MLB Player News

Kluber (forearm) was removed after the first inning of Sunday's rehab start for Double-A Akron due to abdominal tightness, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Kluber's removal was reportedly precautionary, but he'll likely head to Cleveland for further evaluation with the hope he's not dealing with a serious injury. It remains to be seen if this setback will have a major impact on his timetable.

Kikuchi (5-8) picked up the win after allowing two hits and a walk while striking out eight over nine scoreless innings Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Kikuchi gave up a double in the third inning and a single to left in the fourth, but he kept the Blue Jays off the board in the series finale. He needed just 96 pitches (65 strikes) to fire the complete game. The 28-year-old lefty was hit hard in his last outing, surrendering five runs on nine hits and a walk over just 3.1 innings of work, but he brought his best stuff to the ballpark Sunday afternoon. Kikuchi owns a 5.19 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with a 103:43 K:BB over 135.1 innings this season.

Suarez was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake following Saturday's start against the White Sox.

Suarez was sent down after allowing four runs in four innings against Chicago. The 21-year-old has posted a 2-4 record along with a 6.75 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 53.1 innings with the Angels this season. The team's staff has been working with Suarez on improving his delivery to avoid tipping his pitches, though the issue was said to have been corrected prior to Saturday's outing. Left-handed pitcher Miguel Del Pozo was selected to the major league roster in a corresponding move.

Severino pitched from the mound for the first time this season in a 15-pitch simulated game in which he faced three batters, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Severino also tossed a 25-pitch bullpen session Sunday and reported feeling good about the results. The 25-year-old will head to the Yankees' spring-training facility in Tampa and gear up for a minor-league rehab stint as soon as next weekend. Severino remains hopeful of returning to the Yankees in September, possibly in a relief role. Severino has yet to pitch this season as he recovers from a lat strain suffered in spring training.

Suarez allowed four runs on six hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out five and did not factor into the decision versus the White Sox on Saturday.

Suarez was used as a bulk reliever for the first time in his career, to less-than-appealing results. He was dinged for a two-run double by James McCann and a two-run homer by Eloy Jimenez in the third inning that put the Angels down 5-1, but the offense rallied in the seventh inning to get Suarez off the hook. The 21-year-old has struggled to a 6.75 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 53.1 innings this season. He has now allowed four or more runs in each of his last four appearances. Suarez is next expected to face the Astros for a road start Friday.

Bassitt (9-5) allowed three runs on eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts across six innings while earning a victory against the Astros on Saturday.

The Athletics allowed Bassitt to pitch the sixth inning despite the fact he was at 106 pitches going into the frame. Thanks to that trust, the 30-year-old posted his fourth straight quality start. This most recent run of success has helped Bassitt record a 4-1 record with a 2.36 ERA since the All-Star break. Overall, he owns a 3.61 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 112 strikeouts in 119.2 innings this season. Bassitt will face the Giants on Saturday in his next start.

Berrios allowed seven runs (three earned) off seven hits and three walks while recording six strikeouts over 4.1 innings in Saturday's win over the Rangers. He did not factor into the decision.

After allowing five earned runs in 24.2 innings over his first four starts following the All-Star break, Berrios has given up 15 earned runs in his last three outings. The 25-year-old's ERA has climbed to 3.37 with a 1.18 WHIP this season. He'll try to right the ship Friday at home against the Tigers.

Rodriguez (14-5) struck out four and picked up the win Saturday, giving up four hits and two walks over 7.1 scoreless innings in a 4-0 victory over the Orioles.

The southpaw tossed 70 of 106 pitches for strikes in one of his best -- and most efficient -- outings of the year. Rodriguez will take a 4.10 ERA and 149:58 K:BB through 153.2 innings into his next start, likely to come next weekend in San Diego.

Suarez will pitch behind opener Noe Ramirez against the White Sox on Saturday.

Suarez was expected to make his 12th start but will instead fill a primary pitcher role for the first time in his career. The 21-year-old has struggled mightily of late, giving up 14 earned runs in 12.1 innings over his last three starts. On a related note, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports that Suarez has been tipping pitches in his last 2-3 outings, which may explain his bloated numbers. Manager Brad Ausmus indicated that the issue has been corrected, providing hope that the southpaw may soon get back on track.

Sale will get a second opinion Monday on his injured left elbow from Dr. James Andrews, Adam Kaufman of WBZ News Radio reports.

Anytime "second opinion" and "Dr. James Andrews" are mentioned in the same sentence, it's cause for serious concern. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is already acknowledging that Sale may not pitch again this year. Apparently the elbow injury is a new issue for Sale, who struggled to a 5.36 ERA in seven second-half starts before landing on the injured list Saturday.