MLB Player News

Keuchel allowed one run on five hits and three walks with seven strikeouts over seven innings Sunday to earn the win in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Royals.

The AL Cy Young Award contender allowed a home run to Lorenzo Cain in the fourth inning, but that was the only damage he allowed as he ultimately helped the Astros take a 2-1 lead in the ALDS. If the series goes five games, Keuchel could be an option for the series finale in Kansas City on Wednesday, albeit he'd be pitching on three days rest for the second time in the 2015 playoffs.

Hamels was charged with four runs (two earned) on six hits over seven innings against the Blue Jays on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Both Hamels and Toronto starter Marcus Stroman turned in strong performances, but the bullpens ended up deciding the game, with the Rangers getting two runs off LaTroy Hawkins in the 14th inning. The Rangers are in great position, now up 2-0 and heading to Texas, and Hamels likely won't pitch until the Championship Series unless the Blue Jays win two in a row.

Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman was charged with four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks over seven innings against the Rangers on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS. He struck out five, and did not factor in the decision in the Blue Jays' 6-4 loss.

While Stroman was able to go toe-to-toe with Rangers ace Cole Hamels for most of the contest, he put the game-tying run on in the eighth, and Texas ultimately went ahead against LaTroy Hawkins in the 14th. Toronto now finds itself in a surprising 0-2 hole as the series heads to Arlington, but Stroman figures to start Game 5 if the Blue Jays can win the next two games.

Royals starter Johnny Cueto gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five over six innings against the Astros on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS. He did not factor in the decision in the Royals' 5-4 win.

Cueto dug the Royals an early hole, allowing Houston to score in each of the first three innings, but they would rally against the Astros' bullpen to escape with a crucial Game 2 victory. Look for Cueto to draw the Game 5 assignment on normal rest Wednesday, should the series return to Kansas City.

Astros rookie pitcher Lance McCullers will start Game 4 of the American League Division Series if necessary, Brian Taggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers will face off against Game 1 starter Yordano Ventura if the series extends that far. In his first season in the majors, the 22 year old was dynamic, posting a 3.22 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 129:43 K:BB in 125 2/3 innings.

Eovaldi (elbow) would have been on the ALDS roster had the Yankees advanced, The NY Post reports.

After missing most of the final month of the season with elbow inflammation, it appears as though Eovaldi had made enough progress to pitch in meaningful situations, but just ran out of time. It's still encouraging news that he should be able to undergo a normal offseason and rejoin the rotation by the time spring training starts.

Perez will start Game 3 of the ALDS, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Perez will take the mound against Blue Jays' starter Marco Estrada in what could amount to a pivotal matchup in Game 3. While the rest of the playoff rotation hasn't been confirmed, it wouldn't be a surprise to see either Game 1 starter Yovani Gallardo or Game 2 starter Cole Hamels make an appearance if the series extends into Game 4 and 5.

Bundy (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch side session at the team's spring training facility on Wednesday, Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun reports.

Bundy was cleared to begin throwing Aug. 31 by Dr. James Andrews and it appears his 20-pitch session is part of the Orioles plan to ease the 22-year-old back into a regular pitching schedule. Still, he will likely need at least two more weeks until he is considered ready for game-action. It's unclear if the Orioles will have Bundy pitch in the Arizona Fall League or winter ball, but more information should arise in the following weeks.

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel will start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Royals on Sunday, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Working on just three days' rest, Keuchel shut out the Yankees over six innings in Tuesday's AL Wild Card game, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out seven. He will be afforded the normal five days of rest this time around before taking the hill opposite Edinson Volquez.

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel held the Yankees scoreless over six innings Tuesday, allowing only three hits and a walk to earn the win in the AL wild-card game. He struck out seven.

Keuchel's gem was his third scoreless performance against New York is as many outings this season. He also became the first pitcher to turn in a scoreless outing in a postseason game on three days' rest since Josh Beckett threw a shutout against the Yankees in Game 6 of the 2003 World Series.

Keuchel is likely to pitch Game 3 of the ALDS against Kansas City on Oct. 11.