MLB Player News

Clevinger (illness) gave up two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out eight in five innings Saturday against the Tigers. He took the loss.

It was a very close call as to whether Clevinger would even be able to make this start, as he was physically ill just hours before the game got underway and needed two IVs and antibiotics to get right. Unfortunately Blaine Hardy limited the Indians to just one run and the Tigers' bullpen shut the door, so Clevinger took the loss despite a dominant strikeout total across five frames. While Clevinger probably wasn't at 100 percent in this outing, he should have no problem making his next start Friday at home against the Angels.

Paxton (back) felt good after throwing a bullpen session and will be activated from the 10-day disabled list to start Monday against the Astros, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Though Paxton is slated to return to the mound following a two-week absence, he may face a pitch limit in Monday's start. Paxton posted a 5.70 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over his last six starts before he landed on the DL shortly before the All-Star break.

Severino (14-4) gave up six runs on eight hits and one walk while fanning five across 4.1 innings as he was tagged with the loss in Game 1 of Saturday's twin bill.

Severino failed to work past the fifth inning, as he left the ballgame after 95 pitches with a six-run deficit. In his last three starts, he's allowed 16 runs over 14.1 innings, and his last victory was on July 7. Severino entered July with a sparkling 2.10 ERA, but he now sports a 2.94 ERA over 137.2 innings.

Keller (4-4) tossed 5.2 innings, surrendering four runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out one as he picked up the win in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Keller was lifted from the game with a 6-4 lead, as the Royals would go on to score 10 runs in the win. Despite allowing seven runs over his two previous starts (12.2 innings), Keller has collected two straight victories. He'll head into his next start with a 3.43 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and a 45:32 K:BB over 76 frames this season.

Clevinger's status for Saturday's tilt against the Tigers is up in the air as he's dealing with an illness, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

If Clevinger is unable to take the hill, expect Dan Otero to toe the rubber. More news on Clevinger's status should become available closer to first pitch.

Nicasio (1-5) allowed an earned run on one hit -- a game-winning solo home run -- in an extra-inning loss to the Angels on Friday. He also recorded a strikeout.

Nicasio saw Kole Calhoun, the first batter he faced in the home half of the 10th, tag him for a 401-foot solo shot to right center that ended the contest. It marked the fourth time in eight July appearances that Nicasio has given up an earned run, which has led to a 5.14 ERA across seven innings during the month. The veteran has also been charged with a pair of blown saves in addition to Friday's loss over that stretch, so he's been a bit of a roller coaster for both manager Scott Servais and his fantasy owners. Despite his inconsistencies, Nicasio continues to see plenty of work, as his 40 innings this season rank behind only closer Edwin Diaz (51 innings) among Seattle's full-time relievers.

Smoker was picked up off waivers by the Tigers, and he'll be optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday.

Smoker was recently designated for assignment by Pittsburgh after appearing in seven games out of the bullpen this season, allowing seven runs over 5.2 innings. Detroit has bumped Warwick Saupold from the 40-man roster in a corresponding move.

Keller will start the first game of Saturday's doubleheader with the Yankees after his scheduled start Friday was postponed due to rain, Fox Sports reports.

Keller will oppose All-Star Luis Severino in the front end of the twin bill while Heath Fillmyer and CC Sabathia duel in second game. The 23-year-old right-hander has been volatile over his last five outings, covering seven-plus frames on three occasions and failing to reach five innings the other two times.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn wants to see more from Kopech at Triple-A Charlotte before elevating the right-hander to the major-league roster, Tom Musick of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kopech appears to have fixed the command issues that bedeviled him for much of this season, posting 24 strikeouts against just two walks over his last three outings (17 innings). That includes Thursday's win, his first start all season without a walk. His numbers indicate that Kopech looks ready for a promotion, but Hahn stresses the organization has a longer checklist. "Not until they've answered all those questions we have for them at the minor-league level will we promote them," said Hahn, referring to both Kopech and outfielder Eloy Jimenez.

Keuchel (8-9) took the loss Friday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings as the Astros fell 11-2 to the Rangers.

The left-hander dropped his first decision since June 5 and saw his streak of quality starts end at four, although he did keep the Astros in the game until the bullpen fell apart. Keuchel will carry a 3.60 ERA into his next outing Wednesday in Seattle.