Sox with right shoulder inflammation, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Mahle was expected to face a limited workload in his return from the injured list, but he ended up throwing only two innings and 37 pitches. We now know it's because the shoulder is still barking, and it could very well land him right back on the IL, though Mahle should be considered day-to-day and questionable for his next start until the Twins update his status further.

Verlander (calf) played catch from 60 feet Saturday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Verlander hit the injured list with a calf issue Tuesday, two days after he exited his start against the Orioles early. While he still has several steps to go before being activated, it's encouraging to see him throwing again in some capacity.

Crawford was scratched from his scheduled start Sunday against the Rangers with a shoulder injury, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Crawford reportedly felt sore while playing catch Saturday. It's unclear if he'll require a trip to the injured list or merely have his next outing pushed back. The Red Sox have yet to announce who will make a spot start in his absence.

Brown will make his major-league debut as a starter Monday against the Rangers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brown worked as both a starter and a reliever for Triple-A Sugar Land this season, posting a 2.55 ERA and 31.5 percent strikeout rate in 106 innings. He was called up Thursday, but his role down the stretch was initially unclear. Whether or not he sticks in the rotation beyond Monday's outing may depend on how he performs. Control will be key, as his strong stat line in the minors came with a poor 10.6 percent walk rate.

Kopech (knee) threw a bullpen session Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Kopech has been on the injured list since Aug. 23 due to a left knee strain, but he's now been cleared to resume mound work. The White Sox hope that he'll be able to return from the IL when first eligible Sept. 7, but the team will wait to see how he progresses in the coming days prior to officially determining his return date.

Mahle (shoulder) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list ahead of Saturday's start against the White Sox, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Mahle landed on the injured list Aug. 20 but recently threw a bullpen session and a few simulated innings. It seems unlikely that the right-hander will face a significant workload restriction Saturday since he's returning from the injured list just one day after he was first eligible.