MLB Player News

McCullers pitched 4.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks in a no-decision against the Rangers on Saturday.

McCullers earned the win in his previous four starts, but Saturday's effort was one of his poorest performances of the season. It was the first time since April 15 that he failed to pitch at least five innings, and the first time since April 26 that he allowed more than two earned runs in a start. Despite the short outing, he still managed to collect eight strikeouts, bringing his season total to 81, fourth in the American League. He also ranks fourth in the AL in wins (six) and ERA (2.71). He'll look to bounce back when he faces the Royals on Thursday.

Hammel (2-6) allowed three runs on five hits while striking out seven over 6.2 innings to earn the win Saturday against the Indians.

Hammel gave up all three of his runs on a pair of homers in the second inning, but otherwise held the Indians offense in check to earn his second win of the year. Despite firing quality starts in two of his last three outings, his 5.93 ERA makes him a player to avoid in fantasy lineups. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Astros.

Carrasco (5-3) allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three over 4.1 innings to take the loss Saturday against the Royals.

Carrasco was cruising through four innings with a 3-0 lead, but he quickly fell apart in the fifth inning, leading to his third loss of the year. He's allowed at least four runs in three of his last four starts to raise his ERA from 1.86 to 3.36. He'll make his next start Saturday against the White Sox.

Asher will make another start Thursday against the Nationals, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.

Asher will stay in the rotation for at least another turn after his quality start victory over the Red Sox on Friday. He held Boston to three hits over 6.1 innings while fanning five batters and allowing zero walks. Despite his strong outing Friday, Asher has shown to be hittable in previous outings, as evidenced by his six-run drubbing at the hands of the Astros on May 28. He'll face a Nationals lineup that figures to be back to full strength with Bryce Harper nearing the end of his suspension.

Montgomery (3-4) allowed no runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five over six innings to earn the win Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Montgomery struggled a bit with control, but had little trouble silencing the Blue Jays bats while the offense gave him plenty of support, leading to his third win of the season. He's been on fire, as he's held opponents to one or fewer earned runs over each of his last three starts to lower his ERA from 4.81 to 3.67, and he should be placed in fantasy lineups while he continues to dominate hitters. He'll make his next start Friday against the Orioles.

Hamels will throw a bullpen session Sunday for the first time since injuring his oblique May 2, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Hamels resumed throwing in late May, and he is now ready to advance to the next step in his recovery. He could require more bullpen work and will almost certainly head out on a rehab assignment before rejoining the big club, but the Rangers should provide an official update on his status after observing him Sunday and Monday.

Bergman (3-2) gave up two earned runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings in Friday's 12-4 win over the Rays. He struck out six.

Bergman surrendered a pair of home runs to Colby Rasmus and Tim Beckham in the fourth, but was solid otherwise, posting his second consecutive quality start and third in his last four trips to the mound. The 29-year-old right-hander has been a pleasant surprise while helping prop up an injury-ravaged Mariners starting rotation, and he could potentially retain a spot even after Seattle's starters are at full health given the struggles of Yovani Gallardo. Bergman is slated to next take the mound Wednesday versus the Twins.

Rodriguez (knee) will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews on Monday, Evan Drellich of CSNNE.com reports.

He landed on the DL with knee discomfort on Friday after falling over in the bullpen while warming up for Thursday's start. Despite that fall, which triggered the knee injury, Rodriguez was allowed to start Thursday's game and proceeded to give up a career-high four home runs in 5.2 innings against the Orioles. He has a history of partially dislocated kneecaps, missing two months at the start of last season with a right knee subluxation, but the Red Sox are saying this injury is less serious. "In spring training [2016] when he went down, that was much more severe than what we saw (Thursday) night," manager John Farrell said. It remains possible that he will be able to return in a couple weeks after missing one or two turns in the rotation, but more should be known following his visit with Dr. Andrews.

Odorizzi (3-3) gave up eight runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks over 2.1 innings while striking out two in Friday's 12-4 loss to the Mariners.

A first-inning error by Brad Miller kept most of the damage off Odorizzi's ledger, but this was still far from a strong effort. The right-hander has now served up at least one homer in seven straight starts, leading a to a career-worst 1.9 HR/9, and his 3.53 ERA looks to be on shaky ground next to his 5.38 FIP and 4.49 xFIP. He's in a good spot to rebound in his next start, however, at home against a White Sox squad that ranks 29th in wOBA against right-handed pitchers (.291).

Ramirez (5-4) surrendered seven runs on eight hits -- including three home runs -- while striking out three over 4.1 innings in Friday's 11-5 loss to the Twins.

Homers are increasingly becoming an issue for Ramirez. After giving up only two in his first five starts following his move into the rotation, the right-hander has now served up eight in his last five starts. He's been able to limit the damage somewhat, posting a 4.50 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 17:3 K:BB in 32 innings over that stretch, but his initial success as a starter seems to be fading. He'll next take the mound Thursday in Detroit.