MLB Player News

Athletics starter Sonny Gray (14-7) pitched well on Friday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven across six innings in a win over the Giants.

Gray allowed a two-run homer in the first inning to Matt Duffy, but settled down big time after that. The first inning blunder looked like the beginning of another bad start for Gray, but the resiliency is nice to see. He had allowed 18 runs over his four previous starts and his walks have been creeping up as well. This may be the case of his 208 innings getting to him, as it's only his second full season as a starter.

Red Sox starter Rich Hill was dazzling again Friday night, tossing a complete game, two-hit shutout against the Orioles. He walked one and struck out 10.

Hill (2-0, 1.17 ERA) was inserted into the Boston rotation on September 13 - making his first major league start since 2006. All he has done is hold opponents to 10 hits in 23 innings while striking out 30 (10 in each start). Opponents are hitting .127 against him and he has a 0.52 WHIP to go with a 1.17 ERA. With a career 4.55 ERA in 200 games (73 starts) it's not likely to last, but enjoy the ride.

Orioles starter Kevin Gausman allowed five runs on five hits, walking three and striking out five over five-plus innings of a 7-0 loss to Boston on Friday night.

Gausman (3-7, 4.49 ERA) was effective for five innings, but ran into trouble in the sixth, departing after putting three men on base without retiring a batter. Those three came around to score and it turned into a disappointing outing for the Orioles' young hurler. He maintains a very high ceiling, but he'll need to be more consistent to take the next step.

Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd allowed four runs (two earned) on one hit, walking four and striking out four over six innings, but came away with a no-decision against the Twins on Friday night.

He flashes glimpses of ability, but he struggles to find the plate at times and his ERA, while improving, still sits at an ugly 6.91 on the year. This is an audition for 2016, and there have been some positive signs, but the youngster is going to need to show more consistent command.

Indians starter Carlos Carrasco (14-11) tossed a complete-game shutout on Friday, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out a career-high 15 in a win over Kansas City.

Carrasco carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and went the distance for the third time in his past nine starts. Carrasco has been striking batters out all season, ranking ninth in the league. Over the past few months, however, he has become similarly dominant in other categories. In his 11 starts since the All-Star break, Carrasco has a 2.49 ERA with a minuscule 0.84 WHIP. He can be counted on to shine during fantasy playoffs.

White Sox rookie starter Carlos Rodon allowed two runs on five hits, walking five and striking out four over six innings of a 5-2 victory against the Yankees on Friday night.

Rodon (9-6, 3.75 ERA) has strung together eight consecutive quality starts as he works to establish himself as a reliable starting pitcher. He still loses his release point at times - note the five walks in this one - but the young southpaw has the stuff to escape many of the jams he stumbles into. He features a very high ceiling, and will only improve as his command sharpens.

Rays starter Jake Odorizzi allowed four runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out four over five innings of a 5-3 loss to Toronto on Friday night.

Odorizzi (8-9, 3.49 ERA) needed 111 pitches (67 for strikes) to cover five innings, and couldn't keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard in three of those five innings. He allowed a pair of home runs in what would be considered a mediocre outing against any team other than Toronto and their high-powered offense. He's working on a solid season and should be a good middle-of-the-rotation option in 2016.

Twins starter Tommy Milone (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, according to Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

A bout of shoulder fatigue kept Milone off the mound Wednesday, and Paul Molitor said Friday that the left-hander has been slow to respond to treatment, adding that "there's deadness" in the shoulder.

The bullpen session might be Milone's last chance to make a case for another start before the season ends, but the Twins certainly won't chance it if they remain in the playoff race.

The Twins have reinstated pitcher Ricky Nolasco from the 60-day disabled list, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.

There had been skepticism that Nolasco would return to the mound in 2015, but he'll make his comeback with 10 games left in the season.

Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press reports that Twins manager Paul Molitor doesn't see a start for the veteran happening, so it will likely be a long relief and emergency starter role for him.

White Sox left-hander Chris Sale (12-11) made it four straight losses and six consecutive starts without a win Thursday. He allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out eight Yankees across seven innings.

His one hiccup came on a Carlos Beltran three-run bomb that ultimately led to the defeat. The 12-11 record is unfair to Sale, as he is easily one of the best pitchers in baseball. His .326 BABIP and 2.61 xFIP indicate that he's been unlucky this season and he's a great candidate to bounce back next year. His 1.10 WHIP with 267 strikeouts are no slouch numbers.