MLB Player News

Kluber has recently been dealing with a stiff neck, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Kluber is reportedly dealing with some neck issues, though you wouldn't know it by watching him pitch. The ace has been on a brilliant run of late but may have to have his upcoming start bumped back or skipped altogether if the discomfort in his neck fails to subside. Kluber will be considered day-to-day as the Indians head into their weekend series against the Blue Jays.

Meyer will be recalled to start Wednesday against the Nationals, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The 27-year-old will return for his 13th major-league start of the season, presumably pushing Ricky Nolasco back to Friday. Meyer can miss bats at a good clip with his mid-90s heat, but he's mostly struggled at the highest level over the past two seasons, with the free passes being his Achilles' heel (6.1 BB/9 this year).

Musgrove is the most logical candidate to be replaced in the starting rotation by the returning Collin McHugh (elbow), Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McHugh is expected to rejoin the Astros' rotation for this weekend's series against Baltimore with Friday's series opener representing a normal five-day routine. Friday is also the day that Musgrove is line to start. Given Musgrove's 6.12 ERA and a less-than stellar start Sunday against the Twins, he looks like the obvious starter to be removed from the rotation. It then becomes a matter of having Musgrove remain on a starting track at Triple-A Fresno or having him pitch out of Houston's bullpen.

Keuchel (neck) scattered two hits and a walk over three scoreless innings in a rehabilitation start for Double-A Corpus Christi on Monday.

Keuchel ran his pitch count up to 46 -- 30 for strikes -- in what was the first start of a rehab assignment that's expected to span two or three outings.

McCullers allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits while walking three and striking out five over 4.2 innings in Monday's no-decision against the Mariners.

McCullers failed to get through the fifth inning for the second consecutive outing, needing 95 pitches to record just 14 outs. While Houston's high-powered offense promptly erased a 5-2 deficit with four runs in the sixth inning, the Mariners ultimately prevailed by hitting four home runs against the bullpen. The 23-year-old righty will hope to have better control of his electric stuff Sunday in Baltimore.

Mejia allowed one run on five hits over 5.1 innings Monday against the Yankees. He struck out four without a walk in the no-decision.

Mejia cruised through the first 4.2 innings, but three of the next five hitters to face the lefty hit doubles, chasing him from the contest. While the Minnesota bullpen kept Mejia in line for the win by holding the Yankees off the board after his exit with a runner on third and one out in the sixth, New York erased that possibility by plating a run to tie the game 2-2 in the top of the seventh. There are plenty of positives to take from this outing, as Mejia stopped the bleeding after surrendering seven earned runs over his past two starts, and this was also his first walk-free outing. His next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Tigers.

Odorizzi (6-4) allowed one run on just one hit and two walks over seven innings in Monday's win over the Athletics. He struck out five and picked up his sixth victory of the season.

In what was his best performance of the season, Odorizzi's sole mistake came on a fourth-inning home run by Khris Davis. It was an encouraging bounce-back performance by the 27-year-old, who had given up seven runs over 4.1 innings against the Red Sox his last time out. The veteran hurler will look to replicate Monday's success when he faces the Rangers on Sunday.

Rodriguez allowed three runs on six hits and four walks while striking out eight batters over 5.1 innings during Monday's loss to Toronto. He didn't factor into the decision.

This was Rodriguez's first start since June 1 because of a stint on the disabled list with a knee injury. The lefty struggled early Monday, but he settled in and fared well, considering his lengthy absence. Boston has championship aspirations and projects to provide ample run support, so it's a solid fantasy setup, and Rodriguez now sports an impressive 3.66 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 9.9 K/9 for the year. He lines up to make his next start on the road against the the Angels.

Stroman allowed three runs -- all unearned -- on five hits and three walks while striking out five batters during Monday's win over Boston. He didn't factor into the decision.

There have been a few blips on the radar for Stroman this year, but he's now allowed three runs or fewer in eight of his past nine outings and sports a 3.10 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 7.4 K/9 for the campaign. Those are excellent numbers, and the 26-year-old righty should continue to be viewed as a solid fantasy option moving forward. Stroman projects to face Cleveland at Progressive Field in his next start.

Rodriguez (knee) was activated from the 10-day disabled list in advance of his start Monday against the Blue Jays.

Following a successful three-game rehab assignment split between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket, Rodriguez is ready to make his first start with the big club since June 1 after a knee injury sidelined him for a month and a half. The lefty worked up to 94 pitches in his last outing with Pawtucket on July 9, so he shouldn't face any restrictions in his return to the Red Sox. Rodriguez is in line to make his second start of the week Sunday against the Angels.