MLB Player News

Boyd (1-2) delivered easily his best start of the season Monday, shutting out the Twins over six innings. He allowed three hits, walked one and struck out seven in the win.

Boyd's seven strikeouts matched a season high. The 25-year-old has allowed just one run in 11 innings of work this month, striking out 13 compared to three walks. Boyd will try to keep this strong run going when he takes the mound against the White Sox on Saturday.

Nolasco (4-8) was a tough-luck loser Monday, allowing just one run over six innings against the Tigers. He allowed three hits, walked three and failed to strike out a batter.

Nolasco's three walks and zero strikeouts aren't promising, but this represented his best start since April 21 in terms of runs. The veteran righty has not had a particularly strong season, posting a 5.02 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. His next start will come Saturday in Boston.

Walker (foot) is expected to throw a bullpen session late this week with the Mariners in Toronto before going on a rehab assignment, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Walker has been considering surgery to eliminate his recurring foot problems, but such a procedure would end his season. If he can get through this rehab assignment without too much pain, he could be back with the Mariners as soon as the first week of August.

Odorizzi (4-5) allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings Sunday, striking out seven, to pick up the win over the Orioles.

It was Odorizzi's first quality start since June 19 and just his seventh on the season in 20 trips to the mound. He threw 65 of 100 pitches for strikes and generated 17 swinging strikes, with his only real mistake getting deposited in the left-field seats by Pedro Alvarez, but serving up homers has been Odorizzi's Achilles heel all year. He'll get his next start Friday in Oakland.

Bundy (2-2) allowed four runs on five hits (including three home runs) and three walks over 3.1 innings Sunday, striking out four, in a loss to the Rays.

It wasn't the most auspicious start to Bundy's career as a major league starting pitcher. His control both within and outside the strike zone was shaky, but Bundy did generate 11 swinging strikes on 70 pitches so there were some encouraging signs. The Orioles haven't announced whether he'll head back to the bullpen after this, but if he does get another start it would come at home Friday against the Indians.

Gibson (2-6) allowed four runs on 10 hits and one walk while striking out four over six innings to take the loss Sunday against the Indians.

Gibson entered the fifth inning only trailing 1-0, but he was tagged for three runs between the fifth and sixth innings, leading to his sixth loss of the season. He's only thrown one quality start in his last five outings, and his ERA is at 5.12. He'll make his next start Friday at the Red Sox.

Hamels (10-2) allowed one unearned run on four hits while striking out seven to earn the win Sunday at the Cubs.

Hamels received a pair of runs from the Rangers' offense in the second inning, which was enough to help him win his 10th game of the year. After allowing five runs in each of his last two outings, he appears to be back on track and now has a 3.00 ERA on the season. He'll make his next start Saturday at the Royals.

Hill exited Sunday's start after just five pitches after a blister on his pitching hand popped, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Hill threw a bullpen session earlier in the week with no trouble, but the blister that had initially put Sunday's start in jeopardy resurfaced to end this outing early. Hill was visibly frustrated prior to his removal, as his chances to show off his skills to potential contenders prior to the trade deadline are fading fast. Fortunately, this injury doesn't appear to be a long-term concern, but it's worth getting confirmation on Hill's status before utilizing the right-hander in his next scheduled start.

Walker expects to return in two weeks but will need offseason surgery on his injured foot, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Walker, who has been on the disabled list since July 6, will begin a throwing program Monday. He hopes that with rest and treatment the inflammation will subside so he can pitch without pain. He acknowledged, though, he might have to pitch with some level of discomfort, which he did earlier in the year with few problems. Surgery would eliminate the problem for good. "The bone is too long, so it keeps jamming and causing inflammation," Walker said. "I guess they just have to cut a piece of the bone off."

Hill (hand) is listed on the lineup card and will start Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Hill was initially slated to lead off the second-half schedule for the A's and start Friday, but a blister on his pitching hand ended up nixing those plans. Even so, the issue was never considered anything major, and after Hill successfully completed a bullpen session, he's been cleared to take the ball. While the matchup against a powerful Blue Jays attack makes Hill a sketchy DFS play, those in season-long leagues can probably roll the left-hander with confidence.