MLB Player News

Clevinger will start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

It's been expected for over a week that Clevinger would get to start one installment of Saturday's scheduled doubleheader, and pitching coach Mickey Callaway has now confirmed it. Clevinger had an effective three-start stretch in May in which he went 18.2 innings with 21 strikeouts and a 3.38 ERA before being derailed by a tough outing at Coors Field. He'll get another chance to make an impression Saturday, but it's unclear how long he'll stick with the big-league club.

Keuchel (neck) is expected to throw sometime in the next couple days, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

This is consistent with prior reports, as it seems like the Astros' ace just needed some time off to let his neck heal properly. It's unclear how long Keuchel will need to rehab before rejoining the rotation, although more information should come forth once he's able to ramp up his throwing over the weekend. If he improves quickly enough, he could get back into action in time for his scheduled start Wednesday against the Athletics.

Asher will settle back into a role out of the Baltimore bullpen, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.

After another rough outing in Tuesday's loss to the White Sox, Asher officially lost his spot in the rotation for the time being. He was shelled for six earned runs over 5.0 innings, marking his third outing out of the last four with at least five earned runs allowed. Asher has actually posted strong numbers when used as a reliever this season with a 1.62 ERA along with a 1.20 WHIP across 16.2 innings.

Nuno was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The left-hander spent the past month in the minors, accruing a 3.86 ERA and an 11.6 K/9 in 14 innings out of the Tides' bullpen. Nuno will likely offer middle relief help in Baltimore, although his previous struggles in the big leagues certainly don't make him an attractive fantasy option despite his nice strikeout totals.

Montgomery allowed four runs over 5.2 innings Thursday against the A's. He struck out five, walked one and gave up two home runs.

It was the most runs Montgomery had given up since May 18, and his no-decision snapped a two-start win streak for him. The rookie allowed multiple home runs in one game for the first time in his career. Over his last three starts (18.2 innings), the left-hander has allowed six runs with 18 strikeouts and six walks.

Gray did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Yankees after allowing three runs on eight hits over 5.1 innings. He struck out six batters and walked three.

Gray came two outs away from completing his third consecutive quality start, but he could not complete the sixth inning. He has allowed eight earned runs in his last three starts, while striking out 22 batters.

Nolasco (2-8) took the loss Thursday after giving up five runs on 10 hits over six innings against the Royals, striking out four and walking two.

Home runs surrendered to Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon sank Nolasco and the Angels. The right-hander was outdueled by Matt Strahm, who was making his fist major-league start. Nolasco has now lost six consecutive starts and has given up 22 earned runs over 33.1 innings in that span.

Verlander allowed two runs on six hits and five walks while striking out six batters through seven innings during Thursday's win against Tampa Bay. He didn't factor into the decision.

Verlander has been excellent at home this season and has held opponents to just nine earned runs through 37 innings. However, his road struggles (7.22 ERA) have been a major blemish on his overall results. Verlander projects to make his next start against the Mariners at Safeco Park, and it might be wise to consider the options of benching him if the luxury exists.

Cobb allowed three runs -- just two earned -- on eight hits and two walks while striking out three batters during Thursday's loss to Detroit. He didn't factor into the decision.

While limiting Detroit to two earned runs stands out, Cobb's underwhelming strikeout totals continue to limit his fantasy upside. In fact, with a 5-5 record, 4.17 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 6.3 K/9, the 29-year-old righty is barely moving the fantasy needle in any category. It isn't out of the question to just utilize Cobb against favorable opponents going forward. He projects to face the Reds at home in his next start.

Sale (8-3) allowed a single run on four hits and a walk while striking out 10 batters during Thursday's loss to Philadelphia.

Surprisingly, Sale was outdone by rookie Nick Pivetta on Thursday, as the rookie Phillie shut out the Red Sox. Sale's 10 punchouts ease the blow of missing out on the victory, and the lefty now sports an elite 2.82 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 12.4 K/9. He projects to make his next start at Kauffman Stadium against the Royals.