MLB Player News

As I wrote in the latest Prospects Report, Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman is the fifth-best minor-leaguer to stash in single-season leagues, but I included an important caveat.

He has already failed several times over.

Though he showed flashes of potential in his 20 appearances, including five starts, in the majors last year, he was a continual source of frustration for Fantasy owners. And even in his spot start against the Tigers earlier this year, he finished with an ugly line after dominating for the first four innings.

The possible reasons for his bumpy transition are outlined in the column, so I won't repeat them here. But the fact he's only once gone even six innings in his nine starts at Triple-A this season suggests he's still a work in progress.

Gausman still has a crazy high ceiling, and no one can predict exactly when it'll click for him. But even with reports of him potentially getting the call Saturday, I'm not rushing to add him in leagues where I'm not desperate for pitching.

Indians starter Corey Kluber struggled through his start against the Red Sox Wednesday, as he allowed more than three runs for the first time in eight starts.

Kluber pitched into the seventh inning with a lead, but couldn't make it stand up. He allowed four runs in 6 1/3 innings, with the final two coming in the seventh to tie the game. He allowed just five hits and two walks, while striking out four and throwing 100 pitches in the no-decision.

Kluber took a no-decision as the game went into extras, so he still has not lost in his last seven starts. He is 6-3 with a 3.23 ERA heading into his next outing, set for Tuesday in Kansas City.

Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco got enough support late in his start against the Brewers Wednesday to get him the win, despite allowing four runs in the 6-4 final.  

Nolasco pitched well for much of the start, limiting the Brewers to just one run through his first six innings of work. Carrying a 4-1 lead into the seventh inning, he gave up the lead on one swing, as Aramis Ramirez tied it up with a three-run home run.

Fortunately for Nolasco, the Twins rallied to score twice in the seventh inning to get him back in line for the win. He was charged with four runs on six hits in seven innings of work, while striking out seven batters and walking none on 89 pitches.

Nolasco is now 4-5, after two straight wins. He carries a 5.65 ERA into his next outing, set for Monday against the Blue Jays. 

With the Orioles' Saturday starter up in the air, prospect Kevin Gausman's start at Triple-A Norfolk was cut short after just one inning Wednesday.

Miguel Gonzalez was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday with a side injury, with Saturday's start Chris Tillman stepping in to start in his place. Gonzalez may be able to go Saturday, but needs to be cleared before the team makes a decision on that. Gausman will likely be tapped if a starter is needed Saturday, according to MASNSports.com.

Lloyd McClendon indicated that another poor rehab start for Mariners rookie Taijuan Walker at Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday night will result in a delay to his promotion. He had been sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Walker gave up just one run in two innings, but walked four. He owns a 9.00 ERA in two minor league starts.

The Mariners still don't have a starter set for Monday.

Mariners left-hander James Paxton did not accompany his team to Atlanta and has yet to resume a throwing program, per MLB.com, which is further reporting that he has made progress in his rehab from a sore shoulder.

Paxton, who was shut down after being diagnosed with inflammation following one rehab start, has not pitched for the Mariners since April 8.

The Rangers have made a change to their rotation plans for this weekend's series against the Indians. Yu Darvish will be moved up to pitch Friday on regular rest, while Nick Tepesch will slot in Saturday.

White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana took the loss Monday night against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The left-hander permitted five unearned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over six innings of a 5-2 defeat.

Quintana (3-5) allowed all five runs in the sixth inning due to a pair of throwing errors from the infield. Of his 105 pitches, 61 were strikes. Over his last six starts covering 37 1/3 innings, Quintana has allowed 11 earned runs.

Following the road loss, Quintana will look to get back on track Sunday against the Angels in Anaheim.

Twins starting pitcher Kyle Gibson was not at his best on Monday, surrendering four runs on six hits and no walks while striking out one in six innings of a 6-2 defeat to Milwaukee, dropping to 4-5 on the year.

Over his last three starts covering 17 innings, Gibson has allowed nine earned runs. He will look to get back on track Saturday at home against Houston. He is 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA in three starts at home this season.

Rays pitcher Alex Cobb (1-3) pitched well on Monday, but was not backed by enough run support in a loss to the Marlins in Miami. The right-hander permitted three runs on five hits and two hits while striking out five over six innings of a 3-2 defeat.

Cobb owns a 3.19 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB ratio in 36 2/3 innings. He will look to get back in the win column Saturday at home against Seattle. He is 0-1 with a 1.93 ERA in three starts at Tropicana Field.