MLB Player News

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.

Dunning will start Wednesday in Pittsburgh, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

He is coming off his worst big-league start, having surrendered three runs while striking out four and walking four in 4.2 innings Sept. 4 in Kansas City. Dunning would likely need to struggle significantly in another couple starts to get booted from the rotation before season's end.

Eovaldi (calf) could return this weekend in Tampa Bay or next week in Miami, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

He will throw a bullpen session in Philadelphia on Wednesday, so he could return Friday or Saturday at the earliest, or Boston could give him more time if necessary. Eovaldi has flashed brilliance this season, but only three of his six starts have been quality. His best start was his most recent start Aug. 20, when he struck out six and allowed one run over seven frames against the Orioles.

Kaprielian was recalled to serve as the 29th man for Tuesday's doubleheader against the Astros.

He has pitched just once in the majors this season, giving up one run while striking out one in two innings against the Giants on Aug. 16. With Oakland set to play 12 games in the next nine days, they will likely look to get the most out of 29th men like Kaprielian, so don't be surprised if he logs at least a couple innings in relief if the opportunity presents itself.

Montgomery allowed two runs on six hits and two walks over 3.1 innings in Monday's loss to Toronto. He struck out one batter and did not factor in the decision.

While he walked just two batters, Montgomery struggled to find the strike zone Monday, throwing only 46 of 84 pitches for strikes. He allowed one run in each of the first two innings and had to hit the showers early due to his high pitch count; his 84 pitches were the second most he's thrown in an outing this season. Montgomery will carry a 5.72 ERA into Saturday's home start against the Orioles.

Ryu allowed five runs on six hits and two walks over five innings Monday, striking out five in the win over the Yankees. He did not factor in the decision.

Ryu served up three solo homers Monday, including back-to-back blasts by Luke Voit and Aaron Hicks in the first inning. Despite leaving the contest down 5-2, Toronto's offense exploded for 10 runs in the sixth frame to avoid sticking Ryu with his second loss of the season. The 33-year-old southpaw will carry a 3.19 ERA into Sunday's home start against the Mets.

Javier (4-2) allowed two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings in a loss to the Athletics on Monday. He struck out three.

Javier allowed a pair of runs, including a Sean Murphy solo shot, in the second inning. With the Astros failing to score a run, it was enough to leave Javier with the loss. The 23-year-old right-hander now has a 3.38 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 37 strikeouts across 42.2 innings this year. He'll try to get back in the win column Sunday in a road start versus the Dodgers.

Bassitt (3-2) earned the win Monday with seven scoreless innings versus the Astros. He allowed seven hits and struck out four.

Bassitt was a little generous with the hits, but all seven were singles and they ultimately didn't hurt his performance. The right-hander struggled in his last outing against the Astros, so Monday's outing was an encouraging improvement. Overall, Bassitt has a 3.12 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 34 strikeouts across 43.1 innings this season. His next start is expected to be Friday as part of a doubleheader versus the Rangers.

Keller (3-2) took the loss Monday, giving up five runs (four earned) on eight hits and a walk over 6.2 innings as the Royals fell 5-2 to Cleveland. He struck out one.

All eight hits off Keller were singles, but Cleveland was able to string them together enough to generate some offense. The 25-year-old has now been tagged for five runs in two of his last three outings, but he'll still take a strong 2.60 ERA and 1.10 WHIP into his next start Saturday, at home against the Pirates.

Morton (1-2) took the loss Monday, giving up three runs on four hits and a walk over five innings in a 6-1 loss to the Nationals. He struck out three.

The right-hander threw 57 pitches (45 strikes) before exiting, as he continues to build his stamina back up after his month-long absence from the rotation. Morton now has a 4.94 ERA and 24:7 K:BB through 23.2 innings this season, but he should at least be close to fully stretched out for his next start Sunday, at home against the Red Sox.