MLB Player News

Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (2-2) did not allow a run in eight innings of work Sunday, scattering five hits in a win over the Red Sox.

Paxton allowed one extra base hit in the gem, a seventh-inning double to Brock Holt.

The right hander has now stretched his scoreless streak to a career-best 20 innings.

"It's no secret," said Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon to MLB.com. "Command the fastball and you're going to win and it's going to make all your other pitches better. And when you're commanding a 98-mph fastball, it's going to make everything else special. I thought you saw that today."

Paxton struck out two and walked two, throwing 105 pitches in the outing.

Paxton's next start is set for Saturday in Toronto.

Twins pitcher Kyle Gibson allowed three runs on eight hits in five innings of work in Minnesota's 11-3 loss to the Rays on Sunday.

Gibson's troubles started in the third when he allowed the first four hitters of the inning to reach base safely, leading to a run. Then, James Loney reached on a fielder's choice, plating a second run. He would give up one more run in the fifth. 

"I would've liked to get a few more innings under my belt," Gibson said to MLB.com. "Five innings leaves a lot of pressure on the 'pen with four innings against a pretty tough team."

Gibson, now 3-3, moved his ERA to 2.98 in 48 1/3 innings of work. He will look to bounce back Sunday against the White Sox.

The Rays made a change to the starting rotation for a two-game series against Atlanta, per MLB.com. 

Nathan Karns was originally scheduled to start the series opener, on Tuesday. Instead Erasmo Ramirez will take the mound. The move was done to get Karns additional rest. 

Jake Odorizzi will start Wednesday's game. 

Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman could pitch a simulated game on May 27 if his flat-ground throwing and bullpen sessions go well, MASNSports.com reports.

Gausman had an MRI on his shoulder on Tuesday that came back clean. He could be eventually used as a starter with the Orioles, and it's possible the team gets him stretched out during his rehab in order to slot him into the rotation.

Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander, who has been sidelined all season with a right triceps strain, threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session Friday. He mixed in fastballs, sliders and changeups.

Brad Ausmus gave the session a positive review. He told MLB.com that Verlander's motion was "free and easy."

The manager, however, stated he remains uncertain as to when Verlander will begin a rehab assignment.

Red Sox pitcher Justin Masterson threw lightly in the outfield and worked on his mechanics with pitching coach Carl Willis before batting practice Friday night, the Boston Globe reports. Masterson was placed on the disabled list on Thursday with shoulder tendinits.

He held a 6.37 ERA at the time he was placed on the disabled list.

White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon was touched for five runs on five hits and six walks in five innings Friday for a no-decision against the Athletics.

Rodon served up a home run to Josh Phegley, his first of the year.

The start was just the second on the season for the rookie, with three relief appearances.

Rodon's next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Indians.

Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (3-3) gave up three runs on eight hits and struck out five in six innings of work Friday for a loss against the Twins.

Brian Dozier connected for a solo homer off Odorizzi.

Odorizzi allowed one earned run in each of his last two starts before Friday.

Odorizzi's next start is scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta.

Astros starter Dallas Keuchel's (5-0) four runs in six innings on Friday was good enough to earn the victory against the Blue Jays.

Keuchel gave up eight hits and fanned five in the win.

"I can't keep having self-inflicted wounds," Keuchel said. "I can't keep putting myself in those situations and keep expecting to get out of them. That's not the way this game is meant to go.''

Keuchel has now won five of his eight starts without a loss this season.

Keuchel's next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Athletics.

Carlos Rodon will get his second career start for the White Sox on Friday at Oakland.

Rodon pitches in the rotation spot of Hector Noesi, who left his last start, on Saturday, after being struck in the hip by a line drive.