MLB Player News

Hammel allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out seven batters through five innings during Thursday's loss to St. Louis. He didn't factor into the decision.

The veteran had allowed three runs or fewer in 11 of his past 12 starts and posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.15 WHIP during that stretch, so it was more of the same from Hammel on Thursday. His 7.1 K/9 for the campaign isn't a standout mark, but in the majority of fantasy settings, Hammel is providing serviceable numbers. He lines up to face the Athletics at Oakland Coliseum in his next start.

Odorizzi (foot) said he felt "really good" Thursday and doesn't expect to miss his next turn in the rotation, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This is encouraging news, as it initially looked like Odorizzi might be sidelined for a good chunk of time after taking a liner off his ankle Wednesday night. He's scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday to test out his ankle, and barring any setbacks, it looks like he should be ready to make his next scheduled start against the Blue Jays on Monday.

Clevinger is listed as the probable starter for Saturday's game against the Rays.

Following a brief demotion to the bullpen, Clevinger is set to return to a starting role opposite Rays ace Chris Archer. Clevinger struggled in a relief appearance last Sunday, giving up three runs on two hits (including a homer) and a walk in one inning of work, bringing his second-half ERA to 8.16 over 14.1 innings. He's issued nine walks and served up three homers since the break, and those issues dim the appeal of Clevinger's strikeout upside.

Verlander (8-7) was masterful in Wednesday's win over the Pirates, allowing just one hit while walking three and striking out six over eight shutout innings.

Verlander had a no-hitter going until there were two outs in the sixth, but a Josh Bell double ended his bid. Manager Brad Ausmus elected not to give Verlander a chance at the complete game shutout, pulling him after eight innings and 113 pitches with the team up 10-0. Still, the 34-year-old righty seems to have found the fountain of youth judging by his last three starts. Over that stretch, Verlander's 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA and 22:6 K:BB in 21 innings. He'll need to be at the top of his game once again to find success in his next start Monday in Texas.

Odorizzi was removed from Wednesday's game against the Red Sox due to a right foot contusion, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Odorizzi looked to be in serious pain and was unable to put weight on his foot after getting pegged by a liner from Eduardo Nunez, but initial X-rays seem to indicate he avoided a more serious injury. The Rays are currently listing him as day-to-day, but he'll be reevaluated Thursday, at which point there should be a better idea for how long he may be sidelined.

Odorizzi was removed from Wednesday's game in the fifth inning after taking a comebacker off his right foot, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

While the severity of the injury is unclear at this point, it didn't look good for the 27-year-old; he went down in a heap and was unable to put weight on his foot while being helped off the field by a trainer. This is an extremely tough break for Odorizzi, who was just activated from the DL in order to start Wednesday's contest. More should be known about his status following the conclusion of the game.

Gausman (8-8) allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six Angels over 5.1 innings in Wednesday's loss.

The right-hander's streak of four straight quality starts came to an end Wednesday in Los Angeles. He danced around trouble most of the afternoon, inducing an impressive 20 swinging strikes, but a sixth-inning, two-run homer by C.J. Cron spelled the end for Gausman. The 26-year-old will look to get back on track in his next start Monday in Seattle.

An MRI on Mejia's left biceps showed no structural damage, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Manager Paul Molitor said it was simply a "wear and tear" issue, and the hope is that Mejia will be back after a brief stay on the disabled list. His temporary replacement in the rotation has yet to be named, but Dillon Gee appears to be a likely candidate.

Perez (6-10) allowed a single run on three hits while striking out five batters through eight innings during Wednesday's win over the Mets.

This was easily Perez's best outing of the season, and it was especially encouraging after he allowed 15 runs through just nine innings over his previous two starts. However, with a 5.18 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 5.8 K/9 for the campaign, Perez still shouldn't be viewed as anything other than a low-end asset in all fantasy formats. He projects to make his next start at home against the Tigers.

Manning gave up four earned runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three over 1.2 innings in his debut for Low-A West Michigan.

He posted a 1.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 36:14 K:BB in 33.1 innings with short-season Connecticut, so his season on the whole has been a success. His primary flaw against hitters in the New York-Penn League was issuing too many free passes, and he was at it again in his Low-A debut. Manning has overpowering stuff when he's on, but improved fastball command and overall control of his pitches will be crucial if he is to reach his ceiling.