MLB Player News

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander has a blister on his right thumb that may have contributed to him leaving Sunday's start against the Indians after only 5 2/3 innings, according to the Detroit Free Press. He did throw 109 pitches, though.

"It got a little worse today, but judging how it's been in the past, usually it takes getting a little worse before it heals properly," Verlander said. "After my last start, it wasn't too bad, but there's like a crack in there and it continues to pull and get deeper and deeper."

Verlander wasn't sure if the blister would heal in time for his next start Saturday at Kansas City, but he doesn't intend to skip a turn.

"We'll see," he said. "I'm going to pitch, whether it's enough or not. I'll figure it out."

To better align their starting rotation for the end of the season, the Athletics have decided to push Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel back a day and move Scott Kazmir and Sonny Gray up a day. Kazmir will now start the first game of a three-game series against the Rangers Tuesday, followed by Samardzija and Gray. Hammel will start the first game of a three-game series against the Phillies Friday, followed by Jon Lester.

The move allows the Athletics to start Gray on the final day of the regular season rather than Hammel.

Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in Sunday's 6-1 win over the Angels. Keuchel (11-9) threw seven-plus innings, allowing one run on three hits and a walk. He struck out four while lowering his ERA to 3.00.

After ending the Angels' 10-game win streak, Keuchel has allowed two or fewer runs in four straight starts. He'll face the Mariners at home Saturday.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander lasted 5 2/3 innings Sunday against the Indians, receiving a no-decision in Detroit's 6-4 win. Verlander threw 109 pitches and allowed three runs on six hits, striking out six and walking three.

He'll face the Royals on the road Saturday.

The Astros are skipping Brad Peacock's scheduled start on Monday against the Indians, as he is dealing with a sore lower back. Rather than replace Peacock, the Astros will move up their other five starters a day and, at least temporarily, put an end to their six-man rotation. Collin McHugh, Nick Tropeano, Brett Oberholtzer and Scott Feldman are now set to start against the Indians, and Dallas Keuchel will take the mound to open the weekend series against the Mariners on Friday.

There is currently no timetable for Peacock's return.

According to MLB.com, Vance Worley has been moved to the bullpen and will not make his previously scheduled start on Tuesday against the Red Sox. Worley will make way for Charlie Morton (sports hernia), who will be activated from the 15-day disabled list in order to start Tuesday's contest.

Worley is 7-4 with a 3.18 ERA in 16 appearances (15 starts) this season.

Athletics starter Sonny Gray went eight innings strong in a no-decision to the Mariners in Seattle on Saturday. He allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven. Of his 100 pitches, 61 were strikes.

Over his last two starts covering 15 innings, Gray has allowed four earned runs. He owns a 3.18 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP over 30 starts (198 innings). His next start will come Friday at home against Philadelphia.

The Blue Jays announced some changes to the starting rotation, according to Sportsnet.ca on Saturday. The team will switch Marcus Stroman and Mark Buehrle in the rotation. Buehrle will start Sunday against the Rays, while Stroman will take the mound Monday against the Orioles.

White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana turned in a dominant outing and struck out a career high 13 in Game 1 of a doubleheader against Minnesota, improving to 8-10 on the year. He allowed one run on three hits and two walks over seven innings of a 5-1 victory.

Over his last two starts covering 13 innings, Quintana has allowed only two earned runs. He owns a 3.30 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP over 30 starts (185 2/3 innings). His next start will come Friday at Tampa Bay.

Mariners pitcher James Paxton posted a quality start in a win Friday night at home against Oakland. He allowed two runs -- one earned -- on four hits and three walks while striking out eight over six innings of a 4-2 victory.

Over his last four starts covering 26 2/3 innings, Paxton has allowed four earned runs. He owns a 1.83 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP over 10 starts (59 innings). His next start will come Wednesday in Anaheim against the Angels.