MLB Player News

Skubal (1-4) allowed two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings Sunday to take the loss against the Royals.

Skubal served as the primary pitcher in the regular-season finale, and he began his outing with two scoreless innings. However, he gave up solo home runs to lead off the fourth and fifth innings, which gave the Royals a lead that the Tigers' offense couldn't overcome. The 23-year-old showed promise in his first taste of major-league action in 2020, posting a 5.63 ERA and 37:11 K:BB over 32 innings across eight starts.

Singer (4-5) allowed one run on three hits and no walks while striking out five over seven innings as he earned the win Sunday against the Tigers.

Singer struggled with command in his last start, but he ended the season on a high note by allowing only three baserunners over seven innings in the season finale. The right-hander pitched well in his first major-league season, finishing with a 4.06 ERA and 61:23 K:BB over 63.1 innings across 12 starts.

Sandoval suffered a left calf strain during Sunday's start against the Dodgers.

Sandoval only lasted 2.2 innings during his final start of the regular season before being removed with his injury. Barring any setbacks, the injury is unlikely to impact the southpaw's availability for spring training.

Sandoval exited Sunday's start against the Dodgers with an apparent right leg injury, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The left-hander appeared to hurt his right leg during the third inning and was removed while in line for the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) on one hit with three strikeouts and three walks over 2.2 innings. Barring a serious injury, Sandoval should have plenty of time to recover before spring training.

Giolito will start Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series on Tuesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old made his final start of the regular season Wednesday and will start Game 1 on Tuesday in the White Sox's first playoff game since 2008. Giolito maded 12 starts and finished the regular season with a 3.48 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 97:28 K:BB over 72.1 innings.

Bieber will start Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old last pitched Wednesday and lined up perfectly to pitch the playoff opener, and it's hardly a surprise Cleveland wants its ace on the mound. Bieber made 12 starts in 2020 and finished the season with a 1.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 122:21 K:BB over 77.1 innings and is the frontrunner for the American League Cy Young Award.

Stripling (lower leg) is sore after being hit by a comebacker Saturday but should be available for the playoffs, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The veteran right-hander was diagnosed with a right shin contusion after being hit by a comebacker Saturday, and it appears he's dealing with a minor issue. Stripling has a 6.32 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB over 15.2 innings since being acquired by the Blue Jays, so he isn't guaranteed to be included on the postseason roster, even if fully healthy.

Bielak was optioned to the alternate training site Sunday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Bielak surrendered four runs over two innings Saturday, so he'll head to the alternate site in favor of a fresh bullpen arm. He has a 6.75 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 26:17 K:BB across 32 innings this season. Nivaldo Rodriguez was recalled in a corresponding move.

Kaprielian was optioned to the alternate training site Sunday.

Kaprielian appeared in two games across his multiple stints in the majors this season and allowed three runs on four hits with four strikeouts and two walks over 3.2 innings. The 26-year-old was never a likely candidate for the postseason roster and will return to the alternate site.

Schmidt was recalled from the alternate training site to start Sunday's game against the Marlins.

The 24-year-old made his major-league debut with two appearances out of the bullpen in early September, but he'll make the first start of his career in the regular-season finale. Schmidt had a brief showing at Double-A Trenton last season and had a 2.37 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 19:1 K:BB over 19 innings. A strong performance Sunday would be a convincing audition for a roster spot in the playoffs.