MLB Player News

White Sox starter Carlos Rodon walked six batters in six shutout innings, Friday against the Cubs. 

The half dozen walks matched a career high for Rodon, as did the six scoreless innings, settling for a no-decision. 

Rodon allowed two hits and struck out six. He threw 104 pitches, topping the century mark for the fourth straight start and eighth time in 11 starts. Despite the high pitch count, he's only pitched into the seventh inning once over that span. 

The Mariners recalled left-hander Vidal Nuno from Triple-A Tacoma, the team announced on Thursday. Nuno was sent down to the minors last weekend, and made one start with Tacoma on Sunday. He allowed four runs in six innings of work.

The Mariners have not declared if Nuno is up to make a spot start, of if he will be working out of the bullpen.

Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez will start the team's first game after the All-Star break against the Orioles, according to MLive.com. He will be followed in the three-game series by David Price and Justin Verlander.

The Royals recalled pitcher Brandon Finnegan from Triple-A on Thursday, reports MLB.com. Finnegan went 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA in 20 1/3 innings earlier this season.

Rangers manager Jeff Banister confirmed Wednesday that starting pitcher Martin Perez (elbow) will not be activated before the All-Star break, per The Dallas Morning News. He will make a sixth start on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.

Perez can remain on a rehab assignment until July 22. He has posted a 3.66 ERA and 1.27 WHIP through five starts between Double-A and Triple-A. He has posted 21 strikeouts and three walks in 19 2/3 innings.

Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed Wednesday starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi will return to the rotation Saturday against the Astros. Odorizzi, who has been on the disabled list since June 9 with a left oblique strain, threw a bullpen session Wednesday, which went well, per Cash.

"Huge [lift getting him back]," Cash said, per MLB.com. "Just kind of like the [James] Loney lift, getting these guys back. Guys that we penciled in at the start of spring. Odo has already done a lot this season. But I think if you look what him and [Chris Archer] kind of combined to do. Veteran pitchers in our pitching staff, it allows those extra days and extra innings for our relievers not be used."

Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman is confident starting pitcher Drew Smyly, who has been sidelined since early May due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, is on track for an August return.

"I have confidence in the rehab program," Silverman said, per MLB.com. "I have confidence in him doing his work. He hasn't had any setbacks and he's on pace for August. With any type of rehab there are always questions until you get back and you're active on the major-league roster. But he's doing all the things he needs to and is on pace for August.

"He's thrown bullpens. He'll throw some live BPs, then he'll go out and build himself back up so he's built up to be a starter.

"I'm optimistic based on Drew's response to his throwing program. He's getting his work in. He's been pain free. And he's starting to build up."

The Royals have recalled right-hander Aaron Brooks from Triple-A Omaha, the team announced on Wednesday. Brooks is coming up for his third stint with the Royals. He has made two relief appearances, allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings.

In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned left-hander Brandon Finnegan down to Triple-A. 

Twins left-hander Tommy Milone picked up his fifth win of the season on Wednesday, as he limited the Orioles to one run on five hits over seven innings of work. Milone walked two and struck out five in the 5-3 win.

Milone (5-1) gave up a run in the fourth inning to give the Orioles an early 1-0 lead. But he was otherwise sharp, and the Twins' offense came alive for him late in the game to earn him the victory. 

Milone has been outstanding since returning from a brief stay at Triple-A. In six starts since his return, Milone has a 1.62 ERA and a 32:10 K:BB ratio. His season ERA was dropped to 2.84 after Wednesday's outing.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch made some changes to his rotation plans leading up to the All-Star break. 

Brett Oberholtzer will be recalled from Triple-A Fresno to start Thursday against the Indians.

Lance McCullers, who was scheduled to start Friday against the Rays, has been pushed back to Sunday's series finale. Collin McHugh will now start Friday's series opener and be followed by Dallas Keuchel on Saturday.

Vincent Velasquez was optioned to the minors following his start Tuesday, so he can rest during the All-Star break.