MLB Player News

Rucinski was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Monday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Rucinski was added to the big club ahead of Monday's contest against the Astros to offer an extra bullpen arm after the Twins played 15 innings Sunday. The 28-year-old has already seen some time in the Twin Cities this season, compiling a 5.40 ERA and 5:1 K:BB across 3.1 innings. He owns a more impressive 2.95 ERA and 21:3 K:BB through 18.1 innings with Rochester.

McCullers (6-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out eight over six innings in Sunday's 8-4 win over the Orioles.

McCullers settled down nicely after allowing all three of his runs in his first two innings. The impressive right-hander snapped his streak of 22 scoreless innings by giving up a two-run dinger to Jonathan Schoop in the first inning, but McCullers was able to win his fourth straight in the end. The 23-year-old allowed five runs twice in April but hasn't allowed more than two runs in any of his six May starts and posted four straight scoreless outings before this one. There aren't many hurlers throwing better than McCullers this season, and with his 10.1 K/9, he boasts one of the highest ceilings of any starting pitcher.

Ashler (1-3) allowed six runs on six hits (one home run) while walking one and striking out one over just two innings in Sunday's 8-4 loss to the Astros.

It wasn't a good first start as he takes Ubaldo Jimenez's rotation spot. Asher had allowed four runs combined in his previous two starts this year, and his ERA rose to 3.77 in the 54-pitch effort. The right-hander may not be long for the rotation himself with just 23 strikeouts in 31 innings so far this season. Because he's been pitching in relief, Asher provides little upside with his inability to go deep into games, too.

Cobb allowed one run on six hits while walking three and striking out six over five innings for a no-decision in Sunday's 8-6 win over the Twins in 15 frames.

It was nice to see from Cobb after he had allowed at least three runs in each of his last three outings. The 102-pitch effort lowered the right-hander's ERA to 3.67 on the year. His 6.4 K/9 isn't all that impressive, and his 12.3 percent HR/FB has hurt his overall numbers. However, his 48.4 percent groundball rate should serve him well in the long run. Cobb should be started against the struggling Mariners in his next outing.

Gibson gave up three runs (two earned) with five hits, four walks and four strikeouts over 5.1 innings in a no-decision in Sunday's extra-inning loss.

It wasn't a great outing as Gibson continues to struggle with his control. He's given up 14 walks in his last 19.1 innings. However, it was likely a decent enough outing to keep him in the rotation for another start.

Bergman (2-2) allowed four hits while walking two and striking out two over seven shutout innings in Sunday's 5-0 win over the Red Sox.

It was quite the contrast to his last outing, when he surrendered 10 runs on a whopping 14 hits over just four innings to the Nationals. Bergman managed to lower his ERA to a respectable 4.67 with the 83-pitch effort, and it came against a strong opponent. The 24-year-old still only has a 4.7 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 in 27 innings and isn't long for the rotation when Seattle's regular starters are healthy. Consider him a risky streaming option in AL-only leagues.

The Astros won't allow Morton (lat) to throw for at least one week, Hunter Atkins of the Houston Chronicle reports.

This essentially ensures that Morton, who was moved to the 10-day disabled list Sunday with a right lat strain, won't be activated from the disabled list when first eligible June 4. He first experienced the issue while playing catch Saturday and will have his activity limited over the next seven days before being re-evaluated by the Astros. With Morton hitting the DL, Mike Fiers will reclaim a spot in the rotation after Brad Peacock had previously displaced him.

Ramirez (5-3) held the Marlins to one run (zero earned) on seven hits over seven innings Saturday. He walked one and struck out three in a 5-2 win.

The 28-year-old has settled in nicely as a starter, posting a 3.20 ERA in nine starts. The former reliever isn't striking out a ton of batters (6.9 K/9), but he has exhibited enough control (2.1 BB/9) to enter the conversation as a reliable starter in almost any format. Ramirez will take on the Twins next Thursday in what should be a favorable matchup.

Manager Terry Francona relayed that Kluber (back) would start Thursday's game against the Athletics, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Kluber looked sharp in his rehab outing Friday for Double-A Akron, tossing five scoreless innings while giving up one hit and issuing no walks. The outing evidently convinced the organization that Kluber would be ready to make his next turn in the big leagues, so he'll be called upon to rejoin the rotation for the final game of the Tribe's homestand. The struggling Danny Salazar will temporarily move to the bullpen this week with Kluber returning, but over the long haul, either Mike Clevinger or Josh Tomlin would seem most at risk of losing his respective starting role.

Miley (1-3) allowed four runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out just two batters through five innings during Saturday's loss to Houston.

With Houston sporting the best record in the majors, this was a daunting start for Miley, and it was also just the third time all season that he's allowed more than two runs in an outing. He sports an impressive 3.02 ERA and 8.6 K/9, but his 1.51 WHIP and 4.78 FIP suggest there are likely rougher times ahead. Miley lines up for another tall task against Boston in his next start.