MLB Player News

Perez was placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday with right elbow discomfort.

This move comes after Perez labored through another outing Sunday, allowing four runs and lasting just four innings with his fastball velocity being clocked nearly two mph below his average. Specifics regarding the injury remain unclear at this point, but the 27-year-old went through an abbreviated spring training due to an injury in his non-throwing (right) elbow and it appears he may have rushed back too soon. Perez has returned to Texas for further examination, after which there should be a clearer idea regarding a possible timetable for his return. In the meantime, Jose Leclerc was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock in a corresponding roster move and will provide an additional bullpen arm for the Rangers. Texas, who has been deploying a six-man rotation this season, will likely stick with a five-man rotation until Perez is healthy.

Perez allowed four runs on five hits and four walks while striking out two in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

It was yet another poor outing for Perez, who has failed to reach five innings in three of his five starts. The left-hander thought a lower arm angle was a culprit in his early struggles and went over the top for six solid innings his last time out. Arm angle wasn't the problem Sunday. Perez's command wasn't there from the start, and he gave up three home runs -- that's seven allowed in 22.1 innings. Maybe most concerning: His fastball velocity was down 2 mph. This dip could be insignificant, but it could also be a sign of a physical problem. Perez had a abridged spring training due to an injury in his right (non-throwing) elbow and may have rushed himself back. The Rangers will have to figure it out in time for his next start, which will come Saturday or Sunday at home against Boston.

Berrios (2-3) allowed four earned runs on five hits while walking three without recording a strikeout across three innings to take the loss Sunday against the Reds.

Berrios avoided the long ball but was tagged for three doubles, with the result being his second consecutive poor outing. The Reds were aggressive in their approach at the plate against him, as he threw 60 pitches with only six called strikes and four swinging strikes. Through six starts, Berrios has allowed at least four earned runs in three of his starts but allowed zero earned runs across 23 innings in his other three outings.

Gausman (2-2) gave up one run on five hits and three walks over 5.2 innings in Sunday's 5-3 victory over the Tigers.

The single run Gausman allowed came off a solo home run hit by John Hicks in the fifth inning. The 27-year-old has now put together three consecutive outings in which he's allowed two runs or fewer, lowering his ERA from 6.60 to 4.15 in that time. Although he struck out just four batters in his latest victory, Gausman has started to show the upside that fantasy owners hoped he would deliver. His next start projects to be Saturday against Oakland.

Gonzales (3-2) collected the win against the Indians on Sunday. He allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four over six innings.

Gonzales served up a two-run shot to Brandon Guyer in the second inning but was able to work through the Indians' lineup rather efficiently Sunday en route to second straight winning decision. The lefty has allowed just two runs over his last 12 innings but still holds a rather unsightly 5.02 ERA. Gonzales is a fine streaming option against weaker opponents, but he's difficult to trust as a hold in season-long formats. He'll face a tough test next Saturday against the Angels.

Cole allowed three earned runs on six hits while walking none and striking out 12 across 6.2 innings Sunday against the Athletics. He did not factor into the decision.

Cole continued to look unhittable for much of his start, generating 22 swinging strikes on 99 pitches. He did allow three doubles, two of which led directly to runs, with the last putting the then tying run on base, preventing him from earning the win. Pointing out those few flaws is nitpicking what has been a masterful stretch of six starts to begin the season for Cole, as he is maintaining a 1.73 ERA and 0.79 WHIP while recording 61 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched.

McCullers (4-1) allowed two hits while walking none and striking out seven across seven scoreless innings to earn the win Saturday against the Athletics.

McCullers delivered his third consecutive strong start Saturday, pitching efficiently while also racking up strikeouts. He has been excellent by nearly any measure through six starts this season -- even with a disastrous eight-run outing factored in -- and his 21.6 K-BB% effectively captures how dominant he has been. If he can remain healthy, this season appears to have the components to be a breakout campaign for McCullers.

Oaks was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

As expected, Oaks will head back to the minors after making a spot start in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader as the designated 26th man. He was knocked around for five runs on 12 hits across five innings in a loss to the White Sox. Oaks will now rejoin the Storm Chasers' rotation.

Blackburn (forearm) has progressed to throwing from 90 feet, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Blackburn has been dealing with a right forearm strain since mid-March and has been progressing slowly but surely. The 24-year-old could begin throwing off the mound when the Athletics return to Oakland next weekend, and a return in late May from the 60-day disabled list remains possible.

Chirinos gave up three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three over two innings in a no-decision against the Red Sox on Saturday.

Chirinos wasn't sharp at all in this one -- he also uncorked two wild pitches -- but the bullpen picked him up in a 12-6 Rays win. It was his third time facing the Red Sox already this season, and even with some regression Chirinos still has a very respectable 3.71 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB in 26.2 innings. Chirinos, who was recently named to the rotation officially, should have an easier go of it next weekend at home in his first career start against the Blue Jays.