MLB Player News

Smyly (elbow) was scratched from his scheduled simulated game after experiencing an apparent setback Tuesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The specifics of Smyly's setback have not been revealed, but the Mariners are saying that there currently is no timetable set for his return to the mound. This is a tough blow for Smyly, as he was progressing well in his rehab from a preseason elbow strain.

Smyly (elbow) has been scratched from his scheduled simulated game Wednesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

It was set to be Smyly's second such session in the past week, but he's being held out for an undisclosed reason. The veteran starter had been steadily progressing in his recovery after being diagnosed with an elbow strain in spring training, but a setback could delay his return indefinitely.

Bundy will make his next start during this weekend's series against the Rays, but the exact day has yet to be decided, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Bundy said the upcoming start "depends on how things fall into place," a likely reference to Chris Tillman's upcoming paternity leave. The Orioles have been attempting to lighten Bundy's workload by mixing up the rotation, as the right-hander has already racked up 27.1 innings through five starts this month and 99 on the season. All estimates point to Bundy starting Saturday's matchup, but the team will make a firm decision later in the week.

Perez (thumb) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday and is being considered as a candidate to start July 3 against the Red Sox, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

This runs contrary to the last report on Perez, in which manager Jeff Banister acknowledged that his injured lefty would not be ready to come off the DL when first eligible. It sounds like the Rangers are holding out hope that Perez's bullpen goes well enough that they can start to plan on him returning for the start of next week's series against Boston. The situation seems quite fluid. If Perez is not ready, Yu Darvish would line up to start Monday. If Perez is able to return Monday, Darvish would start next Tuesday.

Manager Jeff Banister acknowledged Monday that Perez (thumb) won't come off the 10-day disabled list when eligible July 3, the Associated Press reports.

Perez was moved to the DL after fracturing his (non-pitching) right thumb in his start Friday against the Blue Jays. Although Perez's injury isn't considered significant, he'll still need to wait a little bit for the soreness in his thumb to subside enough to wear a glove comfortably. Fortunately for the Rangers, they should be able to manage without Perez for a brief period, as Cole Hamels (oblique) was activated from the 60-day DL ahead of his start Monday and Andrew Cashner (oblique) likely isn't far behind.

Montgomery (6-4) allowed just a single run on five hits and a walk while striking out eight batters through seven innings during Monday's win over the White Sox.

Montgomery continues to provide serviceable fantasy numbers, as he owns a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 8.7 K/9 for the season. Additionally, with a high-powered offense providing run support, he should remain a solid source of wins. The rookie lefty projects to face the Astros at Minute Maid Park in his next start, and it isn't out of the question to fade Montgomery in that daunting matchup.

Nolasco left Monday's game against the Dodgers after 6.1 scoreless innings due to taking two line drives off the leg, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Nolasco was utterly dealing and was in line for the win, but he did leave a pair of runners on base in the bottom of the seventh. It didn't seem as though either of the line drives were hit hard enough or in a sensitive enough location to injure Nolasco severely, and he looked fine as he walked off the field. This was likely a precautionary measure, and it's an unfortunate ending to one of his best starts this season. Consider Nolasco day-to-day until the club can evaluate him.

Carrasco allowed eight runs on six hits and three walks while striking out seven batters through just 3.1 innings during Monday's win over Texas. He didn't factor into the decision.

This marks just the fourth time in 15 starts that Carrasco has surrendered more than three runs in a game, and Texas boasts a dangerous lineup, so it's probably best not to overreact to Monday's showing. Even following the disastrous outing, Carrasco sports a rock-solid 3.67 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 9.5 K/9. He'll look to rebound in his next start against Detroit at Comerica Park.

Hamels (oblique) allowed seven runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out just a single batter through 4.1 innings during Monday's loss to Cleveland. He didn't factor into the decision.

Hamels came off the DL for this start with a respectable 3.03 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, and considering Cleveland's potent and deep lineup, it was a daunting matchup to the mound for the lefty. He last pitched April 26, after all. However, with a a 5.30 FIP and 3.9 K/9, there are still a lot of concerns surrounding the veteran lefty, so it isn't out of the question to be selective with his opponents going forward. A road date with the White Sox is up next for Hamels.

Sale (10-3) allowed just a single run on four hits and two walks while striking out nine batters through 6.1 innings during Monday's win over the Twins.

The lefty is posting another high-end fantasy campaign with a 2.77 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 12.3 K/9. He's a rare matchup-proof option and is building a strong Cy Young case. Sale projects to make his next start at Rogers Centre against the Blue Jays.