MLB Player News

Sandoval didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 8-7 loss to the Rangers, allowing four runs on eight hits over 3.1 innings. He struck out three.

The rookie was getting hit hard -- five of the eight hits against Sandoval went for extra bases, including a Willie Calhoun solo shot -- and he got the hook after tossing 74 pitches (47 strikes). Sandoval's line would have been even worse, but Miguel Del Pozo was able to shut down the two-on, one-out jam he inherited from the southpaw in the fourth inning. Sandoval will take a 6.75 ERA and 18:7 K:BB through his first 17.1 big-league innings into his next start Tuesday, a rematch back at home against Texas.

Verlander (15-5) took the loss against the Tigers on Wednesday despite throwing a complete game while giving up just two hits, striking out 11 and walking none in a 2-1 defeat for the Astros.

This is pretty much the definition of a hard-luck loss, as Verlander went the distance with two solo home runs representing the only hits against him. However, he still wound up taking his fifth loss of the season as his teammates only managed one run of support. It was disappointing not to see him get a win after such a stellar outing, but it doesn't take away from the spectacular season the veteran is putting together at age 36. Verlander is now sporting a 2.77 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and a ballistic 239:34 K:BB across 178.2 innings. He'll take the mound next in a home matchup against the Rays on Tuesday.

Odorizzi (13-6) allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits and a walk while striking out six across five innings to take the loss Wednesday against the White Sox.

Odorizzi allowed the majority of his damage in the opening frame, surrendering three hits and two earned runs. He was never particularly dominant -- he allowed multiple baserunners in three of his five innings -- but still managed to prevent runs enough to turn in a respectable start. Besides a nine-run implosion July 24, Odorizzi has remained steady in the second half, not allowing more than three earned runs in any of his seven outings. He'll look to keep that up in his next effort, currently scheduled for Wednesday in a rematch at the White Sox.

Giolito (14-6) allowed three hits and no walks while striking out 12 to turn in a complete-game shutout and earn the win Wednesday against the Twins.

As his line suggests, Giolito dominated the Twins to turn in his second complete-game shutout of the season. This wasn't an isolated effort, however, as he now has double-digit strikeouts in each of his past three starts and has seven or more whiffs in seven consecutive outings. In the midst of a breakout campaign, Giolito has a 3.20 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 194 strikeouts across 151.2 innings for the season. He'll look to keep things going in his next start, currently scheduled for Tuesday in a rematch against the Twins.

Morton allowed three runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts across five innings during a no-decision against the Mariners on Wednesday.

The veteran right-hander probably pitched better than that line indicates, but three hits, a walk and hit batsman in the fourth frame led to three runs. The Rays reclaimed the lead before Morton left, but the bullpen coughed it up in the ninth, costing him a shot at the win. He remains 13-5 with a 2.85 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 197 strikeouts in 161 innings this season. Morton will pitch against one of his former teams, the Astros, next Tuesday in Houston.

Mize has been shut down for the remainder of the minor-league season, Tom Reisenweber of the Erie Times-News reports.

The Tigers wanted to play it safe with Mize in what was his first full season as a pro, opting to shut the righty down after 109.1 innings. The 22-year-old impressed across stops with High-A Lakeland and Double-A Erie, posting a combined 2.55 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 106:23 K:BB. Mize is slated to pitch in the instructional league before reporting back to the upper minors to begin the 2020 campaign.

Canning was placed on the injured list Wednesday with right elbow inflammation, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The same issue forced Canning onto the injured list earlier in the month, though he was able to return after a brief stay on the shelf. The right-hander is headed back to California to be further evaluated, after which a timetable for his return will hopefully emerge. It's not yet clear who will take his place in the rotation, though the Angels can get away with a four-man rotation for most of the month thanks to a flurry of off days.

Groome (elbow) pitched a scoreless inning for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox on Wednesday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Groome allowed one hit and struck out two batters in what was his first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2016. According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the lefty was sitting around 93-94 mph with his fastball while topping out at 95.

Chirinos (finger) was cleared to resume baseball activities Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This is encouraging news for the right-hander, who has been shut down since landing on the shelf with right middle finger inflammation near the beginning of August. Chirinos is expected to resume playing catch over the weekend; a timetable for his return will likely come into focus as he ramps up his throwing.

Kopech (elbow) said on a White Sox broadcast that he will throw live batting practice before the end of the season, Clinton Cole of Future Sox reports.

During a July 31 broadcast, Kopech said he has been throwing all his pitches and feeling good. He noted that he is progressing to the point that he will face live hitters in August or September. We know he is not coming back this season, but it's good to hear that he appears to be progressing without setbacks.