MLB Player News

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander didn't factor into the decision Friday, giving up three earned runs on six hits and one walk in five innings while striking out four in his team's 7-6 loss to the Orioles in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.

Verlander fell behind after surrendering a two-run home run in the third inning, but his offense delivered five runs in the top of the fourth inning to stake him to a 5-2 lead. He gave up just one more run on an RBI single in the fourth and left with the lead, but the rest of the damage came courtesy of the bullpen in the eighth inning. The Tigers head to Detroit down 2-0 needing a three-game winning streak to advance. Verlander isn't expected to get another start this round, though the team could alter its pitching schedule on the brink of elimination.

Rangers starting pitcher Martin Perez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May, said he has a goal of returning around the All-Star break next season, per ESPN.

"I’m going to take my time and make sure everything is good," Perez said. "I want to help this team as much as I can. The focus now is to be strong for next year and just work hard and be strong mentally."

Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish, who last pitched in early August due to elbow inflammation, will head to Japan before returning to the U.S. in mid-November, according to general manager Jon Daniels.

Darvish will undergo an MRI upon his return and if the results come back clean, then Darvish will start his throwing program in December, according to ESPN.

Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman said he has been told he will pitch out of the bullpen during the ALDS against the Tigers, according to The Baltimore Sun. Gausman went 7-7 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 20 starts for Baltimore this season.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said starting pitcher James Paxton will not throw competitively during the offseason, according to MLB.com. Paxton was limited to 13 starts this season due to a lat injury.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said starting pitcher Taijuan Walker will throw a few times in the Arizona Fall League, according to MLB.com. Walker split time between the minors and majors in 2014, going 2-3 with a 2.61 ERA in eight appearances (five starts) for Seattle.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus announced Max Scherzer will start the first game of the AL Division Series. He will be followed by Justin Verlander, David Price and Rick Porcello in the rotation.

Rangers starting pitcher Martin Perez, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery in May, and starting pitcher Matt Harrison, who underwent back surgery in June, are expected to start throwing in the next few months, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Perez expects to start throwing in November and Harrison in January.

Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray came up big Sunday, allowing just six hits in a complete-game shutout while striking out five as Oakland secured the second Wild Card spot with a 4-0 victory over the Rangers.

Gray (14-10) needed 103 pitches to put his team into the postseason, giving up four singles and two doubles while not walking a batter. His first win since Aug. 22 came on his first career complete game. Gray finishes the regular season with a 3.08 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 183:74 K:BB ratio in 219 innings. The A's will head to Kansas City to face the Royals in the AL Wild Card game Tuesday.

Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco bounced back with a quality start for the win in his final start of the season Saturday night against the Tigers. He allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings of a 12-3 victory.

The right-hander ended his season 6-12 with a 5.38 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP and 115-38 K:BB ratio over 27 starts (159 innings).