MLB Player News

Houck will undergo back surgery next week, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck was expected to require surgery to correct a disc issue in his back, and manager Alex Cora confirmed Saturday that the right-hander will undergo a procedure in the coming days. However, Houck is expected to be ready for spring training in 2023. It's not yet clear what role he'll play next season after he saw his fair share of save chances in 2022.

Cortes (groin) threw 45 pitches during live batting practice Saturday, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Cortes threw a bullpen session Wednesday that apparently went well since he was able to face live hitters as expected Saturday. He incorporated all of his pitches during the throwing session and expects to rejoin the Yankees' starting rotation next week.

German (2-3) took the loss Friday as the Yankees were routed 9-0 by the Rays, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out one.

While German was far from dominant, he did toss 60 of 88 pitches for strikes en route to his third straight quality start. The right-hander was let down by his offense and his defense however, an all-too common occurrence for the Yankees of late. Over seven outings since the beginning of August, German boasts a 2.18 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB through 41.1 innings.

Springs (7-4) allowed four hits and three walks while striking out seven across 5.2 scoreless innings to earn the win Friday against the Yankees.

Springs worked out of several jams but was able to get swings and misses when needed. He backed his seven strikeouts with 18 swinging strikes across 97 total pitches, and he has now struck out at least seven hitters in each of his last three starts. In eight outings since the All-Star break, Springs has maintained a 2.74 ERA with a 47:11 K:BB across 42.2 frames.

Kremer did not factor into the decision against the Athletics on Friday, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six and walking one over six innings.

Kremer pitched well Friday, limiting six Oakland baserunners to just two runs and tossing 63 of 94 pitches for strikes across six frames. The righty has pitched well lately, with Friday's outing being his fourth quality start in his last six games. Kremer has gone 3-1 with a 2.37 ERA during that span, pitching in Fenway and against tough offenses in Toronto and Houston. He will take a 3.22 ERA into his next outing and could be worth an add in most fantasy formats.

Sears did not factor into the decision against the Orioles on Friday, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out five and walking one over six innings.

Sears tossed 55 of 81 pitches for strikes across six frames of two-run ball Friday, picking up a quality start. It was his second quality start this season, which have been his last two games. Oakland seems to be giving him a longer leash than the Yankees and Sears has impressed, going 2-1 with a 2.63 ERA in five games since the trade. The lefty will take a 5-1 record and a 2.37 ERA into his next appearance.

Manoah (13-7) earned the win against the Pirates on Friday, allowing no runs on five hits while striking out six and walking one over 7.1 innings.

Manoah pitched another gem Friday, keeping the Pirates off the scoreboard while striking out six of them. He threw 64 of 98 pitches for strikes across seven frames, stranding six baserunners. This was Manoah's first win since Aug. 4 but his third quality start in a row. The righty is up to 20 quality starts this season. He will take a 2.48 ERA into his next appearance.

Severino (lat) tossed two scoreless innings in a rehab appearance with Single-A Tampa on Friday, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out three batters.

This was Severino's first game action since he completed two innings for the Yankees against Cincinnati on July 13. The right-hander threw 16 of 22 pitches for strikes while dealing with rainy weather that ultimately caused the game to be suspended. Severino will need to build up to a higher pitch count before he's able to return to the Yankees, but he's expected to be back with the big club as soon as mid-September.

Rodriguez (lat) will continue his rehab assignment at Double-A Bowie next week, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez began his rehab assignment Thursday with High-A Aberdeen, logging 1.1 scoreless innings. It's unclear how many additional rehab appearances the right-hander will need before he can rejoin Triple-A Norfolk. It's still possible he gets a cup of coffee with the Orioles before the end of the year as long as his recovery continues to go well.

McCullers (2-1) allowed two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out seven over 5.2 innings to earn the win Friday over the Angels.

McCullers fell one out shy of a quality start. He faded late, allowing both runs in the sixth inning before Phil Maton finished the frame. McCullers has looked sharp, allowing five runs through 21.1 innings, good for a 2.08 ERA despite a 1.52 WHIP across his four starts this year. He's yet to walk fewer than three batters in any single outing, which is a poor rate even though he's never been a pitcher with outstanding command. The right-hander is lined up for a favorable home start versus the Rangers next week.