MLB Player News

Kluber (15-9) allowed four runs on four hits over seven innings in a losing effort against the Astros Tuesday. He struck out nine and walked three.

Aside from Kluber's second inning, in which he issued two walks followed by a three-run homer to first baseman Marwin Gonzalez, this was a respectable showing largely in line with his strong August. He struck out nine and retired the final 10 batters he faced before exiting the game in the seventh. It marked the first time the Cleveland ace has allowed more than four runs in a start since July 3. His next start comes against Minnesota on September 11.

Alvarez (shoulder) has been shut down and will be sent to Dr. James Andrews for further evaluation, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Alvarez has battled persistent issues with his shoulder all season, and things seemed to be taking a turn in the right direction when he was sent out on a rehab assignment in late August. However, it appears his shoulder is not responding as hoped, and he will take another trip to visit Dr. Andrews to see where he stands. He could be forced under the knife again if the results are not promising.

Albers will move to the bullpen, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

He was able to post a 3.69 ERA at Triple-A Rochester despite a 1.45 WHIP, but Albers hasn't been so lucky at the major league level this season and he's not a big part of the Twins' future plans. Albers owns a 4.52 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 4.6 K/9 in 77.2 career innings in the big leagues.

Berrios will start Sunday against the Indians, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

His struggles against big-league hitting continued Monday, with the Royals knocking Berrios around for five runs on nine hits in five innings. Considered a top pitching prospect in baseball coming into 2016, Berrios' star had dimmed considerably over the past few months, but it sounds like the Twins will allow Berrios to keep taking his lumps as they continue evaluating for 2017.

Boyd was officially recalled ahead of Tuesday's start against the White Sox in Chicago.

He was optioned down just a week ago but Boyd was eligible to return to the big club with Triple-A Toledo's season ending Monday. Boyd has turned in respectable numbers in 16 appearances (14 starts) with Detroit this season but he's had issues with the long ball, especially on the road (5.20 ERA).

Hamels (14-5) lasted just 1.2 innings and served up seven runs on seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts in a loss Monday to Seattle.

The Mariners have had Hamels' number over the past week, tagging him for 13 runs over 6 combined innings in two straight starts. Hamels's ERA has jumped from 2.67 to 3.25 thanks to those two stinkers, and while they shouldn't be enough to worry anybody about his ability to finish strong this September, it might wind up costing Hamels a chance at the American League Cy Young award. He jumped from third in the American League in ERA to eighth as a result of Monday's start alone.

Sale allowed two runs on six hits and struck out eight over eight innings but took a no-decision Monday against the Tigers.

Sale was stellar other than a pair of solo home runs from Miguel Cabrera, a forgivable offense for even the best pitchers on their best days. Sale has now thrown four consecutive quality starts with an amazing 36:7 K:BB, 1.91 ERA and 0.88 WHIP over 33 innings. Look for him to continue to bring the fire down the stretch.

Verlander allowed two runs on eight hits and a walk with 11 strikeouts over seven innings in a no-decision Monday against the White Sox.

Verlander tied a season high in strikeouts set July 30 against the Astros and reached 10 strikeouts for the sixth time this season. He has been on absolute fire in the second half, with a 2.09 ERA and 89 strikeouts against just 14 walks over 11 consecutive quality starts dating back to July 15. He's starting to look an awful lot like the old Verlander, as he was touching the high 90s on the radar gun deep into this one as he mowed down the White Sox lineup.

Clevinger (2-2) allowed a run on two hits and two walks with three strikeouts over just 1.2 innings in a spot start Monday against the Astros.

Expect Clevinger to move back into the bullpen, as this spot start was only necessary thanks to Terry Francona's decision to skip Josh Tomlin in the rotation. Clevinger has been pitching out of the bullpen since August 15 and was held to just 43 pitches as a result.

Berrios (2-5) lasted five innings against the Royals on Monday, allowing five runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out six and taking the loss.

Berrios' struggles at the major league level continued Monday, as actually lowered his ERA to 9.21 in his 10th major league start. While he improved a lack of command that did him in his last start where he walked five, it was a barrage of hits that did plagued Berrios on Monday. Berrios has long been lauded as a top prospect with his electric stuff, and has been quite effective in Triple-A this season, holding a 2.51 ERA over 17 starts for Triple-A Rochester. He'll try and right the ship in his next start against the Indians on Sunday.