MLB Player News

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber was not sharp during Monday's 5-4 loss to the Angels.

Kluber allowed five runs on 10 hits over 5 2/3 innings. He also struck out four and did not walk a batter. His biggest mistake came in the sixth inning when he gave up a two-run home run to Conor Gillaspie.

Kluber is now 6-12 with a 3.60 ERA, but he has earned a quality start in six of his last eight outings.

Astros rookie right-hander Lance McCullers had his toughest start as a big-leaguer in Monday's 12-9 loss to the Rangers. McCullers was able to just one out in the first inning before being taken out of the game. He allowed six runs on seven hits, including two-run home run by Shin-Soo Choo. The only out he recorded was a strikeout of Josh Hamilton.

It was a rough outing for the youngster, who drops to 5-4. He had been solid for the better part of the season, as he entered play having allowed more than three runs just once in 13 big-league starts.

The Astros announced McCullers was optioned to the minors following the game. It's likely a move get a fresher arm on the roster, and it's possible McCullers returns for his next time through the rotation.

White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana allowed two runs on seven hits over six innings on Monday. He left with the score tied and settled for a no-decision against Tampa.

Quintana has allowed four runs over 21 1/3 innings in his last three starts. He walked one batter, the eighth straight start he's walked one or fewer batters. 

The Indians called up pitcher Kyle Crockett, the team announced Monday. Crockett will take the place of pitcher Michael Roth, who was optioned to the minors.

Crockett has a 3.00 ERA over six innings of work earlier this season, while Roth produced a 8.76 ERA over 12 1/3 innings.

Mariners relief pitcher Vidal Nuno will start for his team against the Rockies on Tuesday, according to the Seattle Times.

Nuno last started a game on July 5, but it was for Triple-A Tacoma during a brief demotion.

“It’s just another day,” he said. “Now I just have to go 80 to 100 pitches and set the tone of the game.”

The Mariners are confident Nuno can provide the rotation some much needed rest.

“He can go five easily if we need him to,” McClendon said. “He’s very durable and he’s rested.”

Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray was solid during his start against the Indians on Sunday.

Gray allowed just one run on four hits over seven innings of work. If it wasn't for some command issues that contributed to four walks, Gray's outing would have been stellar. He struck out seven batters in the no-decision.

Gray now has a 2.12 ERA in 152 2/3 innings this season.

Rangers' pitcher Martin Perez improved to 1-2 on the year with his first win of the season, over San Francisco on Sunday. 

Perez pitched a season-high 8 1/3 innings. He allowed one run on two hits and didn't walk a batter. His six strikeouts were not only a season high but more than he'd accumulated in his first three starts of the year combined. 

Red Sox starter Wade Miley allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings, but he took a no-decision after the Boston bullpen blew a save against Tampa Bay on Sunday. 

Miley's winless streak was extended to six games. He's 0-2 with four no-decisions since his last win, on July 2. 

Miley allowed five hits, walked one and struck out four. He surrendered a home run for his third straight starty. 

Rays starter Jake Odorizzi pitched six innings against Boston on Sunday and left the game trailing by a run. 

Tampa rallied and allowed Odorizzi to escape with a no-decision. 

Odorizzi has pitched six innings in each of the last two starts, after failing to go six in the previous four outings. He allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out five. 

A flexor tendon issue has Twins starting pitcher Tommy Milone on the disabled list, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Milone has been terrible lately with 13 runs allowed on 20 hits in his last 14 2/3 innings. His 3.76 ERA is at its highest point since June 12.