MLB Player News

McCullers (back) allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two over five innings during a rehabilitation start for Double-A Corpus Christi on Wednesday.

McCullers worked his pitch count up to 60 in what was his second rehab start, which was much better than his initial rehab outing when he walked five and lasted just three innings last Friday for Triple-A Fresno. Astros manager A.J. Hinch is hoping Wednesday's start will be McCullers' final one while out on rehab, but with only 60 pitches, we have to question whether he's ready to jump back into the Houston rotation and give the Astros any length.

Berrios threw seven scoreless innings and tied his career high with 11 strikeouts to improve to 12-6 in Wednesday's win over the White Sox. He allowed just four hits, a walk and a hit batsman.

Berrios bounced back impressively from his last start, a road loss to these same White Sox in a game that saw him give up five runs (three earned). He'd been scuffling a bit in general before this game, having turned in a a 6.10 ERA over a four-start span, but Berrios has been a far better pitcher at home this season -- he's now 8-1 with a 2.54 ERA at Target Field after once again taking advantage of starting in friendly territory.

Odorizzi (7-7) gave up three runs on four hits and three walks over five innings Wednesday, but that was enough for a win against the Royals. He struck out three.

Considering the recent struggles of the Royals' offense -- which was shut out for four consecutive games before scoring six runs against the Rays on Tuesday -- this has to be considered a disappointing outing for Odorizzi, who threw 84 pitches and didn't even record a quality start despite coming away victorious. On the bright side, all of Kansas City's runs came on one swing: a three-run homer by Whit Merrifield in the third inning. Times have been tough for Odorizzi lately, as he didn't even finish the fourth inning in either of his two prior starts. In fact, his last 10 outings have seen the righty give up 34 runs in 48 innings -- that's a 6.38 ERA and less than five innings per start, which isn't exactly the stuff of fantasy championships.

Keuchel (11-3) suffered a loss to the Rangers on Wednesday after allowing six runs on five hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out seven.

Keuchel was 9-0 with a 1.67 ERA and a 69:18 K:BB when he hit the DL back in early June; over seven starts since returning, he's gone 2-3 with a 5.35 ERA and a 28:17 K:BB over 38.2 innings. If you're looking for a silver lining, perhaps Wednesday's strikeouts and the fact that all the runs against him came in one inning (the fourth) will be of some comfort. Also promising is that his next start is slated to come Sunday against the Mets, who don't have much of an offense left to speak of these days. Better yet, Keuchel will get to make that home start back in Houston; Wednesday's "home" game was played at the Rays' stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla., thanks to the flooding in Texas from Hurricane Harvey.

Montgomery was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following Wednesday's doubleheader with the Indians.

Montgomery, who was tagged for four runs over four innings of work in Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader, will head back to the minors after serving as the 26th man. The 24-year-old should be back with the Yankees in the near future to serve as a long reliever out of the bullpen down the stretch. He would also be the top option for a spot start should the Yankees need a sixth starter at any point in September.

Montgomery (7-7) took the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against Cleveland, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks over four innings while striking out five.

The lefty needed 92 pitches (58 strikes) to record just 12 outs as his second-half struggles continue. Montgomery now has a 5.35 ERA in 38.2 innings since the All-Star break, but he will likely move to the bullpen in September barring another injury to one of the Yankees' veteran hurlers.

Verlander said he felt some fatigue in his trapezius muscle during Wednesday's win over the Rockies, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports. When asked if he was concerned about the issue, Verlander said, no.

Verlander believes the issue cropped up while he was hitting, but he didn't seem worried about the soreness, saying "I'll take it for an RBI." The issue didn't seem to hinder his effectiveness, as he limited the Rockies to one run on three hits through six innings while striking out nine. Unless something goes wrong this week, it appears Verlander is in line to make his next scheduled start Monday against the Royals.

Verlander (10-8) picked up the win against the Rockies on Wednesday, allowing only one run on three hits and a walk over six innings while striking out nine.

Charlie Blackmon's solo homer in the sixth inning was the only blemish on a dominant performance by Verlander, made more impressive by the fact that it came at Coors Field. The veteran righty even added his first career RBI on a single in the second inning to kick off the scoring for the Tigers. Trade rumors are swirling once again around Verlander, and it's no wonder considering he's fired quality starts in seven of his last eight outings, posting a 2.41 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 64:12 K:BB in 56 innings over that stretch. If the 34-year-old is still in a Detroit uniform, his next start will come Monday at home against the Royals.

The Astros hope McCullers' (back) rehab start Wednesday will be his last before he is activated, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

If it is indeed his final rehab start, he would presumably return to the rotation Monday or Tuesday in Seattle. He gave up three runs on three hits and five walks in three innings in his last rehab start, throwing 33 of his 59 pitches for strikes. Upping his pitch count and walking fewer batters in his second rehab start will be two key factors to check on to see if McCullers is trending toward joining the rotation early next week.

Montgomery was officially recalled as the 26th man prior to starting Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Indians.

Since he is serving as the 26th man, he may be briefly sent down after the game, but should be back up shortly after to serve as a long reliever out of the bullpen. If the Yankees have a need of a sixth starter at any point in September, however, Montgomery would likely be the top choice. He will face Ryan Merritt in this spot start.