MLB Player News

Berrios (5-4) struck out nine and allowed just two runs on three hits and two walks through eight innings to earn the victory Monday over the Tigers.

Berrios had the nastiest of curves working Monday night, as he needed just 30 of them to induce six swinging strikes and four outs in play. When he can throw that pitch for a strike, it's almost impossible for hitters to keep their balance, as they have to not just be ready for the curveball, but a fastball that touched as high as 96.0 mph against the Tigers. Berrios has used consecutive quality starts to drive his ERA down to 3.82 and will look to stay hot Sunday against the Mariners.

Bieber tossed eight scoreless innings Sunday for Triple-A Columbus in its 2-1 win over Charlotte. He gave up three hits and no walks and struck out eight.

Though the righty doesn't possess overwhelming stuff, his stellar command and control has aided his emergence this season as one of the more dominant arms in the upper minors. Across 58.1 innings between Double-A Akron and Triple-A this season, Bieber has rung up a 1.32 ERA and 54:3 K:BB through 58.1 innings, while also generating groundballs at a steady clip. With the Indians in search of a reliable fifth starter after Josh Tomlin was demoted to the bullpen over the weekend, it may not take long for Bieber to receive a call to the big leagues if Adam Plutko or some of the Indians' more seasoned alternatives are unable to provide quality innings at the back of the rotation.

Carrasco (5-3) took the loss against Houston on Sunday, surrendering three earned runs on eight hits over 7.2 innings, striking out six and walking one as the Indians fell 3-1.

Carrasco pitched well in this contest but was dealt the loss thanks to a stellar effort on the part of Houston's Lance McCullers. It was Carrasco's third straight quality start since he was lit up by the Blue Jays for six earned in 5.1 innings May 3, and while he's been a bit boom-or-bust through his first 10 starts of the season, his overall numbers are solid as he now holds a 3.65 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and a 63:14 K:BB through 66.2 innings.

McCullers (6-2) got the win Sunday, throwing seven one-hit innings against the Indians while giving up no runs, striking out eight, and walking two as the Astros eventually prevailed 3-1.

McCullers has been cruising of late, as this strong outing against Cleveland marked the seventh straight start where he's given up three earned runs or fewer since he was blown up for eight earned by the Twins back on April 11. This latest effort brought his ERA down to 3.20 and his WHIP to 1.14, and he boasts a solid 66:23 K:BB through 59 innings this season. He should also continue to be in line for his fair share of wins pitching for an Astros team that will offer plenty of run support.

Odorizzi allowed one earned run on five hits while walking two and striking out 10 across 5.2 innings Sunday against the Brewers. He did not factor into the decision.

Odorizzi generated an impressive 17 swinging strikes to aid him in recording his best strikeout total of the season. He has been on an impressive three-start stretch, allowing only two earned runs in his last 16.2 innings pitched. However, he has yet to correct a home run problem (1.67 HR/9) that could come back to haunt him as the season goes on.

Gray (3-3) allowed one earned run on four hits while walking one and striking out five across eight innings to earn the win Sunday against the Royals.

Gray worked efficiently Sunday, needing only 92 pitches to complete his eight strong innings of work. He relied mostly on his ability to get groundballs -- 12 of the 19 balls in play that he allowed were on the ground -- to keep the Royals offense in check. Austin Romine was behind the plate Sunday, and there have been rumblings that Gray is more willing to pitch low in the zone with him behind the plate rather than Gary Sanchez. Perhaps not coincidentally, the four starts this season in which he has pitched at least six innings have come with Romine at catcher.

Rodriguez allowed no runs on nine hits while striking out seven across 5.2 innings Sunday as he picked up the win in a 5-0 victory over the Orioles.

Despite giving up nine hits, Rodriguez was able to escape with a win after being lifted with two outs in the sixth -- he was just one out short of putting together a quality start. Through nine outings this season, the 25-year-old is sporting a 4.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP to go along with 58 strikeouts across 48 innings. Rodriguez will aim to record his fifth victory of the year in his next start, which figures to come Saturday against the Braves.

Rodon (shoulder) will make his next rehab start Thursday with Triple-A Charlotte.

Rodon made his first rehab start Saturday with Low-A Kannapolis, allowing one run over five innings while striking out six. The starter is currently trending toward a return from the disabled list in early June.

Heaney (2-3) allowed four runs (none earned) on three hits and five walks while striking out seven to take the loss Saturday against the Rays.

Heaney allowed a grand slam in the second inning to Daniel Roberston, with two baserunners reaching base on free passes and the third on an error. While he settled in after, he remained uncharacteristically wild and was forced to rely on his ability to strike out batters to work out of jams. He has a 10.5 K/9 in 40.1 innings this season and has paired it with a 57 percent groundball rate. That combination goes a long way in explaining his strong start to the season.

Paxton (3-1) allowed two earned runs on three hits and one walk while striking out eight in a complete game to earn the win Saturday against the Tigers.

In an increasingly rare feat, Paxton completed his second complete game in his past three starts by dominating the Tigers' lineup Saturday night. He allowed only two baserunners past second base and retired the last 14 batters he faced. He has been on an absolute tear since allowing five earned runs in his start April 21, allowing only seven earned runs across five starts and 37 innings since.