MLB Player News

The Tigers set their rotation for after the All-Star break. Anibal Sanchez will face the Indians on Friday, and Max Scherzer will pitch one of Saturday's doubleheader games. Drew Smyly will face Cleveland on Sunday. Detroit has not announced who will pitch the other Saturday game.

Then Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello will throw July 21 and July 22 at Arizona.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said his rotation after the All-Star break will be Yu Darvish, Colby Lewis and Nick Tepesch, with the other two spots up in the air, reports the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Washington also mentioned Miles Mikolas as a candidate to start.

Texas opens a three-game series at Toronto on Friday.

Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi earned a win Saturday, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings while striking out seven in his team's 10-3 victory over the Blue Jays.

Odorizzi (5-8) has now surrendered three runs or fewer in seven straight starts, and he continues to rack up the strikeouts. He owns an impressive 116:39 K:BB ratio in 101 innings while posting a 4.01 ERA going into the All-Star break.

Mariners pitcher James Paxton completed another bullpen session Saturday, as he continues to work his way back from a lat injury. Paxton is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment next week, manager Lloyd McClendon told MLB.com.

Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson completed another light bullpen session Friday, as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury, MLB.com reports. Masterson was limited exclusively to his two-seam and four-seam fastballs during the session. He remains hopeful of returning at some point after the All-Star break, though the team has not given any specific timetable for return.

The Astros have set their rotation following the All-Star break, at least through the first two series.

Manager Bo Porter announced that Scott Feldman, Dallas Keuchel and Jarred Cosart will open the second half in a weekend series against the White Sox, and will be followed by Collin McHugh and Brad Peacock to open a series in Oakland beginning Tuesday. 

Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco flew back to Florida to continue his rehab and will head back to Minnesota on Thursday, MLB.com reports. Nolasco is working his way back from a right elbow strain and remains without a timetable. He posted a 5.90 ERA and 72:28 K:BB ratio in 103 2/3 innings.

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber managed to pick up a win Friday against the White Sox.

Kluber allowed four runs on eight hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out five during the outing. The White Sox struck early against Kluber. He allowed three straight hits in the second inning, scoring a run. Though he got the next batter to ground out, another run managed to cross the plate. Kluber also gave up additional runs in the fourth and fifth inning. Adam Eaton doubled in a run in the fourth, and Adam Dunn hit a solo shot in the fifth. 

Despite the struggles, Kluber managed to pull out a win. His record improved to 9-6. Kluber will make his next start shortly after the All-Star break. 

Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk Friday, after Ubaldo Jimenez was placed on the disabled list with an ankle injury.

Gausman was optioned to Norfolk earlier in the week to make room on the roster. According to the Baltimore Sun, Gausman will start at some point during the final two games before the All-Star break, either Saturday or Sunday against the Yankees. 

Tigers pitcher Drew Smyly (5-8) was not at his best but came away with the win Thursday night against the Royals in Kansas City. The right-hander permitted four runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out two over 6 2/3 innings of a 16-4 victory.

Smyly has allowed four-plus runs in each of his last three starts. He owns a 4.00 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP over 87 2/3 innings of work. His next start will come after the All-Star break.