MLB Player News

Bielak is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Giants, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bielak made his first two MLB appearances in long relief for the Astros before he was thrust into the rotation Aug. 6 in Arizona as a replacement for Josh James, who was moved to the bullpen. The right-hander was highly impressive in his first big-league start, spinning five shutout innings and permitting five baserunners in the Astros' loss. He'll draw a favorable matchup Tuesday in his second career start, taking the hill at home against a Giants offense that hasn't scored more than five runs in any of its last six games.

The Rays placed Morton (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Monday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Though Morton suggested after exiting his start Sunday against the Yankees that his inflamed right shoulder wasn't much of a concern, the Rays evidently felt the 36-year-old could benefit from at least a week and a half of rest. A clearer target date for Morton's return should emerge once he's allowed to resume throwing, but until then, the Rays will need to add a new member to their rotation. Trevor Richards covered four innings in long relief after Morton's early departure and seemingly represents the most logical option to take the bump when the Rays require a new fifth starter Saturday against the Blue Jays in Buffalo.

Cole noted after Saturday's outing that he made a change to his delivery, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. "I made a little tweak with my delivery, staying over my legs a little better," Cole said. "I thought that increased a little bit of the deception and allowed me to get through the baseball at the end, really starting to nail my spin axis. At times, it's been a little inconsistent. Today we were really repeating for the most part until a few pitches towards the end."

If deception was the goal, Cole's mechanical adjustment certainly paid off -- the right-hander whiffed 10 batters in 4.2 frames after averaging less than a strikeout per inning through his first three starts. The outcome wasn't all positive, however, as Cole allowed a season-high six hits and gave up three runs. The 29-year-old holds a 3.22 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB in 22.1 innings this season.

Luzardo (1-0) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings in a win over the Astros on Sunday.

The lefty said his slider "felt weird out of [his] hand" early on, per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, but he eventually found his feel for the pitch and used it to put away several hitters en route to his first major-league win. This was Luzardo's second career start after he broke in as a reliever down the stretch last year and again this season after a delayed arrival to summer camp. Now healthy and built up (89 pitches Sunday), Luzardo seems ready to fulfill his promise as one of the game's top pitching prospects. He gets the Giants in San Francisco next weekend.

Giolito allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out nine over seven innings versus Cleveland on Sunday. He did not factor in the decision.

Giolito was wildly effective Sunday, inducing two double plays to get out of trouble. He also retired the last seven batters he faced. The 26-year-old has a 4.37 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 27:13 K:BB across 22.2 innings this season. If he can cut down on the free passes, he should be able to find more success. Giolito is currently expected to face the Cardinals on Friday in his next start.

Bieber allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out eight over six innings in a no-decision versus the White Sox on Sunday.

Bieber allowed two home runs for the second time in four starts this season, but he was still able to record his fourth quality start. The right-hander saw his ERA rise to 1.63 with a 0.76 WHIP and 43:5 K:BB in 27.2 innings. The Cleveland ace is expected to make his next start in Detroit next Sunday.

Javier (1-1) picked up his first MLB loss in Sunday's game against the Athletics. He allowed five runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five over three innings.

All three hits Javier allowed cleared the fence. Robbie Grossman took him deep for a solo home run in the second inning, then Matt Olson (three-run homer) and Matt Chapman (solo) finished Javier's day in the third. The rookie suffered his first road bump as a replacement for Justin Verlander; he had pitched into the sixth inning in each of his previous two starts. Javier's next start comes Saturday at home against Seattle.

Singer (1-1) allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four across five innings to earn the win Sunday against the Twins.

Singer was staked to an early lead, and he held the Twins offense in check to earn his first major-league victory. He wasn't particularly dominant, as he allowed seven baserunners while generating only eight swinging strikes on 95 pitches. Still, he retired the Twins in order on two occasions and only allowed one extra-base hit. Through four starts, Singer has generated 22 strikeouts across 20 innings while maintaining a 4.50 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.

Berrios (1-2) allowed four earned runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out four across 5.1 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Royals.

Berrios allowed five baserunners and three earned runs through three innings. He appeared to settle in after that, though he was tagged again in the sixth inning on a solo home run by Maikel Franco. Berrios continued to have trouble finding the strike zone, increasing his walk rate to 4.0 BB/9 across 20.1 innings this season. Berrios will look to get on track in his next start, currently scheduled for Saturday in a rematch against Kansas City.

Paxton allowed three earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out 11 across 6.1 innings Sunday against the Rays. He did not factor into the decision.

Paxton dominated the Rays for six shutout innings of work but was undone when he was sent back out for the seventh frame. He allowed a leadoff double, followed by back-to-back home runs to spoil an otherwise excellent outing. Encouragingly, he also saw his velocity tick up slightly, regularly hitting over 92 mph with his fastball. After struggling mightily through his first two starts, Paxton will look to maintain his improved results Sunday against Boston.