MLB Player News

McKenzie gave up three runs on three hits and one walk over five innings during Tuesday's loss to the Royals. He had seven strikeouts and didn't factor in the decision.

The young righty had 13 swinging strikes and largely held Kansas City in check, but a three-run homer from Whit Merrifield during the third frame was enough to tarnish his line. McKenzie has a 2.57 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB through 21 innings and lines up to pitch Sunday at Minnesota.

Manager Rocco Baldelli said Tuesday that Odorizzi (abdomen) will make another rehab appearance at Minnesota's alternate training site in St. Paul before returning from the 10-day injured list, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Odorizzi threw about 60 pitches in a rehab outing Saturday in St. Paul. Baldelli said Odorizzi would return in mid-September, so the exact timing of his activation from the injured list is uncertain. The Twins may delay his return with five starters healthy and throwing well and also because he may need some extended time to build back arm strength since he's only made three starts this season after beginning the season on the injured list due to a back injury. Odorizzi suffered an abdominal bruise after getting hit by a line drive in his Aug. 22 start and was subsequently placed on the injured list.

Montas (3-3) earned the win in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader in Houston after allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts and one walk over five innings.

Montas surrendered 18 earned runs and had an 11:9 K:BB across his previous three outings, so Tuesday's performance was a welcome sight. The 27-year-old has a 5.73 ERA and 1.54 WHIP through 37.2 innings and will look to build on this effort Sunday versus the Rangers.

Greinke (3-1) was charged with the loss in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the A's after giving up four runs on seven hits with six strikeouts and one walk over six innings.

It marks the first time through nine starts in 2020 the veteran right-hander has surrendered more than three runs. Greinke hasn't been quite as sharp of late with 13 runs allowed in his past four starts, but he still carries a 3.27 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 50:8 K:BB over 52.1 innings this season.

Cease allowed five hits and no walks while striking out two across five innings Tuesday against the Pirates. He did not factor into the decision.

Cease worked efficiently, surrendering no free passes and needing only 79 pitches to get 15 outs. He left the contest in position for a win, but the Pirates ultimately rallied to spoil his chances. While he has only 30 strikeouts across 46 innings, Cease has allowed three earned runs or fewer in eight of his nine starts this season. He'll take his next turn through the rotation Sunday against Detroit.

Perez didn't factor into the decision during a 6-5 loss to the Phillies in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader, giving up four runs on five hits and six walks over five innings. He struck out two.

The southpaw's command almost completely deserted him in this one, as Perez also uncorked a wild pitch and threw only 47 of his 86 pitches for strikes before exiting. Boston was able to take the lead in the top of the sixth inning, getting him off the hook for the loss, but Matt Barnes then blew the save. Perez hasn't won a game in over a month, and he'll carry a 4.40 ERA and 31:24 K:BB through 47 innings into his next outing Sunday in Tampa Bay.

Means (1-3) allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out five across six innings Tuesday against the Mets.

Means started against the Mets for the second time in as many outings and delivered a strong effort. He generated nine groundball outs and also induced 15 swinging strikes across 97 total pitches. Tuesday's effort was his longest of the season and the first time he's managed to complete six innings. He'll look to keep things going his next turn through the rotation, currently projected to come Sunday at the Yankees.

Berrios (4-3) picked up the win in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over five-plus innings. He struck out eight.

The right-hander carried a shutout into the sixth inning before a walk to Kolten Wong, a Tommy Edman homer and a Paul Goldschmidt single ended his night after 101 pitches (65 strikes). Fortunately for Berrios, the Twins already had a 5-0 lead at that point. He's now won three of his last four outings, posting a 2.78 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB through 22.2 innings over that stretch, and Berrios will look to keep his win streak going in his next start Sunday at home against Cleveland.

Walker allowed two hits and five walks while striking out three across four innings Tuesday against the Yankees. He did not factor into the decision.

Walker battled his control -- he walked three batters in the opening frame -- which led to the short outing. However, he worked out of danger throughout the start and has now allowed only two earned runs across 15.2 innings with the Blue Jays. He currently lines up to make his next start Tuesday in a rematch at the Yankees.

McCullers (neck) underwent a procedure Tuesday that alleviated most of his pain, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers received a mild anti-inflammatory injection, and manager Dusty Baker said that it alleviated "95 to 98 percent of whatever discomfort he was feeling." The right-hander landed on the injured list Sunday, but he could be in line for a short IL stint if the pain doesn't return.