MLB Player News

Verlander allowed two runs on three hits, struck out nine and walked none over seven innings in a no-decision against the White Sox on Wednesday.

The right-hander made two mistakes that cost him the victory. Jose Abreu and former Tigers catcher Alex Avila both hit solo homers against Verlander. Fortunately, Detroit's offense rallied late, so Verlander avoided the loss. Home runs have been a problem lately, as he's yielded six of them in his last 27.2 frames, but he's also struck out 28 batters during that time. Verlander's next start will be against the same White Sox next Tuesday.

Sale allowed two runs on eight hits, struck out six and walked four over eight innings but took a no-decision in a loss to the Tigers on Wednesday.

Detroit tied the game at two against Sale in the eighth and then won it in walk-off fashion versus David Robertson in the ninth. Sale threw 72 of his 111 pitches for strikes and induced 14 swing-and-misses. This was the third straight start where he threw at least eight frames, but he won just one of those outings. He is 15-7 with a 3.10 ERA, 1.02 WHIP ad 185 strikeouts in 185.2 innings. Sale will face Detroit against Monday at home.

Keuchel will not start Friday as scheduled, but he is still expected to start a game this weekend, Julia Morales of ROOT Sports reports.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Keuchel is dealing with fatigue, so he will give him an extra day or two to rest up prior to his next start. Doug Fister will now take the ball Friday, and Keuchel is expected to pitch either Saturday or Sunday.

Paxton, who tore the nail on the middle finger of his pitching hand Tuesday, will have a fake nail put on to, hopefully, cement the torn nail in place so he can make his next start, the Seattle Times reports.

After he gets the fake nail, he won't know about his next start until he sees how it responds after a bullpen session. Paxton, who tore the same nail late last season, had trouble gripping cutters and changeups Tuesday. He was reduced to throwing only fastballs and curveballs for the final three innings of his start.

Hamels was rocked over 4.1 innings in Tuesday's no-decision versus the Mariners. He allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out four.

Tuesday's poor performance ended a streak of eight straight starts in which the southpaw allowed no more than three runs. Hamels ERA ballooned from 2.67 to 2.91 in his shortest outing since July 8. Overall, the 32-year-old has been great since the All-Star break, improving his ERA (2.36), BAA (.224) and strikeout rate (9.1 K/9) compared to his first-half marks. Hamels will get another crack at the Mariners when he takes the hill for his next start Tuesday.

Odorizzi threw six innings of three run ball on five hits and two walks Tuesday, striking out seven but earning a no-decision as the Rays rallied with a pair of homers late to win the game 4-3.

Odorizzi was pitching a one-hit shutout until the fifth inning, when Hanley Ramirez laced a home run down the right field line. Odorizzi has been very strong in the second half so far, going 5-0 with a 2.09 ERA over his last seven starts. Tuesday's outing was quite solid considering the Red Sox have scored the most runs in the AL this season, leading the second place Blue Jays by 68. Odorizzi will next face the Orioles at home on Monday.

Cobb (elbow) was activated from the 60-day DL on Monday and is set to start Friday against the Blue Jays.

The Rays went ahead and activated Cobb prior to roster expansion, designating Steve Geltz as a corresponding move. He will start Friday against a potent Blue Jays lineup in his first big league start in almost two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery. For what it's worth, Cobb has been hit hard in his rehab starts, but his big league track record still makes him worth rostering in mid-sized formats over the rest of the season.

Paxton tore the fingernail on the middle finger of his throwing hand in his last start, but hopes to still make his next scheduled start Monday against the Rangers, the Seattle Times' Ryan Divish reports.

He tore the same fingernail last year, although this time it is not believed to be as severe. Paxton tore the fingernail in the third inning of his last start, and while he stayed in to pitch two more innings, he was limited to only fastballs and curveballs as he lacked the feel to throw his changeup. Continue to monitor the situation, as Paxton's ability to throw later this week could determine his status for Monday's start.

Severino was scratched from his scheduled start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday but not due to injury, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Severino ended up coming on in relief, firing a pair of scoreless innings with four strikeouts, thus doing away with any lingering doubt as to his health. It seems the Yankees simply wanted to be sure Severino is well rested and available when he returns to the major leagues later this week. His September role is still TBD but Severino may work primarily out of the bullpen with the potential for a few spot starts.

Albers lasted just two innings in Tuesday's no-decision versus the Indians. He allowed four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two.

Albers first start since 2013, and the 11th of his career, was a disaster. He was given a 4-1 lead, but surrendered three in the bottom of the second while looking nothing like a major league talent. The left-handed Albers managed a solid 3.69 ERA with a shaky 1.45 WHIP in 21 starts for Triple-A Rochester this season, earning him a crack in the Twins muddled rotation. His performance Tuesday may have ruined the opportunity to become a mainstay for the season's final month, but with nothing to play for, the team will likely afford him a chance to rebound Sunday versus the White Sox.