MLB Player News

Odorizzi allowed two hits and struck out three over four scoreless relief innings in Tuesday's 6-3 extra-inning win over the Rangers.

As planned, Odorizzi threw bulk relief for starter Lance McCullers, who was activated off the injured list Tuesday. The tandem start is expected to be a one-time event while McCullers builds up his stamina. Both pitchers will be part of a six-man rotation going forward for Houston, which entered a stretch of 20 games in 20 days Tuesday. McCullers is expected to start Sunday's series finale against the White Sox with Odorizzi penciled in Monday to kick off a road series in Baltimore.

McCullers allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out three over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against the Rangers on Tuesday.

McCullers activated off the injured list to make Tuesday's start in what was planned to be a piggyback start. The right-hander was sharp through four innings, but he ran into trouble in the fifth and left with the bases loaded after a substantial 77 pitches. If the schedule holds up, McCullers will next throw Sunday at home against the White Sox.

Kopech tested his injured hamstring by throwing off a mound Tuesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kopech hasn't pitched since May 26 due to a strain and awaits the next course of action. Manager Tony La Russa said the coaches will huddle with medical staff to determine the next steps, namely, whether Kopech can get enough work in bullpen sessions and simulated games with the team or if a minor-league rehab stint is necessary.

Montas (7-6) earned the win over the Angels on Tuesday, pitching seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out eight.

Montas entered the contest having been tagged with a loss in four of his past five outings, though he registered a solid 3.54 ERA over that span. The right-hander snapped the stretch of misfortune against the Angels, picking up the win and notching his seventh quality start of the season. He induced 16 swinging strikes in the contest and collected eight punchouts for the second straight start. Montas has held opponents without a long ball in four consecutive starts and has allowed more than three earned runs only once since April 21. He tentatively lines up to next face Texas on the road Monday.

Heaney (4-4) took the loss against Oakland on Tuesday, pitching five innings and allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out six.

The left-hander entered the contest riding a three-start win streak, and though he wasn't abysmal against the Athletics, he was outdueled by opposing starter Frankie Montas to end up with the loss. Heaney did extend his streak of pitching at least five innings and allowing three or fewer runs to four games, and he didn't allow any long balls for the third straight contest. He owns a 4.45 ERA on the season and is tentatively scheduled to face San Francisco at home Tuesday in his next start.

Mize (4-4) allowed three runs across 6.2 innings to earn the win Tuesday against the Royals. He gave up seven hits and a walk while striking out three.

Mize wasn't overly dominant, but he did enough to earn his fourth win of the season. His ERA actually went up to 3.49 despite the quality start, which demonstrates how solid the second-year pro has been lately. He's now allowed three earned runs or fewer in nine straight outings, and he's gone six or more innings in eight of those starts. The 24-year-old will look to keep rolling in his next scheduled appearance Sunday against the Angels.

Rodriguez allowed four earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight across four innings Tuesday against Atlanta. He did not factor into the decision.

Rodriguez was handed a five-run lead in the first three innings of the game, but he failed to pitch deep enough to be eligible for the win. He was also hit hard, as he allowed four extra-base hits -- though none were homers. The lefty is in the midst of a concerning stretch, as Rodriguez has allowed at least four runs in seven of his last nine starts. He did manage to balance some of that damage in this outing with the eight strikeouts, which he backed with 17 swinging strikes on 80 total pitches. For the season, Rodriguez now has a 6.21 ERA with a 78:18 K:BB across 66.2 frames.

Quantrill did not factor into the decision during Tuesday's win over Baltimore. He allowed one run on three hits and no walks while striking out four across four innings.

Aside from giving up an RBI double to Maikel Franco in the second inning, Quantrill looked strong in what was expected to be another abbreviated outing. The 26-year-old has yet to throw more than 60 pitches in any of his 21 appearances this year, and Tuesday was no different, as he tossed 41 of his 60 pitches for strikes. Quantrill has shifted between the rotation and the bullpen this season; in fact, his last outing was a two-inning relief appearance. Overall, the right-hander has compiled a 3.11 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. He potentially lines up for a road start at Pittsburgh next week.

McClanahan (2-2) allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out four across five innings to take the loss Tuesday against the White Sox.

The only major damage McClanahan allowed was a solo home run to Adam Engel in the fifth inning. He did have to regularly work with runners on base, though his final line was skewed as four of the knocks against him were infield hits. The outing was also positive as McClanahan managed to complete five innings after working only a combined 6.1 frames across his last two starts. For the season, McClanahan has a 4.42 ERA with 46 strikeouts across 38.2 innings.

Keuchel (6-1) allowed four hits and one walk across seven scoreless innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Rays.

Keuchel limited the Rays to one extra-base hit and allowed only two runners to reach scoring position across his seven innings of work. He's now turned in three consecutive starts in which he's worked at least six innings while not allowing more than two earned runs. The hot stretch has brought Keuchel's ERA down to 3.78, though he's still managed only 46 strikeouts across 78.2 frames.