MLB Player News

Verlander will make his debut for the Astros on Tuesday in Seattle, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

There was a late blockbuster prior to the August trade deadline, sending Verlander to Houston in exchange for three quality prospects (Franklin Perez, Daz Cameron, Jake Rogers), with the Astros also receiving $16 million to help offset the money remaining on his contract. He retains a full no-trade clause as part of the deal, and the Astros agreed to waive his vesting option for the 2020 season, meaning Verlander will become a free agent after the 2019 season. Verlander's value shouldn't change much the rest of the way, as he should gain run support, but is also moving to a worse defensive club. He has a 2.41 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 78 strikeouts in 67.1 innings since the All-Star break.

McCullers (back) will be re-evaluated Saturday at Minute Maid Park for a possible return to the rotation next week, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros haven't set their rotation for next week yet, but if all checks out, McCullers will throw Tuesday or Wednesday against the Mariners at Safeco Field. He threw a five-inning rehab start Wednesday, which manager A.J. Hinch described as "a normal game" for the right-hander. "His stuff was pretty good," Hinch said Thursday. "He was in the low-to-mid 90s. That's a good sign. His breaking ball was a little bit better. He threw a quite a few changeups." McCullers threw only 60 pitches in Wednesday's start, but followed it up with a 15-pitch simulated inning in the bullpen. Any fears that his pitch count will be limited upon his return should be mitigated by that extra bullpen session.

Verlander was traded to the Astros on Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The Astros stood pat at the non-waiver deadline in late-July and did not make any moves to bolster their rotation. However, a disappointing August forced the club to reconsider its plans and add an ace for the playoff push by acquiring Verlander. The veteran right-hander not only adds a front-end arm to Houston's rotation, but also plenty of postseason experience to a young team. Verlander has been sharp since the All-Star break, posting a 2.41 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP and 10.4 K/9 rate over 10 starts. He'll slot in behind Dallas Keuchel to form one of the best one-two combinations in baseball.

Rodriguez (4-5) allowed five runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out four batters through five innings during Thursday's loss to the Yankees.

Rodrgiuez has now surrendered 17 runs over 22.2 innings over his past four outings. He's now up to a 4.40 ERA and 1.30 WHIP for the campaign, and until he shows more consistency on the mound, it's difficult to turn to him outside of cushy matchups. The southpaw kick-started the year with a 2.77 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 9.6 K/9 through his first nine outings, so the potential is there for deeper settings or daily contests. A date with the Blue Jays at Fenway Park is up next and it could prove to be a rebound spot for Rodriguez.

Meyer (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Thursday.

The Angels made the move in order to clear a spot for the recently acquired Fernando Salas. Meyer has begun a throwing program, but it remains unclear whether he'll be able to get back on the mound for the Angels before the end of the season.

Cease, 21, has a 4.29 ERA and 49:17 K:BB in 35.2 innings at Low-A Kannapolis since being traded to the White Sox.

Do not let the 0-7 record fool you; Cease has loads of potential, as evidenced by his standout strikeout rate. On the season, he has a 123:43 K:BB in just 87.1 innings. A few less walks would be nice, but Cease is still just scratching the surface of his potential. He is a serious breakout candidate for next season.

Mejia (biceps) will make a second rehab start with Triple-A Rochester on Monday, Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press reports.

Mejia will throw around 50-to-60 pitches during this outing after lasting three innings during his initial rehab start Wednesday. During that contest, the southpaw fanned four opposing batters while allowing just two hits and a walk during three scoreless frames. It hasn't been determined whether Mejia will be able to return to the Twins following this outing, but it appears as though his stay on the disabled list will come to an end in the near future.

Clevinger will start one game of Friday's doubleheader with the Tigers after going unused out of the bullpen during the Indians' doubleheader Wednesday with the Yankees, Zack Meisel of The Athletic Cleveland reports.

Clevinger is listed as the Indians' probable starter for Game 2 of Friday's twin bill, matching up against Detroit's Buck Farmer. The 26-year-old right-hander carries a 3.86 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 12.0 K/9 rate over five appearances in August.

Hamels will make his next start Friday against the Angels, Gerry Fraley of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Hamels could have pitched Thursday's series finale against the Astros on normal rest, but he'll instead be bumped back a day in the schedule after getting lit up for six runs and lasting just 4.1 innings his last time out Aug. 26 against the Athletics. Nick Martinez will move up in the rotation to pick up the Thursday start.

Bridwell gave up seven runs on six hits while walking three and striking out two over three innings Wednesday. He did not factor into the decision in a comeback win over the Athletics.

Bridwell cruised through the first three frames before imploding for seven runs in the fourth inning. The 26-year-old has pitched relatively well this season (3.52 ERA), but his lack of strikeout stuff (5.6 K/9) and inability to keep the ball in yard (1.4 HR/9) leave the rookie hurler prone to the occasional rough outing. Bridwell will get a chance to redeem himself against the Athletics next Tuesday.