MLB Player News

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco picked up the first save of his career Monday, giving up just one hit and one walk in 2 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out four in his team's 4-3 win over the Angels.

Carrasco has done a great job over the past month while generally pitching more than one inning at a time. His current quality stretch leaves him with a 4.40 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 45:14 K:BB ratio in 45 innings.

Mariners pitcher James Paxton is expected to need three to four more weeks until he's fully recovered from a lat, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Paxton appears to be headed for a return around the All-Star break after being sidelined for most of the season with the injury. He's 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 13:2 K:BB ratio in 12 innings over two starts.

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber was unable to factor into the decision Sunday afternoon against the Red Sox in Boston. The right-hander permitted two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out four over 5 1/3 innings of a 3-2 win in extras.

Over his last two starts covering 10 2/3 innings, Kluber has allowed eight runs -- five earned. He owns a 3.35 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 15 starts (96 2/3 innings). He will make his next start Friday at home against Detroit.

Twins starter Ricky Nolasco couldn't win the battle of the Ricks Sunday.

Nolasco matched Tigers starter Rick Porcello over 5 1/3 innings. Nolasco allowed three runs during the outing. The overall performance wasn't impressive, as Nolasco proved to be very hittable. He put 11 men on base during the start. Nolasco struck out five hitters.

Nolasco ran into some trouble early on, giving up a run in the first two innings. He settled in for the next three innings, but again found himself in trouble in the sixth. Nolasco was pulled after allowing a run-scoring double, which left a man on third. The player did not come around to score, giving Nolasco three earned runs on the day.

His next start is slated to come against the White Sox.

Former Twins starting pitcher Vance Worley, who was recalled from the minors to start Sunday for the Pirates, said he was not 100 percent healthy to begin last season with Minnesota, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Worley said not only was he recovering from having bone chips removed from his elbow, but he dealt with biceps tendinitis during spring training.

Worley was 1-5 with a 7.21 ERA and 1.99 WHIP in 10 starts for Minnesota last season. He was 3-2 with a 4.30 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in seven starts for Triple-A Indianapolis prior to his recall Sunday.

"My arm is definitely back, just all around," Worley said. "The velocity is back, the movement is back."

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker impressed during Saturday's Triple-A start. 

Walker was able to go 6 2/3 innings, giving up just one hit. He proved to have dominant stuff, striking out seven batters. Walker has been dealing with shoulder issues all year, but has finally proved to be healthy enough to pitch in the minors. He posted a 3.60 ERA over 15 innings last season.

Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Gausman was said to be pitching for his rotation spot Thursday, and performed well enough to remain in the rotation. Miguel Gonzalez will start Tuesday, and Gausman will follow him Wednesday.

Gausman posted a 3.71 ERA over 17 innings. 

Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray twirled a quality start Friday night against the Yankees, but dropped to 6-3 on the year in his team's 7-0 shutout loss to New York. The right-hander yielded three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out seven over six innings of work.

Gray owns a 2.93 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP over 14 starts (92 innings). He will look to get back in the win column Wednesday at home against Texas. He is 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA in two starts, including a complete game in his previous two meetings against the Rangers this season.

Rays starting pitcher Alex Cobb snapped his losing streak with a gem Friday night against the Astros in Houston, striking out a season-high 11 in a 4-1 victory. The right-hander pitched 6 1/3 innings and yielded one run on three hits and two walks, improving to 2-4 on the year.

Over his last three starts covering 16 2/3 innings, Cobb has surrendered 11 earned runs. He owns a 3.99 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP through eight starts (47 1/3 innings). He will make his next start Wednesday at home against Baltimore.

White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana continued to struggle Friday night against the Royals, dropping to 3-7 on the year. The left-hander permitted six runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out six over six innings of a 7-2 defeat.

Over his last two starts covering 10 1/3 innings, Quintana has allowed 10 earned runs. He owns a 3.98 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP through 14 starts (83 2/3 innings). He will make his next start Thursday at Minnesota.