MLB Player News

Blackburn (forearm) is scheduled to stretch out to 75 pitches in his next rehab start for High-A Stockton on Tuesday, Jordan Wolf of MLB.com reports.

Blackburn was transferred to the 60-day disabled list back on April 5, but he appears to finally be inching closer to a return. The 24-year-old right-hander pitched to plenty of contact in his first game action since August 2017 on Thursday, allowing three earned runs on eight hits and a walk over 3.2 innings against Modesto while throwing 63 pitches overall. Despite the rough outing, manager Bob Melvin describes Blackburn as being "on his way" back to full health after his extended absence, but he may need two more rehab starts at minimum before being deemed ready for activation.

The Indians optioned Bieber to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Bieber allowed four runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings Thursday in his major-league debut Thursday, but the Indians opted to bolster their bullpen depth for now with no need for a fifth starter until June 12 against the White Sox. The 23-year-old has dominated at Triple-A this season (1.05 ERA, 0.56 WHIP) and is seems likely to pitch again for the Tribe at some point this season, though it's uncertain he'll be in store for the June 12 assignment with Adam Plutko also viewed as a candidate for the final spot in the Cleveland rotation.

McCullers (7-3) allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four across six innings to earn the win Thursday against the Red Sox.

McCullers didn't rack up strikeouts but contained one of the better offenses in the league, with the only runs he allowed coming on a two-run double by Xander Bogaerts. This was a much needed bounceback effort for him after he was shelled for seven earned runs -- including three home runs -- in his last outing at Cleveland. He is now third in the American League with seven wins this season as he heads into his next start Wednesday against Seattle.

Bieber didn't factor into the decision against the Twins on Thursday, giving up four earned runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings, striking out six and walking one as Cleveland eventually prevailed 9-8.

Bieber was called up ahead of this start after lighting it up for Triple-A Columbus, and he fared reasonably well in his MLB debut, missing a quality start by one-third of an inning and one earned run. His dominance this season wasn't just limited to his 1.05 ERA over 34.1 innings at Triple-A, as Bieber showcased elite command throughout his ascent through Cleveland's minor-league system, as evidenced by an unbelievable 244:15 K:BB in 262.2 innings. That, along with the six strikeouts against just one walk he posted Thursday, are certainly positive signs from Cleveland's perspective. If he sticks in the rotation the Tribe, Bieber should offer value, at least in deeper formats.

Odorizzi was roughed up in a no-decision Thursday, giving up eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits, striking out three and walking two as the Twins eventually fell 9-8 to the Indians.

Odorizzi had been on a nice run coming into this contest with just five earned runs allowed in his 27.1 innings in May, but he wasn't able to contain Cleveland's offense from the get-go, as the Indians were able to get to him for three-first inning runs, and eventually chase him after eight runs and 92 pitches. The rough outing bumped his ERA up from 3.34 to 4.29 over 63 innings, which looks more like the 4.14 mark he posted last season in 143.1 innings as a member of the Rays. He'll look to bounce back the next time he takes the mound in a start against a weak-hitting White Sox team Wednesday.

Gray will start Friday's game against the Orioles, Marc Carig of The Athletic New York reports.

Gray and the rest of the Yankee starters will have their scheduled starts pushed back a day following the postponement of Thursday's game due to inclement weather.

Gray will not make his scheduled start Thursday against the Orioles as the game has been postponed due to inclement weather.

The two teams will play a makeup game as part of a doubleheader on July 9. The Yankees have not announced their rotational plans moving forward following Thursday's postponement.

Heaney (2-4) took the loss Thursday against the Tigers, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk across five innings while striking out three.

All five runs charged against Heaney -- and five of the eight hits -- came in the first inning as the Tigers sent all nine men up to the plate. He settled in from there, however, allowing just two runners to reach second base over his final four frames. The 26-year-old, who had allowed just five runs over his previous five starts (32.1 innings) before Thursday, still owns a respectable 3.66 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 9.4 K/9 on the season. Heaney will look to get back on track in his next start, which will come at home against the Royals.

Bieber was promoted from Triple-A Columbus ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Twins.

Bieber has dominated at Triple-A through five starts, posting a 1.05 ERA and 0.56 WHIP with 31 strikeouts across 34.1 innings. He'll make his first major-league start Thursday against Minnesota.

Paxton allowed two runs on four hits and four walks with five strikeouts over five innings in a no-decision Wednesday against Texas.

For the first time in seven starts, Paxton failed to complete the sixth inning, as he was so sloppy through the first five frames that the Mariners decided to cut his start off after 89 pitches. Rangers hitters were able to put his knuckle-curve and cutter in play for hits three times, which extended innings where he would usually lock down another strikeout. That said, if this is a relatively bad start for Paxton, the Mariners will be very happy with his presence atop their rotation. He'll get his next start Tuesday against another division foe in the Astros.