MLB Player News

White Sox starter Chris Sale turned in an excellent performance Wednesday against the Red Sox. 

Sale allowed one run on four hits over 7 2/3 innings. He did not issue any walks, and struck out six during the outing. Sale started to run out of gas in the eighth. After allowing a leadoff double to Brock Holt, Sale gave up a run-scoring single to Dustin Pedroia. He was pulled from the game after throwing 107 pitches.

The White Sox bullpen managed to blow Sale’s lead, which resulted in a no-decision. It’s unclear where he’ll slot into the club’s rotation following the All-Star break.

Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman was blasted by the Angels Wednesday.

Stroman had a tough start, giving up five earned runs over 3 2/3 innings. He allowed eight hits and one walk. Stroman struck out four during the outing. The Angels just slowly chipped away at Stroman during the start. After a scoreless first inning, Stroman allowed two runs in the second, third and fourth frames. He technically allowed six runs, but only five were earned. Stroman was pulled after giving up a two-run shot to Kole Calhoun in the fourth inning. 

C.J. Wilson had an equally poor start, allowing Stroman to escape with a no-decision. With the All-Star Game approaching, it’s unclear when Stroman will make his next start. 

Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson (knee) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, per MLB.com. He is expected to throw in the bullpen every other day until the All-Star break.

The Mariners optioned pitcher Taijuan Walker to Triple-A Tacoma Wednesday, after making his first two major-league starts.

Walker was expected to make his next start Saturday against the Athletics, but the team has not announced who is expected to take his place in the rotation. He could return after the All-Star break, after allowing four runs in 10 innings so far in his major-league career. 

Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray earned a win Tuesday, giving up just one earned run on six hits and one walk in seven innings while striking out eight in his team's 6-1 victory over the Giants.

Gray (9-3) was given a 4-0 lead after the third inning and cruised until the seventh, when he surrendered a solo home run for his only blemish in the game. He's 3-0 with three quality starts over his last four outings, giving him a 2.97 ERA and 103:41 K:BB ratio in 118 innings. Gray is slated to take on the Mariners Sunday.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander managed to pick up a win Tuesday despite turning in a poor performance.

Verlander had it rough from the get-go. After striking out Dee Gordon to open the game, things fell apart. A Yasiel Puig walk was followed by three straight Dodger hits, which scored three runs. Following an Andre Ethier flyout, Juan Uribe homered, driving in two. 

Despite being down 5-0, Verlander managed to get himself together over the next five innings. He retired the next 12 Dodgers in order before finally walking Hanley Ramirez to open the sixth inning. Detroit provided a ton of run support for Verlander, giving him the win.

With the win, Verlander moves to 8-7 on the year. His next start will come against the Royals. 

Indians pitcher Zach McAllister and Danny Salazar are the two candidates to replace the injured Justin Masterson in the rotation starting Saturday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

McAllister posted a 5.89 ERA and 43:19 K:BB ratio in 10 starts in April and May before going on the disabled list with a back injury. He was activated in mid-June but had his first scheduled start rained out before being sent to Triple-A Columbus, where he's 5-0 with a 2.23 ERA and 34:7 K:BB ratio in 36 1/3 innings over six starts, which includes his rehab assignment.

Salazar burned bright during the second half of 2013 but struggled early this season, going 1-4 with a 5.53 ERA and 47:17 K:BB ratio in 40 2/3 innings over eight starts before being sent down to Columbus. He's 3-5 with a medicore 4.93 ERA and an excellent 53:17 K:BB ratio in 42 innings over eight Triple-A starts, but he's looked better in recent outings.

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish should make his scheduled start Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News. 

Darvish was examined by a team doctor. He received a clean bill of health, and should pitch tomorrow. Darvish will be re-examined prior to the start, however. He took a line drive off his head during Tuesday's batting practice.

Darvish has a 2.63 ERA over 109 1/3 innings. 

Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco is dealing with soreness in the flexor pronator of his elbow, MLB.com reports.

Nolasco was placed on the disabled list with an elbow injury Tuesday, but an MRI has revealed no issues with the ulnar collateral ligament on the other side of his elbow, meaning the pitcher isn't a candidate for Tommy John surgery. He owns a 5.90 ERA and 72:28 K:BB ratio in 103 2/3 innings.

Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels can be traded to nine different clubs without his permission, according to FoxSports.com.

The Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Cardinals, Nationals, Braves, Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers are those teams. Of the bunch, the Cardinals are said to have been the most active on the pitching market recently. The team is said to be looking at Jake Peavy. Hamels woud be a massive upgrade, but would also require St. Louis to part with premium prospects. 

It's unclear if the Phillies would deal Hamels within the division, so that could rule out the two NL East teams.