MLB Player News

Clevinger said he plans to make his next start after exiting Sunday's game due to upper-back tightness, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Clevinger earned his first win of the year by recording 10 strikeouts over five shutout innings, but the Indians didn't want to risk anything with his back tightening up. The 28-year-old tentatively lines up to start Saturday at Kansas City, but his status is worth monitoring as he gets into his pre-start preparations this week.

Clevinger was removed from his start Sunday against the Blue Jays after five innings due to upper-back tightness, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Clevinger was spinning a gem before the injury set in, delivering five scoreless frames while striking out 10 and allowing one hit and one walk. He only needed 75 pitches to record 15 outs and likely left some punchouts on the table with the early exit, but he could still come away with the win after departing with a 3-0 lead. While the back issue puts Clevinger's availability for his next start April 13 in Kansas City in question, it's encouraging that he's at least not dealing with an arm injury. Per Mandy Bell of MLB.com, Clevinger's velocity was actually up more than a full tick from his first start of the season, with the right-hander's fastball averaging 96.1 miles per hour.

Means is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Means will enter the rotation in place of Nate Karns, who will move to the bullpen on an exclusive basis after previously serving as an opener for the Orioles. Manager Brandon Hyde likely felt Means warranted a look in a starting role on at least a short-term basis after the lefty struck out nine while allowing only one run over 5.2 innings across his first three appearances out of the bullpen. If Means fails to impress in the outing, he'll likely move back to relief right away, as the newly signed Dan Straily looms as an eventual addition to the rotation.

Bundy allowed three runs on six hits -- including two homers -- with two strikeouts and two walks across 3.2 innings in a no-decision against the Yankees on Saturday.

Walks crushed Bundy in his first outing, but Saturday, it was the long ball. While he didn't get saddled with the loss, Bundy's ERA remained exactly the same at 7.36. He holds a 2.05 WHIP and nine strikeouts in 7.1 innings. His next start will likely come against the Athletics on Thursday.

Carrasco (1-1) struck out 12 and allowed two runs on six hits and one walk in a victory over the Blue Jays on Saturday.

The 32-year-old gave up 10 hits in his season debut but still struck out four across 4.1 innings. On Saturday, Carrasco allowed some traffic but not as much and worked around jams with 24 called strikes. Carrasco has posted a K/9 above 10.0 in three of the last four years, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him around that number again in 2019. He is 1-1 with a 7.71 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 9.1 innings over two outings. His next start should come against the Royals next week.

Smyly (0-1) struck out four and allowed four runs on six hits and three walks across 3.1 innings in a loss to the Angels on Saturday.

The Angels had traffic against the lefty in all four of the frames he took the mound. He worked out of trouble in the first three innings but gave up a grand slam to Mike Trout in the fourth. Before last week, Smyly hadn't pitched in a regular-season game since 2016, so it shouldn't be a huge surprise he's struggled to last deep into games. Through two starts, he is 0-1 with a 7.11 ERA, 2.37 WHIP and six strikeouts while pitching just 6.1 innings. His next outing should come against the Athletics on Friday.

Miley (1-1) struck out four and picked up the win Saturday, giving up four hits and two walks over 5.2 scoreless innings in a 6-0 victory over the A's.

The southpaw only threw 56 of his 95 pitches for strikes, but Oakland hitters couldn't square the ball up when he was in the zone -- Stephen Piscotty's first-inning double was the only extra-base hit Miley allowed, and he didn't let any baserunners get past second base. He'll take a 2.31 ERA into his next start Friday in Seattle.

Chirinos will start Sunday's series finale against the Giants, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Chirinos figured to be an option to follow opener Ryne Stanek in Saturday's game but will instead be used as a traditional starter for the second time this season. The 25-year-old allowed only one run on two hits across seven innings during his season debut against the Astros last week.

Giolito (1-1) allowed five runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four in Saturday's 9-2 loss to the Mariners.

Six days after taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning, Giolito reverted to 2018 form, when he had an MLB-high 4.7 BB/9. Giolito's bugaboo is repeating his mechanics, and that can waver from start to start. He's next due to pitch Friday to kick off a road series against the Yankees.

Lynn (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Rangers fell 3-1 to the Angels, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out five.

The right-hander bounced back in impressive fashion from a rough Rangers debut, throwing 65 of 105 pitches for strikes in his first quality start of the season. The club has a couple off days coming up, but with Edinson Volquez (elbow) now on the injured list, it's not yet clear whether Lynn will stay on schedule and pitch Wednesday in Arizona or get some extra rest before taking the mound Friday at home against the A's.