MLB Player News

Boyd (2-2) gave up three runs on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts over 7.2 innings in Wednesday's loss to Cleveland.

He pitched well, shutting the Indians down outside of a three-run rally in the fourth inning, but Carlos Carrasco was just a bit better on the other end. Boyd has put a lot of runners on base this year, and that 23:16 K:BB is far from inspiring, yet he owns a decent 3.78 ERA. That seems destined to rise as his luck balances out, so Boyd should be started with great caution in fantasy.

Carrasco (3-2) pitched six strong innings in Detroit on Wednesday, striking out five while allowing two runs on five hits and a walk in a 3-2 win.

It says something about just how good Carrasco's been that this was one of his worst starts so far in 2017. That said, the 30-year-old righty has experienced some terrific luck -- including a .214 BABIP and 89.3 percent strand rate -- so expect that 2.18 ERA to regress into the threes. Of course, that still leaves him with plenty of fantasy value.

Manager John Gibbons confirmed that Stroman was removed from Wednesday's game early with tightness in his arm, Gregor Chisolm of MLB.com reports.

Stroman allowed five runs through three innings before being removed after tossing just 66 pitches. The 26-year-old called it "general arm tightness" and indicated that he would be ready to make his next start against the Indians on Tuesday, though we'll wait to see what the tests Thursday say about his status.

Stroman was lifted prematurely from Wednesday's matchup against the Yankees after reportedly feeling discomfort in his armpit, Marly Rivera of ESPN reports.

Something was clearly up with Stroman, who was removed after just 66 pitches after the Yankees knocked him around for five runs in three innings. Not much is known about Stroman's status at this point, so expect an update once the Blue Jays provide more information.

Gausman was ejected during the second inning of Wednesday's game against Boston after hitting Xander Bogaerts with a pitch.

Tensions have been running high between the two division rivals for a couple of weeks. Red Sox ace Chris Sale threw a 97 mph fastball behind Manny Machado in Tuesday night's game, and apparently Wednesday's home plate umpire, Sam Holbrook, thought Gausman was retaliating. However, Holbrook may have jumped the gun with his decision to toss the O's starter considering Gausman struck Bogaerts with a 77 mph breaking ball that hung inside. Manager Buck Showalter and catcher Caleb Joseph were livid with the umpire following the ejection, and Gausman walked off in in disbelief. As of now, the right-hander isn't slated to take the hill again until Monday against Washington.

Meyer will start Thursday against the Mariners, Pedro Moura of The Los Angeles Times reports.

The official roster move promoting Meyer from Triple-A Salt Lake has not been announced yet, but it's a definite that Meyer will take Tyler Skaggs' (oblique) spot in the rotation. In one start with Los Angeles this season, Meyer needed 75 pitches to get through 3.2 innings, and he gave up two runs on two hits and four walks. With Salt Lake, the 27-year-old has not necessarily seen success (6.16 ERA in four starts), but the Angels like his long-term outlook.

Clevinger will likely be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start Sunday's game in Kansas City, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Zack Meisel reports.

With Corey Kluber heading to the 10-day DL due to a balky back, Clevinger seems like the most logical candidate to take his rotation spot for the time being. Clevinger started Tuesday's game for Columbus, so he lines up perfectly with Kluber, who also started Tuesday before the back issues forced him out. Clevinger has a 1.50 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB in 30 innings for the Clippers. While his MLB numbers are subpar (5.26 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 50:29 K:BB in 53 innings), Clevinger was a legitimate prospect prior to his debut last season, and could be a serviceable option in deeper leagues for as long as Kluber is out.

Hamels was placed on the 10-day DL Wednesday with a right oblique strain and is expected to miss about eight weeks, the Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant reports.

He suffered the injury while warming up for his start on Tuesday before eventually being scratched. This is a huge blow to the Rangers and Hamels' fantasy owners, as it was thought he might only need a couple weeks off before returning to the rotation, but might now be out until the All-Star break. Nick Martinez is expected to remain in the rotation for the time being, as Tyson Ross (shoulder) has yet to go on a rehab assignment.

Kluber (back) was placed on the 10-day DL on Wednesday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports.

He has been battling a stiff lower back and was placed on the DL, as expected. The soonest he could return to the rotation would be May 13 against the Twins. Reliever Joe Colon was recalled in a corresponding move, but Mike Clevinger, who pitched Tuesday (the same night as Kluber) for Triple-A Columbus, is the most logical choice to step into the rotation for Sunday's start.

Hammel is expected to be more aggressive and attack the zone in his next start Friday against the Indians, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The team's $16 million offseason addition is 0-3 with a 6.65 ERA through five starts. Royals manager Ned Yost said he believes Hammel's "stuff is good," but that the right-hander has yet to consistently command his pitches. The skipper also noted that Hammel likes to work around the edge of the plate too much, leading him to fall behind in counts. After dealing with elbow tightness last September with the Cubs, the 34-year-old cannot blame his poor performance on health issues. "He's fine," Yost said. "His velocity is good. Changeup is good. Slider is good. He's just too fine with his location."