MLB Player News

Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, who is currently at Triple-A Buffalo, has gotten plenty of looks in Fantasy over the last couple weeks, and for good reason. The Blue Jays recently aligned his starts with Dustin McGowan's, who appeared on the verge of losing his rotation spot after a series of poor performances, making the old switcheroo a distinct possibility.

But then McGowan threw a quality start at Kansas City Tuesday, allowing two earned runs on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts in six innings, theoretically buying him a chance to redeem himself. And then, just Wednesday on Fantasy Baseball Today, Jon Heyman said the Blue Jays consider J.A. Happ to be next in line should the need arise.

Now, maybe they say that to placate Happ, who was upset about his move to the bullpen. Maybe they can use Stroman's six no-hit innings at Triple-A Tuesday as an excuse to go that route instead. But if only because of McGowan's last start, I wouldn't consider Stroman's arrival imminent.

It doesn't mean he isn't worth stashing. Given his upside, I already rank Stroman among my top 100 starting pitchers. But I'd prefer to stash someone like Trevor Bauer over him and explain why in the latest Prospects Report.

Twins pitcher Kyle Gibson surrendered five earned runs on nine hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings while striking out two to take the loss in his team's 6-4 defeat against the Dodgers Wednesday.

Gibson (3-2) delivered his second straight poor performance after surrendering just two earned runs in his first three starts combined. The Dodgers plated two in the third inning before scoring three more with two outs in the sixth. Gibson owns a 4.34 ERA and 15:14 K:BB ratio in 29 innings. He's on track to take on the Indians in Cleveland Monday.

Rays right-hander Alex Cobb tossed 20 pitches Wednesday in his first session mound session since his placement on the disabled list with an oblique strain. He reported no pain afterward, per the Tampa Tribune.

Cobb is still about a month away from rejoining the rotation. He owned a 1-1 mark with a 1.89 ERA before being sidelined.

The Astros announced the starting pitchers for this weekend's series against the Mariners, with Brad Peacock taking the mound Friday, followed by Dallas Keuchel Saturday and Collin McHugh Sunday.

Scott Feldman will throw a simulated game Sunday before the team decide where to insert him in the rotation, so all three probable starters this weekend will get at least one more shot to make a case to remain in the rotation.

The Pirates/Orioles game scheduled for Wednesday was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as a doubleheader Thursday.

Charlie Morton was slated to start for Pittsburgh, while Chris Tillman was the scheduled starter for Baltimore Wednesday.

Carlos Carrasco expressed surprise and disappointment at his removal from the Indians starting rotation despite overwhelming statistical evidence that justified the move. Carrasco is 0-3 with a 6.95 ERA in four starts and has not won a game as a starting pitcher since 2011.

Carrasco, however, is trying to take the news in stride. "The more important thing is I'm going to continue to pitch," he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Wherever they put me, I'm going to do my job. ... I'll just forget [starting] and do my job in the bullpen."

The right-hander has proven himself far more effective as a reliever, at least in limited opportunities. He won his only decision in that role last year with a 1.32 ERA.

Robin Ventura said the return from a strained flexor muscle that has landed left-hander Chris Sale on the disabled list could require a minor league rehab start, per the Chicago Sun-Times.

Sale will almost certainly not be ready to pitch for the White Sox when his DL stint ends this weekend.

In a followup to the best start of his career, Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber fell short Tuesday, in a 6-4 loss to the Angels.

After tossing an 11-strikeout complete the last time out, Kluber was much less sharp this time around. He was tagged with four runs -- three earned -- in just 4 2/3 innings of work, his first time failing to reach the sixth inning since his season debut. He struck out five batters and walked a season-high four in the loss.

Kluber is now 2-3 with a 4.14 ERA in six starts, and will try to get back on track in his next start, Sunday against the White Sox.

White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana got off to a strong start Tuesday, but ran out of steam in a no-decision.

Quintana struck out 10 batters and was leading 3-1 after five innings of work, but struggled in the sixth and final inning and was forced to settled for a no-decision. He was charged with three runs on eight hits without a walk in six innings of work, but did not factor into the decision in a 4-3 loss.

Quintana still finished with a quality start, his fourth in six outings. He has a 4.00 ERA and 1-2 record heading into his next start, Monday against the Cubs.

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander fell behind early in his start against the White Sox Tuesday, and settled for a no-decision in a 4-3 win.

Verlander actually pitched pretty well overall, though one inning proved costly. He was tagged for three runs in the third inning, the only damage he surrendered in seven innings of work. He was charged with three runs on six hits and three walks, while striking out for batters in seven innings.

Verlander hasn't been quite as good as his peak this season, though Tuesday was his fifth quality start in six trips to the mound despite the no-decision. He is 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA heading into his next start, Sunday in Kansas City.