MLB Player News

Ray (12-6) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings Monday as he took the loss to the Rays.

Things were going smoothly for Ray until the fifth inning when he allowed a three-run home run to Yandy Diaz to give the Rays a 3-2 lead. Ray stayed in for two more batters after the long ball and then was pulled after surrendering a double to Randy Arozarena at 97 pitches. It was the second time Ray's failed to reach five innings over his last three starts, but it was just his first loss since July 21. The 2021 Cy Young candidate now has a 2.72 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 238:45 K:BB over 182 innings and will have a good opportunity to bounce back against the Twins over the weekend.

Cortes allowed three runs on five hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in Monday's win over Texas. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision.

Cortes snuck out of a two-on, no-out jam in the first inning and was then in total control through four scoreless frames. He allowed two runs in the fifth, including a solo home run by Charlie Culberson, and was charged with a third run after Chad Green gave up an RBI sacrifice fly later in the frame. Cortes has allowed at least one home run in nine consecutive appearances but has yielded three or fewer runs in seven straight. The 26-year-old lefty will carry a 2.79 ERA into his projected start in Boston this weekend.

Wells worked a perfect ninth inning and earned a save over the Phillies on Monday.

Wells needed just seven pitches to roll through the heart of Philadelphia's order and finish off the 2-0 win. He's now 3-for-6 in save chances this season after blowing his previous two opportunities. The 6-foot-8 righty owns a 4.09 ERA through 55 innings.

Means (6-7) allowed four hits and a walk over 6.2 shutout innings Monday, striking out six and earning a win over Philadelphia.

Means was spotted a 2-0 lead before he took the mound in the first inning and used it to his advantage. He didn't allow a runner into scoring position until the seventh and never gave up an extra-base hit. It was his fifth straight start allowing two or fewer runs and his first scoreless appearance since May 11. The 28-year-old is now sporting a 3.25 ERA with a 124:26 K:BB through 138.2 frames. Means is lined up to face Texas at home this weekend.

Rodon experienced soreness during Monday's start against Detroit, and the team is uncertain as to when he'll make his next start, James Fegan of The Athletic reports. He didn't factor into the decision after allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out six over three innings.

The White Sox have been cautious with their southpaw down the stretch of the regular season, but Rodon still hasn't felt quite right out on the bump of late. Skipper Tony La Russa stated Rodon will need to be examined and reassessed following Monday's outing, per Fegan, which will likely take place over the next few days. The outcome of this assessment will determine the date of his next start. Interestingly enough, Rodon described his own soreness after the contest as "normal soreness" and "nothing crazy," per Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago.

Bassitt (face) isn't listed as the probable starter for Thursday's game against the Mariners, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Thursday's series finale was previously mentioned as a possible return date for the 32-year-old but James Kaprielian will instead receive the starting nod. According to Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News, Bassitt felt good after throwing about 30 pitches during a bullpen session Monday, which should still give him an opportunity to return later in the week.

Whitlock's pectoral strain is a minor one but could still send him to the injured list, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Whitlock left Sunday's game against Oakland with what was originally described as right pectoral tightness. It turns out that he's dealing with a strain, but he could still potentially avoid a trip to the injured list. If he doesn't wind up being so lucky, however, he'll only be eligible to return for the final four days of the regular season.

Bielak was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Bielak was optioned Saturday but is back already without having made a minor-league appearance. He'll offer length out of the bullpen for the Astros, as he's done for most of the season.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Taillon (ankle) will likely begin a minor-league rehab assignment Wednesday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Taillon will presumably report to either Double-A Somerset or Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for what should be only one rehab start before he rejoins the big club. The right-hander has been on the shelf for just two weeks with the right ankle tendon sprain, so the one start should be all he needs to fully ramp up. Due to off days this Thursday and next Monday, the Yankees will be able to get by with a four-man rotation until Oct. 2, though Taillon could be added to the mix a few days before then, if desired.

Stripling threw a side session Monday and is slated to either start or work as a bulk reliever in Wednesday's game against the Rays in Tampa Bay, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

He'll be stepping in for at least one turn through the rotation as a replacement for Hyun Jin Ryu, who was placed on the injured list Sunday with a neck strain. Stripling has made two relief appearances for Toronto since being reinstated from the injured list Sept. 11 after about a month-long absence due to an oblique injury. Before the shutdown, he started in 19 of his 20 appearances for the Blue Jays, compiling a 4.34 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 91:28 K:BB across 93.1 innings.