MLB Player News

Heaney allowed two runs on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over four innings, taking a no-decision in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Braves.

It was nothing to write home about, but Heaney did his job Tuesday night. After allowing a pair of runs in the first inning, he settled down and conceded just two singles over his remaining three innings. Although he did get an early hook, the southpaw did not give up a home run for the first time since joining the Yankees. With Domingo German and Corey Kluber cresting over the horizon in their respective returns from shoulder injuries, rotation spots may soon be at a premium in The Bronx. For now, Heaney is expected to pitch next Monday against the Angels.

Flexen (11-5) earned the win Tuesday after holding the A's to one run on six hits and a walk while striking out five across 6.2 innings.

Although it took him a bit to get into a nice rhythm, Flexen was on point Tuesday, continuing a successful August. After allowing a run to score in the first inning, the right-hander blanked the A's the rest of the way, tossing 105 pitches in all, including 66 for strikes. Among American League pitchers, Flexen has tallied the most starts with six-plus innings allowing one earned run or fewer. His recent success ties him for seventh among American League starting pitchers with his 3.54 ERA this season. Flexen tentatively lines up for a Monday matchup against Houston.

Manager Bob Melvin revealed that Irvin exited Tuesday's loss to Seattle after just three innings and 66 pitches partially because of a hip issue, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. He took the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks while failing to record a strikeout.

Irvin logged a clean first inning before Seattle tagged him for a run in the second and two more in the third. Melvin didn't go into much detail regarding the severity of the hip injury, and it seems possible the southpaw may have continued to pitch through the discomfort had he been more effective during the early innings. The club is hopeful that he'll be able to make his scheduled start against Detroit next week, but Daulton Jefferies would be his likely replacement should Irvin need to go on the injured list.

Kluber (shoulder) was transferring to Double-A Somerset to make a rehab start Tuesday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Kluber made his second rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last week, and he'll move to Double-A for another outing Tuesday. The right-hander threw 56 pitches over three-plus frames in the previous outing and should continue ramping up his workload.

German (shoulder) is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander was managing some soreness after a bullpen session last week, but he's poised to retake the mound this weekend. The next step in German's rehab has yet to be decided, as the Yankees are considering a move to the bullpen to hasten his return to the majors. If the 29-year-old returns as a starter he likely won't rejoin the big-league club until at least mid-September.

Dunning will be placed on the COVID-19 IL and will not start Wednesday against Cleveland, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

While the move won't be made official until later in the week, Dunning will miss at least his next start after being placed on the COVID-19 IL. It's not clear if the right-hander has tested positive for the virus, so it remains to be seen if he'll be elgible to return before 10 days. Jake Latz will be recalled to start in his place Wednesday.

Houck was recalled Tuesday ahead of his scheduled start against the Twins, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck continues to be sent to the minors after each start as the Red Sox take advantage of the roster rules to effectively use a 27-man roster. It's possible he returns to Triple-A again after Tuesday's start, but he hasn't actually pitched at that level since July 10. He's been excellent in the majors this season, cruising to a 3.12 ERA in 34.2 innings while striking out 31.9 percent of opposing batters and walking just 4.9 percent. Jarren Duran was optioned to clear space for him on the roster.

Bassitt underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair the displaced and fractured bones on the right side of his face.

Bassitt had the procedure done in Chicago, where the right-hander will remain until returning to the Bay Area later this week. The club has previously said that he will take approximately six weeks to recover, and assuming that timeline holds, he won't pitch again during the regular season. It remains unclear if the 32-year-old will be an option to pitch should Oakland make the playoffs, but his overall status should come into focus in the coming weeks.

Baum (undisclosed) made his 2021 debut in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Aug. 13 and has logged three appearances in total, covering 5.1 innings while giving up five earned runs on five hits and four walks while striking out five.

The 23-year-old was delayed to begin the season while recovering from an unspecified injury, but he's starting to get ramped up again in the ACL. Baum tossed three innings in his most recent outing Saturday, and he shouldn't have to wait much longer to receive a promotion to Low-A Stockton.

Maeda was sent for a second opinion on his forearm injury Tuesday, with the Twins concerned about potential UCL issues, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Maeda hit the injured list Monday, but he's so far not been diagnosed with anything worse than forearm tightness. That could change following the second opinion, however. Any mention of UCL issues raises the specter of Tommy John surgery, though the Twins have yet to indicate that's on the table. Anything from a return within a few weeks to a return at the start of the 2023 season appears in play for Maeda at the moment.