MLB Player News

Kikuchi (calf) will make his next scheduled start Monday against the Indians.

Kikuchi was limited to 80 pitches in his last outing Wednesday against the Royals after succumbing to calf cramps, but the issue never seriously threatened his availability for his fifth start of the season. The lefty isn't expected to face any limitations as he takes on an anemic Cleveland offense that ranks 28th in the majors this season with a 60 wRC+.

Luzardo (shoulder) is making encouraging progress from the left rotator cuff strain that shut him down in late March, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports. "Luzardo feels absolutely fantastic, but he's still not throwing yet," manager Bob Melvin said. "He's champing at the bit -- he wants to throw. But we also understand for a guy like him, when you set a timetable, there's really no need to speed it up. We just want to make sure when he comes back, he's fully healthy."

Luzardo wowed this past spring, to the extent he prompted plenty of talk about the possibility of securing an Opening Day roster spot. His shoulder issues put an abrupt end to that speculation, but the 21-year-old appears to be on a steady road to recovery. With the big-league rotation at full health at the moment, Luzardo may be headed for Triple-A Las Vegas whenever he is ready to officially kick off his 2019 campaign. Prior to activation, however, he's likely to log at least a couple of rehab outings to ensure his shoulder is up to the rigors of the regular season.

Kluber allowed six runs on six hits and five walks while striking out four across 2.2 innings during a no-decision against the Royals on Sunday.

Both starters in this one struggled, so despite the short outing, Kluber avoided another loss. However, he's failed to pitch four innings and given up at least four earned runs and three walks in two of his last three outings. That's the main reason why Kluber owns a 6.16 ERA and 1.84 WHIP through four starts. He is also 1-2 with 21 strikeouts in 19 innings. Kluber will look to get back on track against the Braves at home Saturday.

Gonzales gave up two runs on five hits with two walks while striking out three through 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Astros on Sunday.

Gonzales held the Astros without a run until the sixth inning when Michael Brantley came through with a two-run single. Even though he only struck out three batters, the 27-year-old induced 17 swinging strikes in only 5.1 innings. The left-hander has a 4-0 record and a 3.19 ERA through five starts. Gonzales gets his next start Friday at Angels Stadium of Anaheim.

Berrios (2-1) notched the win by allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven over 6.2 innings Sunday against Detroit.

The Tigers got to Berrios for two runs in the second inning, but he wouldn't allow anyone else to score. He's held opposing teams to three or fewer runs in each of his first four outings of the 2019 season and sports a 2.30 ERA and 0.73 WHIP with a 28:5 K:BB over 27.1 frames. Berrios' next start is scheduled for Friday in Baltimore.

Cole (1-2) allowed two runs on four hits while striking out 11 over six innings in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Mariners.

Cole finally had his good pitching pay off in a win after his first three outings, all quality starts, left him 0-2. Entering Sunday's game, Cole received just four runs of support over 25 innings. Outside of a couple of mistakes, Cole was in complete command and induced 19 swinging strikes. He's next scheduled to pitch Friday on the road against the Rangers.

Stroman (0-3) took the loss after allowing three runs (zero earned) on three hits and four walks while striking out five over four innings Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Stroman was saddled with the loss in the series finale, though he didn't give up a single earned run. The Rays scored a run in the third with help from a Toronto error and tacked on two more in the fourth after Stroman committed a throwing error. The 27-year-old struggled with his command throughout his start, issuing four free passes while racking up a high pitch count (91 pitches) after four frames. In Stroman's defense, he hasn't gotten a whole lot of run support in 2019 and sits with an 0-3 record despite a 1.99 ERA over 22.2 innings.

Morton allowed one run on four hits and three walks and struck out four over 4.2 innings in Sunday's no-decision against Toronto.

Morton surrendered the only run of his start in the first inning, but he managed to close out his day with 3.2 scoreless frames. Unfortunately, he was pulled from the game needing one more out to qualify for the victory. The 35-year-old right-hander hasn't allowed more than two runs in any of his first four outings of 2019 and owns a 2.18 ERA with 25 strikeouts through 20.2 innings.

Cease (2-0) allowed two hits and one walk while striking out four over five scoreless innings for Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday against Indianapolis.

Cease's transition to Triple-A ball has been smooth. The right-hander has struck out nine and walked one over 10 scoreless innings.

Rodon (2-2) picked up the win after allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five over six innings Sunday against the Yankees.

Rodon surrendered a run in the first inning and another in the third, but he managed to settle down and toss three scoreless frames to close out his start. He fired 74 of 112 pitches for strikes and threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of the 23 batters he faced. The 26-year-old has posted a 3.27 ERA with 29 punchouts over 22 innings so far in 2019 and is slated to toe the rubber next against the Tigers on Friday.