MLB Player News

Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi bounced back with a quality start on Sunday against the Red Sox, limiting Boston hitters to one run on four hits in six innings of work in a no-decision.

Odorizzi allowed a sacrifice fly in the third inning for his only damage of the afternoon. He struck out five and walked one in 108 pitches, 74 for strikes. His ERA improved from 4.98 to 4.56. Over his last four starts covering 21 2/3 innings, Odorizzi has allowed only four earned runs.

Following the 8-5 home victory, Odorizzi will make his next start Saturday at Boston.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said starting pitcher James Paxton (back) had some triceps tightness following his first rehab start Saturday, but it is not considered serious, per The Seattle Times. Paxton called the soreness "typical."

Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco, who's been nursing a sore hamstring, will start Sunday against the Giants. Nolasco is 2-4 with a 5.50 ERA in nine starts and hasn't won since April 24.

Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (back) said he was pleased with how his first rehab outing went Saturday for Triple-A Tacoma, per The News Tribune.

"I felt pretty good," Paxton said. "I left some pitches out over the middle of the plate, and guys got some good wood on them. I think it was good. Felt like the ball was coming out pretty well. Still got a few things to work on, get some timing back and stuff, but it was pretty good."

The left-handed hurler allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) in three innings, while walking two batters and striking out five. Three of those hits were doubles.

"My evaluation was he did a nice job with it," Rainiers manager Roy Howell said. "Each inning, he progressed a little bit more, threw the ball a little sharper, a little harder. I guess the tell is how he feels tomorrow. But I think he should be pleased with his outing, for sure."

Mariners pitcher James Paxton began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma Saturday, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks in three innings while striking out five.

Paxton threw 62 pitches in the rehab start after tossing 53 pitches in a simulated game earlier in the week. He'll likely need at least one more rehab start before potentially rejoining the Mariners rotation. Paxton is recovering from a lat strain.

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Walker is set to throw 70 to 75 pitches in the outing after tossing 56 pitches in a simulated game Friday. He has yet to pitch this season while dealing with shoulder soreness.

Right-hander Corey Kluber, who has wrested the role of Indians ace away from Justin Masterson, hurled a gem Saturday afternoon in Baltimore.

Kluber gave up just five hits in seven shutout innings with two walks and nine strikeouts as his ERA shrunk to 3.10. He now leads the major leagues with 83 strikeouts on the season.

His next start is scheduled for Friday against visiting Colorado.

Twins starter Kyle Gibson was roughed up Friday night against the Giants in San Francisco, dropping to 4-4 on the season. The right-hander surrendered five runs on five hits and no walks while striking out four in five innings of a 6-2 defeat.

Gibson has allowed 11 earned runs over his last (two starts) seven innings pitched away from home. He will return home to make his next scheduled start Wednesday against Texas. He is 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA in four starts at home this season.

The Astros made some changes to the rotation following Friday's loss to the Mariners in Seattle, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The team recalled pitcher Brett Oberholtzer from Triple-A Oklahoma City, who will take the hill Saturday against Seattle. The rest of the rotation will be pushed back one day, giving the other starters normal rest. Dallas Keuchel will start Sunday while Scott Feldman will start Memorial Day Monday against Kansas City, followed by Collin McHugh and Jarred Cosart.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told reporters following Friday's game against San Francisco that he will flip-flop his weekend starters, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.

Instead of starting Sunday, Samuel Deduno will now take the hill on Saturday, moving Ricky Nolasco to Sunday's series finale against the Giants. Gardenhire wanted to give Nolasco an extra day of rest because he is nursing a sore hamstring, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.