MLB Player News

Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco (ankle) will throw 45 pitches in an intrasquad game Monday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

General manager Terry Ryan has repeatedly expressed his doubt that Nolasco would be able to pitch again with the major league team this season, but he's scheduled to return to Minnesota Tuesday. At this point it's unclear what his timetable is, but the club should have a clearer picture after Monday's outing.

Yankees pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (elbow) hopes to play catch Monday, Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network reports.

Eovaldi has already officially been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with inflammation in his right elbow, but throwing would mark a good first step toward returning to the mound. Depending on how far the Yankees advance, the 25-year-old could potentially return at some point during the postseason, though it could come in a bullpen role.

Indians starter Corey Kluber (8-14) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits across four innings in a losing effort on Thursday against the Royals. He struck out five in the game.

Kluber made just 61 pitches and it's no surprise after suffering a hamstring injury a couple of weeks ago. The record and 3.44 ERA are unfair to the reigning Cy Young winner as all of his peripherals are still elite. The strikeout rate, walk rate, and WHIP are on par with his Cy Young season and the only major difference is the ERA. Kluber is a fantastic bet to bounce back next season and will likely be a nice value on draft day.

Twins starter Tommy Milone was awful Thursday against the Angels, giving up five runs on four hits and three walks while recording only four outs.

He was fortunate to avoid the loss, as opposing starter Hector Santiago was a disaster of his own, giving up five runs while getting just two outs. Nonetheless, Milone has now surrendered a dozen runs in five innings over his last two starts, sending his ERA soaring back over the 4.00 mark. He's a risky roll against the Indians on Wednesday.

Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (5-6) gave up three runs on five hits and three walks over six innings Thursday in a sweep-concluding loss to Texas.

The Astros turned to their rookie hurler in an attempt to avoid a four-game embarrassment, but it was not to be. He's still delivered credible work of late, with a 3.19 ERA over his last five outings, through McCullers also hasn't won a game since way back on July 29 against the Angels. It's those Angels whom he'll draw Tuesday in his next start.

The dispatching of Trevor Bauer to the bullpen has altered the weekend rotation for the Indians with the White Sox coming to town and beyond.

Cody Anderson is set to start Friday with Carlos Carrasco and Josh Tomlin following him to the mound over the next two days. Danny Salazar will go Tuesday and Corey Kluber on Wednesday in Minnesota.

White Sox starter Jose Quintana was saddled with a no-decision Thursday despite an impressive performance against the Athletics in which he surrendered only four hits and one earned run in seven innings. He struck out six.

Quintana has yielded two earned runs over his last 20 innings and is now sporting a season-low 3.45 ERA. The young southpaw did not give up a homer for the third consecutive start and has built considerably strong momentum for 2016.

The southpaw has been a beacon of hope for the White Sox in an otherwise forgettable season, and has a chance to achieve career highs in wins and innings pitched over his two remaining starts.

Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (hamstring) has been confirmed as the starting pitcher for Thursday's game against the Royals, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

Kluber has not started since Aug. 29 due to a hamstring injury, but he will get back on the mound Thursday night. He is 1-3 with a 4.34 ERA and 27:6 K:BB ratio in 29 innings over four starts against the Royals this season.

The Orioles have announced their weekend rotation at Tampa Bay to include left-hander Wei-Yin Chen on Saturday and Kevin Gausman on Sunday, per Britany Ghiroli of Orioles.com.

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (17-8) was bombarded Wednesday, giving up nine runs on 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Rangers. He struck out five without walking anyone, but allowed three homers.

The Astros have coughed up first place to Texas, and they turned to Keuchel to stop the bleeding in this game, but instead they got blown out in what was by far the lefty's worst start of the season. This has to be a tough blow for Keuchel's Fantasy owners after he got them this far with what's been a magnificent season.