MLB Player News

Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco won for the first time in five starts Tuesday, as he took down the Royals 10-2.

Nolasco tossed six solid innings for his first quality start since late May. He allowed one run on eight hits in the game, while striking out three and walking none on 100 pitches.

Nolasco improved his record to 5-6 with the win, while lowering his ERA to 5.49. His next start is set for Sunday against the Yankees. 

Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels has the Blue Jays as one of the teams on his no-trade list, FOXSports.com reports.

The Blue Jays are looking to strengthen the rotation, but Hamels appears to be a longshot for the team. He owns a 2.84 ERA and 91:29 K:BB ratio in 88 2/3 innings.

Indians pitcher Justin Masterson will make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Dodgers, after having his last start pushed back to knee trouble. He is in the starting lineup after avoiding setbacks with his knee over the last few days. 

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said starting pitcher Kevin Gausman will start for Class A Aberdeen Wednesday, but he is still an option to start Sunday at Boston. Showalter said Gausman will have an abbreviated start for Aberdeen.

A day after allowing four home runs in a loss to the Orioles, Rangers starting pitcher Joe Saunders was designated for assignment Tuesday. The team recalled pitcher Miles Mikolas from Triple-A Round Rock to replace Saunders, and he will start Wednesday against Baltimore.

The Rangers also announced Nick Tepesch has been moved back to Friday against the Mets. Yu Darvish will still start Thursday against Baltimore and Colby Lewis will now start Saturday against New York. Nick Martinez, who is starting Tuesday, will remain on regular rest and start Sunday.

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber was the hard-luck loser Monday, giving up just one earned run on six hits and one walk in 6 2/3 innings while striking out five in his team's 1-0 defeat against the Dodgers.

Kluber (7-6) tossed six scoreless innings before an infield single in the seventh inning broke a scoreless tie. He's surrendered two runs or fewer in four straight starts, but Kluber is just 1-2 during that stretch. He owns a 2.99 ERA and 127:29 K:BB ratio in 117 1/3 innings after Monday's quality start. Kluber is slated to face the Royals Sunday.

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker earned a win in his season debut Monday, giving up three earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six in six innings during his team's 10-4 victory over the Astros.

Walker (1-0) gave up a two-run home run in the first inning and a solo home run in the second inning but was able to put together four scoreless frames thereafter to secure a quality start. The top prospect tossed 94 pitches in his season debut with the Mariners. He's scheduled to face the White Sox Sunday.

Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (lat) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Monday. He will throw another Friday and then is expected to throw a simulated game when the team returns to Seattle next week.

The Mariners finally made the official announcement Monday starting pitcher Taijuan Walker was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to make his season debut at Houston. Walker went 2-0 with a 3.25 ERA in five starts in June for Tacoma.

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel said all signs point to him returning to the rotation Thursday against the Angels, according to MLB.com. The left-hander was scratched from his start Saturday against the Tigers due to swelling in his left wrist.