MLB Player News

Manager Mike Scioscia stated that Despaigne -- who was acquired via a trade Tuesday -- will join the majors in the next day or two and operate as a starter, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

An official move will have to be made to clear a spot on the 25-man roster for the Angels' recent acquisition. Despaigne figures to start Thursday or Friday against the Rangers. The veteran swingman owns a 4.76 ERA and 5.4 K/9 over 98 career games (43 starts) in the majors, so his fantasy value will be limited even with a projected starting role.

Odorizzi (5-7) struck out nine and walked two in a win over the Pirates on Tuesday, allowing two runs on four hits in 5.2 innings.

Odorizzi surrendered just one extra-base hit on the evening but needed 102 pitches (67 for strikes) to get through 5.2 innings. The right-hander struck out nine for the second time this year (his season high is 10) and is now sporting a 129:51 K:BB in 125.2 innings. Odorizzi carries a 4.44 ERA and 1.39 WHIP into his next start against the Tigers at home.

Verlander (11-8) struck out 11 and walked none in a loss to the Rockies on Tuesday, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings.

Verlander shut out the Rockies through five innings but was done in by a two-run homer off the bat of Nolan Arenado. This marks the eighth time this year that Verlander has recorded a double-digit strikeout total, and his 217 strikeouts are good for third in the majors. Verlander is pitching phenomenally this year and his 11-8 record has much to do with lower run support than previous years -- he's receiving 4.1 RS/9 this year compared to 5.4 RS/9 last year between Detroit and Houston. His next start will be a matchup with the A's in Oakland.

Paxton (bruised forearm) will miss at least one start, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

We can now safely rule Paxton out for his next scheduled start early next week against the Astros. He will likely be placed on the 10-day disabled list, as he could be activated in time for his next scheduled turn, Aug. 26 in Arizona. Felix Hernandez, who replaced Paxton after he exited Tuesday's game after getting hit on the left forearm by a 96-mph line drive, figures to return to the rotation in the short term.

Giolito (8-9) gave up three runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out seven over six innings Tuesday against the Tigers. He logged the win.

He now has five quality starts over his last seven, but gave up 12 runs over 9.1 innings in the other two outings, keeping his ERA north of 6.00 (6.15). Giolito took advantage of a prime matchup in this one, as the Tigers have been the worst offense in baseball against right-handed pitching (62 wRC+) since June 1. He lines up for a favorable two-step next week, going to Minnesota on Monday and then to Detroit to face this same Tigers team next weekend.

Paxton was diagnosed with a bruised left forearm after undergoing X-rays on Tuesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

This is about the best-case scenario for Paxton and the Mariners after he took a 96-mph line drive off his throwing arm and exited Tuesday's game against the Athletics. Initial fears were much worse for the left-hander as he appeared to be in serious pain and made no attempt to remain in the game. The 29-year-old is currently considered day-to-day, with his next turn in the rotation set to come Monday against the Astros.

Kluber (15-6) tossed seven innings while allowing one run Tuesday to earn the win over the Reds, allowing five hits and two walks with seven strikeouts.

Kluber allowed just one man past first base over the first six innings and gave up his only run on a pair of hits in the seventh. He needed an economical 96 pitches to complete seven frames and induced eight groundball outs to help stifle the home team. Kluber was touched up for four runs in his previous start, but this bounce-back performance lowered his ERA back down to a shiny 2.68 for the season. He'll face a tough matchup in his next scheduled start against the Red Sox.

The Angels acquired Despaigne from the Marlins on Tuesday for cash considerations, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Despaigne struggled during his time in the majors for the Marlins, allowing 16 runs (12 earned) over 20.1 innings with a 18:8 K:BB. The 31-year-old has resided with Triple-A New Orleans since early June, serving as both reliever and starter for the Baby Cakes. Despaigne is likely to report to Triple-A Salt Lake with his new organization.

Paxton was hit by a line drive on his left arm and promptly left Tuesday's game against the Athletics, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Paxton gave up a leadoff home run to Marcus Semien and was struck by the line drive on his throwing arm two batters later. The left-hander didn't wait to be examined by a trainer or try to stay in the game, walking off the field almost immediately. The severity of the injury is currently unknown. Felix Hernandez took the mound for the Mariners in relief.

Gray will not make a spot start in place of CC Sabathia (knee), Anthony Rieber of Newsday reports.

Luis Cessa will get the call instead. That suggests that Gray isn't close to returning to the Yankees rotation and will likely remain in the bullpen for the rest of the season, barring a sudden change in plans. Gray's 5.52 ERA makes his demotion appear well-earned, but while his strikeout and walk rates have trended in the wrong direction, neither has moved by more than 1.5 percentage points from last season's figures, and his 4.32 FIP is respectable.